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`One look' at the Hollies
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After the Beatles, the Hollies were a popular band till the group split in late '70s
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After the Beatles, the Hollies were the most successful British band, their success spilling over into the 1970s as well. The group comprised Graham Nash (guitar, vocals), Allan Clarke (vocals), Tony Hicks (guitar), Donald Rathbone (drums) and Eric Haydock (bass). Rathbone was subsequently replaced by Robert Elliot and Haydock, by Bernie Calvert.
In the early '60s, they had a string of top 20 hits in the U.K. and even wrote a book, How to Run a Beat Group.
Vocals and harmonies
Clarke's vocals and Nash's harmonies churned out hits such as "Just One Look", "Here I Go Again", "We're Through", and "Yes I Will". Their first hit to top the British charts was "I'm Alive". Across the Atlantic, "Bus Stop" reached No. 5, "Stop, Stop, Stop" reached No. 7 and "Carrie Ann", No. 9.
At the turn of the decade, they branched out to more experimental rock.
Nash, one of the outfit's main lyricists, left in a huff, upset when the band recorded an album full of Bob Dylan tracks, ignoring his own songs.
Loss and gain
The Hollies' loss turned out to be a gain for another group, leading to the formation of Crosby, Stills and Nash. "Marrakesh Express" was Nash's offering to the newly formed band's early success.
The Hollies advertised for a replacement for Nash and chose Terry Sylvester. Dissensions set in, seeing the exit of Clarke.
"Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress)" touched No. 2 on the U.S. charts, as did "The Air I Breathe" which reached No. 6. Their last group effort was in 1980, the album Buddy Holly, coinciding with Paul McCartney's week dedicated to the late legend.
The band reunited with Graham Nash in 1996, singing along with Buddy Holly's "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" in a tribute to Holly.
A. GEORGE ANTONY
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