The Hollies in Hong Kong, 1968

[cameron]

Someone recently sent me an article that was an interview with Tony Hicks, prior to the release of the "Long Road Home" boxset in 2003, celebrating 40 years with the Hollies. In a passing comment, Tony says: "There is certainly a lot of unreleased stuff on it. Quite a lot of 'live' recordings some professionally and some semi-professionally in places such as New Zealand, Sweden and Hong Kong."

Now the first three tracks on CD Six are from the infamous 1966 Swedish concert, then "The Times' They Are A Changin" from the 1968 Lewisham Odeon recording, then the whole of "Hollies Live Hits" recorded in New Zealand, 1976 and finally "Purple Rain" from 1993 - nothing from Hong Kong. It is possible that Tony might be mixing the details up, but you'd think he'd say Hong Kong for a reason; such as he'd recently listened to the recording. 

As far as I know, the Hollies only went to Hong Kong once - in 1968 - as "Jennifer Eccles" was released (unsure of the exact dates) as part of an Eastern tour. Would it be possible that the concerts were recorded? It seems that in the land of technology, they would have had the foresight to do so! Anyone got any ideas of a setlist or know any more details? 

[dirtyfaz]

Maybe Tony was mixing up Hong Kong with Singapore. On the way to Australia they performed in Singapore and it was recorded on a cassette (I think by Bobby). Contained track list very similar to the Don't Get Sunburnt TV show and their live performances on that 1971 tour.

[Gralto]

Hi Cam - Yes DF is correct - Tony will almost certainly be mixing this up with the Singapore 71 tape that Bobby Elliott recorded having just purchased a Sony recorder while in the 'Far East'. My notes are in storage at present but as far as I can recall, The Hollies didn't play in Hong Kong in 1968, though they of course made it to Japan. They were meant to play this part of the world of course in mid 1967 but Bobby's illness scuttled that one.
cheers
Simon
PS - it's been ages since I last logged in - sorry, me bad - I'm blaming a recent house move, work restructure and an 8 month old household addition!

[cameron]

Glad to have cleared that one up. I do hope someone in Japan recorded something, they usually did. All sorts of rare and unusual concert recordings have emerged from Japan for various artists. Usually without audiences screaming too!

Bobby has said a few times that he recorded shows - he said he recorded a really early concert in 1963 or so on his mum's tape recorder in the 'Radio Fun' booklet and the Singapore tape too. Forgot all about it! Sadly he's quite determined that they're too bad quality to release; but the Hollies said that about the Lewisham tapes and how glorious are those! Although I suspect Bobby means they literally sound sonically poor.

Quite determined to find a complete 1960's or very early 1970's Hollies concert recording!

[albatros]

With inquiries about older times, some of the Hollies band members are often overwhelmed. I noticed that in my meeting with Allan Clarke. He could not remember much. The best way to know more about the Hollies history is BOBBY. He can provide information about almost everything. He is the Archivist of the Hollies.