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Post by stuball on May 21, 2015 22:56:18 GMT
Frank Allen of The Searchers produced a good history of that band in 2009 that runs to over 400 pages and gives fairly even coverage to all the decades and gives the inside story of the line-up changes. I would hope that Bobby's book will appear and will at least match that standard. I wouldn't count on it David. Frank Allen has always been a great raconteur and possesses an outgoing gregarious personality one on one. He has a keen eye for detail and a great turn of phrase. And he isn't afraid of spilling some fabulous spicy tales of days gone by. I don't see that in the Hollies modus operandi. I think that if Bobby's book ever does see the light of day, it will be a rather colourless, bland affair. I might be totally wrong on this, and I hope I am, but The Hollies have always been rather a tight-lipped, tell-no-tales group. I can't see that changing.
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Post by roots66 on Jun 4, 2015 13:26:59 GMT
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Post by Gralto on Jun 6, 2015 10:40:08 GMT
Correct as always Ms Roots66! Mr Southall likes detail so we will see how far he goes delving into the story. He has known Tony and Bobby for decades so I suspect the mega revelations won't be there. I hope I'm wrong.
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Post by roots66 on Jun 6, 2015 14:43:15 GMT
Correct as always Ms Roots66! Mr Southall likes detail so we will see how far he goes delving into the story. He has known Tony and Bobby for decades so I suspect the mega revelations won't be there. I hope I'm wrong. I'm taking a cautiously optimistic stance. I was eager for it, until I saw on the publisher's site that it's only 208 pages...not sure how much in-depth coverage can be achieved at that length. I'll buy it of course, but as with "Changin' Times" I'm gonna wait until it's easily available and/or cheaper in North America.
There's a pre-order price of 10.99 pounds at the publisher's site by the way. www.redplanetzone.com/book-item/road-long-hollies-story
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Post by johnt on Jun 7, 2015 7:42:30 GMT
Thanks for the tip about the pre-order price direct from the publisher's site. I've just ordered mine from there!
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Post by gee on Jun 9, 2015 8:49:39 GMT
Given The Hollies attitude towards keeping a 'squeaky clean' image and NOT wanting any "dirty washing" aired in public I do wonder if Bobby's book might be a fact based overview of their career leaning AWAY from any 'juicy bits' that guys on here would love to hear ?
I have to say that Hollies members in the past have tended to give the 'standard line' re aspects of their story (even to the point of denying actual events - like say George Harrison's views re 'If I Needed Someone' etc) I have read Hollie members quoted in concert programmes pushing a total denial that George said anything (when he did !)
Terry Sylvester (I very much regret) seems to have gone rather 'embittered old man'-ish in latter years (so sad) - maybe at the loss of income his 1981 'walking out' later cost him ? - and things I've heard him quoted as saying that I know are factually inaccurate make me wonder how valid any book of his might be ? (IF it ever appears)
just repeatedly "having a go" at Nash & Clarke on his website (maybe after a few pints ?) does him few favours now when really Terry ought to stop right there....and consider:
what pop career would Terry have had if Nash & Clarke had never formed The Hollies ? or in 1969 the band HAD NOT hired him to replace Nash ?
- would Terry have the Gold and Silver discs he has ? or be the FIFTH Liverpudlian to be inducted into the 'Rock & Roll Hall of Fame' after John, Paul, George & Ringo...?
A book just ranting how much he was to the band (and he WAS important) and belittling the others would do nobody's reputation (Terry's included) any good
while a proper balanced account of Terry's second generation view of the Mersybeat thing in his Escorts & Swinging Blue Jeans days, then his 'Hollie days' then later his solo works, working with Jimmy Griffin, Alan Parsons Project, the Soft Rock Cafe etc, WOULD be a worthwhile read !
We may just get the same old errors & misconceptions re The Hollies, but hopefully Brian Southall's book & later Bobby's might give us at least a balanced in depth overview of The Hollies story (tho' I suspect with most of the 'interesting' bits re business moves, members departures, musical policy conflicts, etc, either 'skipped over' or briefly aluded to...)
whatever, at least a few books on The Hollies ARE at long last in the pipeline - I've got fed up with countless far LESS successful groups than The Hollies forever being over praised & hailed as 'all influential' in print......
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Post by Gralto on Jun 9, 2015 11:50:39 GMT
Given The Hollies attitude towards keeping a 'squeaky clean' image and NOT wanting any "dirty washing" aired in public I do wonder if Bobby's book might be a fact based overview of their career leaning AWAY from any 'juicy bits' that guys on here would love to hear ? I have to say that Hollies members in the past have tended to give the 'standard line' re aspects of their story (even to the point of denying actual events - like say George Harrison's views re 'If I Needed Someone' etc) I have read Hollie members quoted in concert programmes pushing a total denial that George said anything (when he did !) Terry Sylvester (I very much regret) seems to have gone rather 'embittered old man'-ish in latter years (so sad) - maybe at the loss of income his 1981 'walking out' later cost him ? - and things I've heard him quoted as saying that I know are factually inaccurate make me wonder how valid any book of his might be ? (IF it ever appears) just repeatedly "having a go" at Nash & Clarke on his website (maybe after a few pints ?) does him few favours now when really Terry ought to stop right there....and consider: what pop career would Terry have had if Nash & Clarke had never formed The Hollies ? or in 1969 the band HAD NOT hired him to replace Nash ? - would Terry have the Gold and Silver discs he has ? or be the FIFTH Liverpudlian to be inducted into the 'Rock & Roll Hall of Fame' after John, Paul, George & Ringo...? A book just ranting how much he was to the band (and he WAS important) and belittling the others would do nobody's reputation (Terry's included) any good while a proper balanced account of Terry's second generation view of the Mersybeat thing in his Escorts & Swinging Blue Jeans days, then his 'Hollie days' then later his solo works, working with Jimmy Griffin, Alan Parsons Project, the Soft Rock Cafe etc, WOULD be a worthwhile read ! We may just get the same old errors & misconceptions re The Hollies, but hopefully Brian Southall's book & later Bobby's might give us at least a balanced in depth overview of The Hollies story (tho' I suspect with most of the 'interesting' bits re business moves, members departures, musical policy conflicts, etc, either 'skipped over' or briefly aluded to...) whatever, at least a few books on The Hollies ARE at long last in the pipeline - I've got fed up with countless far LESS successful groups than The Hollies forever being over praised & hailed as 'all influential' in print...... Agreed, agreed, agreed - on all accounts. And good to have you back with us again Gee.
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Post by johnt on Aug 3, 2015 8:01:47 GMT
At last night's concert at Kilworth, Bobby announced that he has got as far as 1969 on his book.
Still a long way to go...............
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Post by Gralto on Aug 3, 2015 12:09:28 GMT
Thanks for the very latest word on the street John! If Bobby has raided his diaries then whenever the tome is completed, there will be an enormous amount of previously uncirculated info.
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Post by johnt on Aug 1, 2017 12:59:58 GMT
According to Bobby at last night's concert at Kilworth, his book is 'nearly finished'.
Sounds promising!
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Post by cameron on Dec 11, 2018 19:02:05 GMT
Any updates on this? Last I heard, at the start of the Hollies' tour in 2018, the book was finished and Bobby was looking for a publisher.
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Post by stuball on Dec 12, 2018 0:38:52 GMT
Here's an idea:
Perhaps Bobby and Allan should think about combining forces and market a 'Hollies History' book, alongside a brand new album by the 'original and greatest' lead vocalist of the group. After all, they don't seem to be making much headway on their own.
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Post by moorlock2003 on Dec 13, 2018 20:28:59 GMT
Sure is a lot of whining around here. As for the "latest and greatest" current lineup, I assume that is a joke. The current assemblage calling itself The Hollies is awful. I personally will not buy the book. Musicians are never fully objective about their work, since they have spent very little time listening to their own music. A fan's perspective would be more to the point. I couldn't care less about the band's soap opera.
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Post by paul71 on Dec 15, 2018 10:18:11 GMT
I really understand people's opinion on the current line up as it will obviously pale in comparison to the amazing line ups of the past. I only got to see the Clarke hollies a couple of times, but unfortunately his voice was clearly getting weaker sadly.
So we go to see the Howarth line up to be entertained and to hear classic songs. Both of which happen. Maybe it's a case of not wanting to let the Hollies go just yet.
I'm also very envious of many of you guys on here who saw the band in their prime.
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Post by allanclarke on Jun 26, 2019 11:54:04 GMT
Hello, are there any news about the book? If Bobby has finished writing, there must be a way to release it. I mean there are 3! Searchers books available. Two by Frank Allen and another by Mike Pender. And with absolut no disrespect to the Searchers I consider The Hollies as a much bigger group.
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Post by anthony on Jun 26, 2019 22:45:53 GMT
I really understand people's opinion on the current line up as it will obviously pale in comparison to the amazing line ups of the past. I only got to see the Clarke hollies a couple of times, but unfortunately his voice was clearly getting weaker sadly. So we go to see the Howarth line up to be entertained and to hear classic songs. Both of which happen. Maybe it's a case of not wanting to let the Hollies go just yet. I'm also very envious of many of you guys on here who saw the band in their prime. Hi Paul71, Seen the Hollies with Allan at his prime, mid 70's and early 80's. Like your point about not letting go just yet. Because I believe when they do give it away to the joy of a few, it will all be over, every thing about the Hollies will then be the past. and we all know what happens with the past its forgotten about. It becomes all irrelevant. Its like who of the younger generation care about the Beatles, its the past, I say this line up is carrying on the strong love for the Hollies and their music. Tony and Bobby make sure they produce a great product. I know its not everyone's cup of tea, I'm always amuses by the strong protest by Mr .Cooper. But when they give it away, not much point knowing everything about the Hollies, The events of the 60's and 70's mean very little to the public these days but the Hollies still sell out these days, amazing.
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Post by dirtyfaz on Jun 26, 2019 23:13:40 GMT
Anthony, I would suggest when the Mr Cooper you refer to, is actually making a comparison with all the versions of The Hollies. Sure he is vocal about his opinion but it is just that.
I am sure that you actually have a favourite version of the Band. I sure do. I, like you, have a favourite recording version of the band and a favourite live version. We have been very fortunate here in Australia to have had all version but a Nash one tour here many times. Like you I have seen then all many times except Nash version.
I would suggest that sure Hollies concerts these days do have a great attendance at their shows. I go to hear the tunes like I am sure most of the people there do. They have a huge back catalogue to operate from. That makes them a viable product to concert goers. To most of the punters they don't give a damn about who is in the band only that they can sing along to the songs they know.
I have rated the current version of the band just like no doubt all the EO members have. It so happens that the current version is my least favourite. Doesn't stop me from going to see them perform. I know exactly what I am going to get and accept it and yeah I feel they now are like a cabaret band but just playing on stage instead of the cabaret. Oh and I did see them in cabaret twice at Chequers Nightclub in Sydney on their first tour of Australia with Terry.
Like I said I still go though.
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Post by anthony on Jun 28, 2019 0:11:21 GMT
Anthony, I would suggest when the Mr Cooper you refer to, is actually making a comparison with all the versions of The Hollies. Sure he is vocal about his opinion but it is just that. I am sure that you actually have a favourite version of the Band. I sure do. I, like you, have a favourite recording version of the band and a favourite live version. We have been very fortunate here in Australia to have had all version but a Nash one tour here many times. Like you I have seen then all many times except Nash version. I would suggest that sure Hollies concerts these days do have a great attendance at their shows. I go to hear the tunes like I am sure most of the people there do. They have a huge back catalogue to operate from. That makes them a viable product to concert goers. To most of the punters they don't give a damn about who is in the band only that they can sing along to the songs they know. I have rated the current version of the band just like no doubt all the EO members have. It so happens that the current version is my least favourite. Doesn't stop me from going to see them perform. I know exactly what I am going to get and accept it and yeah I feel they now are like a cabaret band but just playing on stage instead of the cabaret. Oh and I did see them in cabaret twice at Chequers Nightclub in Sydney on their first tour of Australia with Terry. Like I said I still go though. I'm pleased you still go to see the band. Talk about favourite line up its the Sylvester years. Like you never saw the Nash line up or the Rickfors one, but sure I've seen the rest. With respect to you I really don't know what some people here expect from this line up. Its an oldies band, you would know as from attending the recent shows here in Oz, I know I did not see any teenagers about, gee think most would be 50 plus. I may have been the youngest in my early 60's. Its like the mad keen fans like us seen to want them to sound like the Clarke era before his voice went or the Rickfors era. For goodness sake Tony and Bobby are in their 70's. Do they give it away because we the real fans think they are past it. Music is about appealing to the general public. I love opinion debate. but I like people to be balanced. Its the way some have their violent objections and are very insulting re Howarth that annoys me. Funny you say its your least favourite line up but you still go. Must be something that keeps you coming back, funny I have to admit it I was a big fan of Cliff Rchard, use to go to his concerts, then went to see one and didn't enjoy his shows, started to play songs from the songbooks like Rd Stewart, I stopped going. I'm sure you go because you still enjoy it, if not why bother. I'm sure Its the music, a chance to see Tony and Bobby, Ok it may seem like a cabaret show but to be honest I'm sure all 60's groups are the same. I have looked on you tube and groups like the searches are the same, at least the Hollies play all their songs. I agree most concert goers really don't know a lot about the Hollies just their music, that's why when it was brought up by Fed about no mention of Haydoc's passing, 99 percent of the audience would have no idea of who he is. Its like when Graham Nash spoke about. Don Rathbone being sick at the Hall of fame, most would have scratched their heads thinking who the hell is he. When the Hollies give it away it will all just be in the past, but for the moment we can still go and see one original member and one almost from the start, show me a 60's like up with original members, some are lucky to have one, some don't have any. Thanks for your comments Dityfaz
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Post by anthony on Jun 28, 2019 0:45:32 GMT
Hello, are there any news about the book? If Bobby has finished writing, there must be a way to release it. I mean there are 3! Searchers books available. Two by Frank Allen and another by Mike Pender. And with absolut no disrespect to the Searchers I consider The Hollies as a much bigger group. In my opinion the book will not see the light of day, he finished writing it some time ago now, you would be thinking some news about it hitting the printing press would be about. I would love to have a copy of the book, think in someways it would round off their history, a book from one of the (almost) originals.
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Post by dirtyfaz on Jun 28, 2019 1:57:05 GMT
Gotta say I do get what I expect from the current lineup. I did say on the forum early this year that the show then was a little more enjoyable than previous Howarth ones. I also don't have any thought about who the favourite singer is but by sheer weight of catalogue it would be Clarke led songs. We do have to remember that he basically sang lead on every hit they had.
When you go see a 60s band you never really know what you are going to get personal wise. You have to take what you get and then don't go in future if you don't like. I saw the Searchers several time over time. Their show were enjoyable but each one basically had the same set list and the same banter. Didn't go to see them the last time they were here because of it. I love the Beach Boys but don't go to see them any more although Mike and Bruce & co do a fine job. I guess it comes back to the point of if the 60s band still has the original singer and the voice is still ok then we can tolerate whoever the musicians might be.
In the Hollies case it is the singer/s that are missing and that polarises people.
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Post by distantlight on Jun 28, 2019 7:48:40 GMT
Being too young I never had the chance to see the Hollies with Allan Clarke. I never went to the Howarth shows because I have seen clips and I just don't like a couple of things that I know would prevent me from really enjoying it: Also not excited about Howart's singing, I find those PRS guitars that Tony is playing these days not cool at all and those keyboards (though maybe toned down a bit in recent years) are not what I would like to hear on these songs. Cut the keys, give Tony a cool guitar and let him sing most of the songs himself (or at least a good portion) and I would immediately go. Apart from that, it's of course totally fine for them to go on playing and reminding audiences of their legacy - I mean they are not embarrassing themselves with the way they do it. I just don't think it still has enough of what I personally like about it in the show. Apart from that it would still be cool to see Bobby play - that pretty clearly be my main reason to go.
Regarding Anthony's point that people don't know who Haydock or Rathbone were - I don't think that's important at all. If they don't know them and I'm sure you're right, then it's only good if they learn about them. I see that it is hard to mention everyone and it would take away from the show and the current band if you would mention all the originals all the time. But as a little tribute to someone who recently passed away it would be fine to mention him and introduce his name to the audience. If people only listen to things they already know we're all totally stuck. Sure, Hollies shows are about people getting what they know - nostalgic shows but a bit of a challenge and learning something new won't hurt anyone - even and especially in their 70s.
And to get back to the point of this thread - I would love to see Bobby's book coming out and I think there's still hope that it will.
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Post by anthony on Jun 28, 2019 23:20:09 GMT
Gotta say I do get what I expect from the current lineup. I did say on the forum early this year that the show then was a little more enjoyable than previous Howarth ones. I also don't have any thought about who the favourite singer is but by sheer weight of catalogue it would be Clarke led songs. We do have to remember that he basically sang lead on every hit they had. When you go see a 60s band you never really know what you are going to get personal wise. You have to take what you get and then don't go in future if you don't like. I saw the Searchers several time over time. Their show were enjoyable but each one basically had the same set list and the same banter. Didn't go to see them the last time they were here because of it. I love the Beach Boys but don't go to see them any more although Mike and Bruce & co do a fine job. I guess it comes back to the point of if the 60s band still has the original singer and the voice is still ok then we can tolerate whoever the musicians might be. In the Hollies case it is the singer/s that are missing and that polarises people. you are spot on, if you don't like what you see for what ever reason you don't return. Being a Hollies fan I always think that if I don't take the chance to see them then that may have been the last time. Hard to let go. Clarke was the voice of the Hollies, its really why we are all here today.
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Post by anthony on Jun 28, 2019 23:41:22 GMT
Being too young I never had the chance to see the Hollies with Allan Clarke. I never went to the Howarth shows because I have seen clips and I just don't like a couple of things that I know would prevent me from really enjoying it: Also not excited about Howart's singing, I find those PRS guitars that Tony is playing these days not cool at all and those keyboards (though maybe toned down a bit in recent years) are not what I would like to hear on these songs. Cut the keys, give Tony a cool guitar and let him sing most of the songs himself (or at least a good portion) and I would immediately go. Apart from that, it's of course totally fine for them to go on playing and reminding audiences of their legacy - I mean they are not embarrassing themselves with the way they do it. I just don't think it still has enough of what I personally like about it in the show. Apart from that it would still be cool to see Bobby play - that pretty clearly be my main reason to go. Regarding Anthony's point that people don't know who Haydock or Rathbone were - I don't think that's important at all. If they don't know them and I'm sure you're right, then it's only good if they learn about them. I see that it is hard to mention everyone and it would take away from the show and the current band if you would mention all the originals all the time. But as a little tribute to someone who recently passed away it would be fine to mention him and introduce his name to the audience. If people only listen to things they already know we're all totally stuck. Sure, Hollies shows are about people getting what they know - nostalgic shows but a bit of a challenge and learning something new won't hurt anyone - even and especially in their 70s. And to get back to the point of this thread - I would love to see Bobby's book coming out and I think there's still hope that it will. you make some good points. I get the impression that Tony is not keen to be the singer, its something he says on the Hard to forget Interview/song clip you will find that on youtube. I would love him to do a bit more talking re songs and do more lead like Long Dark Road, Pegasus etc. Its getting the right mix to please everyone, too much talking like Cliff tends to do and its a bit like we want to hear the songs not you, then I've seen dire straits and nothing was said, thought Mark was very boring, With respect not sure the audience is keen on past members at shows, bit like when you see a band and they interduce all the support musicians, most aren't really interested, I know I'm not. I remember at the 1983 and 87 shows Nash got a mention at shows here plus Hollies did some great version of CSN songs. Plus when most members leave groups its not on good terms, so they are not going to say how great they were. If you get a chance to see them, you don't need to be a fan of Howarth, but its a chance to see the likes of Bobby and Tony.
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Post by distantlight on Jun 29, 2019 7:56:34 GMT
Yeah sure - unfortunately Tony apparently doesn't want to sing lead a lot although he has a great voice. It is not a voice that is destined to lead through a whole concert but even if he sang 3 to 5 songs that would totally boost the experience for a lot of people.
And of course you're right that very often if someone leaves it's not on good terms but that's all so long ago that you would think they are mostly over it.
And in regard to the introduction of the supporting musicians - it's also a thing of respect in the band itself. To maintain a good mood in the band it is important to treat everyone with respect. So sometimes the introduction of everyone (+ soundtechnician, light guy etc) has more to do with the musicians and people involved feeling good than pleasing the audience. After all bands are very complicated affairs with lot's of egos flying around.
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Post by Malc on Aug 6, 2019 16:50:58 GMT
Hi folks - new here, but have been aware of Bobbys 'potential' book for a while now. Someone else listed his work 'Through The Ages Vol.1' as a good read ... can I enquire as to what this is/was and how to get it ? Thanks...
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