Thanks for the links - the show was not quite what it might have been as neither Tony Hicks or Bobby Elliott were there (had they been a 'proper' Hollies performance would have taken place)
Graham clearly wanted a night to honour his schoolfriend and oldest friend Allan Clarke in the USA, tho' as a result of that Terry Sylvester, Eric Haydock and Bernie Calvert, besides the induction award itself and individual speeches, got rather overlooked at the show itself apparently being sat on another table from Graham and Allan who were up at the top table (Terry especially was understandably VERY upset about that and the songs performance)
Hollies fans are divided - some have sharp opinions re pointing fingers of blame and talk of 'old wounds' etc - the song performance was er 'unforgettable' ! - but on the positive side The Hollies finally got the recognition they deserved, it was nice to see fellow stars The Bee Gees (Barry & Robin, no doubt Maurice in spirit) joining in the standing ovation for them and the various tributes paid
Graham took the main role of presenting the band (it says alot ALL Hollies members there were 'ex-Hollies' !) and it was good Nash mentioned original drummer Don Rathbone, tho' maybe Mike Rickfors could also have got a mention for his early seventies contribution to their story and the late Carl Wayne likewise.
Whatever, Allan giving his late father a salute was nice, as was Allan and Bernie Calvert warmly shaking hands delighted to see each other again after many years - Eric got a bit mixed up in his words during his speech....tho' Graham chirping 'GREAT Bass player...' made him smile and relaxed him !
while we can spot a few negative issues, it at least paid tribute to The Hollies and saw them properly recognised by the wider public and - like you grahamnashgirl65 - has led to NEW younger Hollies fans coming onboard and loving their classic music which is SO important !
Bobby Elliott told me his and Tony's awards duly arrived by FedEx post....and I can tell you the current Hollies (whom I saw in concert that night) gave their own onstage tribute to Tony, Bobby, Graham, Allan, Terry, Eric and Bernie with the other four current group members and the audience all standing and warmly applauded all the 'Classic Hollies'
Wow gee! Thanks for sharing all that interesting info! I do have to agree, Allan did do a nice tribute to his dad. And what a nice way to pay tribute to the original members! That must have been an awesome show to see!
I also have to agree that this ceremony is the perfect introduction for the younger Hollies fans; it worked for me! Before I had seen this, as I had mentioned in my intro post, I had met Terry two years ago on The British Invasion Tour when it came to Philadelphia at the Keswick Theater in 2014. Terry was filling in for Gerry Mardsen from Gerry and The Pacemakers. Gerry was supposed to come on the tour, but he fell ill. So Terry stepped in. I saw him along with Denny Laine from the Moody Blues and Wings, Billy J. Kramer, The Searchers, and Chad & Jeremy. Terry and I chatted for a while after the show and he made me laugh! When I was watching that ceremony video, he was still that witty and charming guy I will always remember. After I watched the ceremony, I rushed on to Spotify and typed in The Hollies and started listening to the music. I was hooked. It was from then on that I became a Hollies fan!
I also have to agree that this ceremony is the perfect introduction for the younger Hollies fans; it worked for me! Before I had seen this, as I had mentioned in my intro post, I had met Terry two years ago on The British Invasion Tour when it came to Philadelphia at the Keswick Theater in 2014. Terry was filling in for Gerry Mardsen from Gerry and The Pacemakers. Gerry was supposed to come on the tour, but he fell ill. So Terry stepped in. I saw him along with Denny Laine from the Moody Blues and Wings, Billy J. Kramer, The Searchers, and Chad & Jeremy. Terry and I chatted for a while after the show and he made me laugh! When I was watching that ceremony video, he was still that witty and charming guy I will always remember. After I watched the ceremony, I rushed on to Spotify and typed in The Hollies and started listening to the music. I was hooked. It was from then on that I became a Hollies fan!