As major players in the magnificent 1960s British pop revolution, a time when British bands first conquered the world, The Hollies hallmark vocal harmony has not wavered throughout 50 years of continuous touring, performing and recording.
From 1963 through to the mid-70s, the band had more hits than the Beatles with 18 top ten singles.
Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress) went straight to number one, followed by The Air That I Breathe two years later.
At the heart of The Hollies for the last five decades has been drummer, Bobby Elliott, and singer and lead guitarist, Tony Hicks.
Ahead of their performance at the Havering Show, Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch, on Monday, Bobby, spoke to us about what it is like to be band after so many years.
He said: “I wouldn’t say I get nervous before a show but I am anxious as I want everything to go right. I still put my shoes on using my dad’s old shoehorn which I’ve used from the very beginning.
“Playing live is still such a great joy. When me and Tony first started all we wanted to do was perform. It was our first love and our childhood dream came true.”
As well as playing “the biggies”, Bobby said the audience can expect a “few surprises” at the weekend.
He said: “We still get such a buzz playing and hearing people sing our songs. We just hope people have a good time and be a bit silly.
“After touring with The Rolling Stone back in the day we travelled to every corner of the country and it will be nice to return to Havering and play in the park.”
Romford band, The Loveable Rogues, will also be making an appearance in the borough on Saturday, after an incredible year.
Té Eugene, of Ilford, first met Sonny Jay, 20, of Chigwell and Eddie Brett, 22, of Chingford, while studying at Colin’s Performing Arts College four years ago.
Since forming The Loveable Rogues and appearing on the Britain’s Got Talent last year, the band reached an impressive number nine in the UK Top 40 with their track, What a Night.
Té said: “I was always very musical and I grew up singing in church. I was always the guy who wanted to be on stage at school.
“When the opportunity to take part in Britain’s Got Talent arose, we were all a bit sceptical.”
The trio, who write their own material, have also recently completed a stadium tour with Olly Murs.
Té said: “It all worked out really well but being on the show was both terrifying and exciting. You are just in this bubble for six weeks and your career speeds up so fast. Overnight people were coming up to me and wanting to take pictures.
“One of the memories that stands out most has got to be performing at Wembley in front of 82,000 people. It was unreal. I never thought I’d have been able to do that within a year of getting a record deal.”
He added: “For people who might not be familiar with us I’d like to think we are original. Our performances are full of energy and spontaneity and our music is probably best defined as reggae infused pop.”
Té also revealed that the group were really excited about their upcoming second single and album, which will be “out soon”.
If you are unable to wait that long, catch the band at Hornchurch Live, in Harrow Lodge Park, off Hornchurch Road, Hornchurch tonight at 9pm.
For more information on the two events taking place this weekend please visit www.havering.gov.uk/Pages/Campaigns/Havering-show and www.hornchurch-live.co.uk.
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