Charting the golden age of The Hollies

This week is a special golden anniversary for sixties superband The Hollies.
By Peter Dewhurst
Published 24th Jun 2015, 08:00 BST
POP STAR: Bobby Elliott in the garden of his home with his Ivor Novello and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honours.POP STAR: Bobby Elliott in the garden of his home with his Ivor Novello and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honours.
POP STAR: Bobby Elliott in the garden of his home with his Ivor Novello and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honours.

For it is 50 years since their chart-topping first number one hit “I’m Alive”!

The nationally and internationally famous band is still playing with its two stars from Burnley and Pendle continuing to enjoy the limelight.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Drummer Bobby Elliott, who lives in Colne with his partner Sue, is thrilled that people still remember their first big hit 50 years on.

And Nelson born guitarist and singer Tony Hicks is still in the band, along with Peter Howarth.

Bernie Calvert who was born in Brierfield was a bass player and pianist with The Hollies from 1966 to 1980.

He later ran a shop in Nelson. All three previously played as The Dolphins.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A book about them has been written by Brian Southall, telling the story of their huge success, including their first Number One.

STARS: Tony, Bobby and Bernie playing as The Dolphins in Burnley. Tony is holding a Maton guitar that was later played by George Harrison and was recently auctioned in New York for $300,000STARS: Tony, Bobby and Bernie playing as The Dolphins in Burnley. Tony is holding a Maton guitar that was later played by George Harrison and was recently auctioned in New York for $300,000
STARS: Tony, Bobby and Bernie playing as The Dolphins in Burnley. Tony is holding a Maton guitar that was later played by George Harrison and was recently auctioned in New York for $300,000

It is published tomorrow, to coincide with the anniversary of the first time they topped the charts.

Bobby (73) who is also writing a book on the band, said: “I am flattered he has written the book.

“But I am pleased that I am writing mine as well! I am enjoying it, although I have a long way to go.”

The Hollies formed in 1963 and became overnight stars.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They still tour all over the world – including Australia, America, New Zealand, South Africa and all over Europe as well as Britain. Bobby 
said: “We have toured every single year and go all over the world.

“Of course, I am pleased to mark the 50th anniversary of our first Number One. The band started two years before this, making records in 1963.”

He was born in Pike Hill, Burnley, attended Nelson Grammar School and then lived in Roughlee but has been living in the Colne area since the 1970s.

Because of his success in the world of pop music he has received many major honours including an Ivor Novello Award in 1993 which recognised “Outstanding contributions to British Music”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And he was inaugurated into the American “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” in 2010.

Half A Dozen Hollies hits ... What would make your top 6?

He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother

The Air That I Breathe

Carrie-Anne

Just One Look

Long Dark Road

Jennifer Eccles

Related topics:The HolliesColneBurnleyPendleNelson