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The Hollies are an English pop/rock band from Manchester. Formed in December 1962, the group originally included vocalist Allan Clarke, lead guitarist Vic Steele, rhythm guitarist and vocalist Graham Nash, bassist Eric Haydock and drummer Don Rathbone. The band has since been through numerous lineup changes, and currently includes lead guitarist and vocalist Tony Hicks, drummer Bobby Elliott (both since 1963), bassist and vocalist Ray Stiles (from 1986 to 1990, and since 1991), keyboardist Ian Parker (since 1991), lead vocalist and guitarist Peter Howarth, and guitarist and vocalist Steve Lauri (both since 2004).

History

1962–1981

The Hollies were formed in autumn 1962 by childhood friends Allan Clarke (lead vocals, harmonica) and Graham Nash (rhythm guitar, vocals), who enlisted lead guitarist Vic Steele, bassist Eric Haydock and drummer Don Rathbone for the original lineup. In February 1963, Steele decided he did not want to be a professional musician and left the band, who replaced him with Tony Hicks from Ricky Shaw and the Dolphins. After the group released their first two singles – "(Ain't That) Just Like Me" and "Searchin'" – Rathbone was replaced in August by another Dolphins member, Bobby Elliott. The lineup of Clarke, Nash, Hicks, Haydock and Elliott remained stable for almost three years, releasing Stay with The Hollies and In The Hollies Style in 1964, Hollies in 1965 and Would You Believe? in 1966.

In early 1966, Haydock refused to attend recording sessions due to a dispute with the band's management over earnings. He was replaced in July by Bernie Calvert, another former bandmate of Hicks and Elliott, who had earlier filled in for Haydock on a European tour and the recording of "Bus Stop". After a string of successful releases, Nash left The Hollies on 7 December 1968 to relocate to Los Angeles, California, and form Crosby, Stills & Nash with former Byrds member David Crosby and former Buffalo Springfield member Stephen Stills. Terry Sylvester left the Swinging Blue Jeans to take Nash's place the following month. Clarke remained until November 1971, when he was replaced by Swedish singer Mikael Rickfors after leaving to pursue a solo career. Clarke returned in June 1973 as lead vocalist.

Beginning in 1974, The Hollies toured with a sixth member on keyboards. First in the role was prolific session contributor Pete Wingfield, who remained a member of the touring lineup for three years. He also contributed to the albums Hollies, Write On, A Crazy Steal and Five Three One - Double Seven O Four. Later touring keyboardists included Paul Bliss, and Hans-Peter Arnesen, who recorded parts for A Crazy Steal and more.

1981–2000

In May 1981, both Calvert and Sylvester left the Hollies after the group began working with new producer Bruce Welch, rhythm guitarist of the Shadows. Speaking about the event, Calvert noted he was omitted from a recording session by Welch, after which he decided to leave following a phone call from Sylvester, who informed him of his intention to quit. Sylvester has recalled that he made his decision after an argument within the band, caused by a vote to stop working with long-time manager Robin Britten, with which he disagreed. Sylvester left first, with Calvert following a few days later. Clarke, Hicks and Elliott continued recording with a number of session musicians, including keyboardist Brian Chatton on their next single "Take My Love and Run", and bassist Alan Jones on its B-side "Driver".

The remaining Hollies reunited with original members Graham Nash and Eric Haydock in September 1981 for an appearance on Top of the Pops promoting "Holliedaze". The following month, it was confirmed that Nash would remain with the group for a new studio album. Recording for What Goes Around... began in March the next year, wrapping up by February 1983. The four-piece lineup toured in promotion of the album, with guitarist Alan Coates, bassist Steve Stroud, and keyboardists Bliss and Arnesen joining them for the performances. After the conclusion of the tour, Nash left, Coates and Stroud were made permanent members, and Denis Haines joined on keyboards. The new lineup released their first single, "Too Many Hearts Get Broken", on Columbia Records in May 1985.

Ray Stiles replaced Stroud in the spring of 1986, debuting with the band in June. The following year saw the release of "This Is It" and "Reunion of the Hearts", and in 1988 the band registered on the German charts with "Stand by Me" and "Shine Silently". Stroud returned alongside new keyboardist Dave Carey in 1990 for a cover of Prince's "Purple Rain", although by the next year the pair had been replaced by Stiles and Ian Parker, respectively. The lineup remained constant throughout the 1990s, releasing "The Woman I Love" and "Nothing Else But Love" in 1993, recording a new version of "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" with the cast of Coronation Street in 1995, and contributing a recording of "Peggy Sue Got Married" to Not Fade Away (Remembering Buddy Holly) in 1996.

2000 onwards

Allan Clarke left The Hollies in March 2000, after retiring from touring at the end of the previous year, leaving Hicks and Elliott the only 'classic lineup' members remaining. He was replaced by Carl Wayne, former frontman of the Move. Wayne's only recording with the band was "How Do I Survive", which was released on the 2003 compilation album Greatest Hits, before he died on 31 August 2004 of oesophageal cancer. According to the band's official website, "It was Carl's wish for The Hollies Autumn Tour to go ahead"; accordingly, Peter Howarth took his place. Coates chose to leave The Hollies shortly after Wayne's death, with Steve Lauri brought in as his replacement. The band has since released two new studio albums: Staying Power in 2006 and Then, Now, Always in 2009.

Members

Current

Image	Name	Years active	Instruments	Release contributions
	Tony Hicks	1963-present	lead guitar banjo mandolin sitar backing vocals	all Hollies releases to date
	Bobby Elliott		drums percussion	all Hollies releases from "Stay" (1963) onwards
	Ray Stiles	1986–1990 1991–present	bass backing vocals	all Hollies singles from "This Is It" (1987) to "Baby Come Back" (1989) "The Woman I Love" (1993) "Nothing Else But Love" (1993) "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" (1995) (with the Coronation Street cast) "Peggy Sue Got Married" (1996) (with Buddy Holly) "How Do I Survive" (2003) all releases from Staying Power (2006) onwards
	Ian Parker	1991–present	keyboards backing vocals	"The Woman I Love" (1993) "Nothing Else But Love" (1993) "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" (1995) "Peggy Sue Got Married" (1996) "How Do I Survive" (2003) all releases from Staying Power (2006) onwards
	Peter Howarth	2004–present	lead vocals acoustic guitar	all Hollies releases from Staying Power (2006) onwards
	Steve Lauri		rhythm guitar backing vocals

Former

Image	Name	Years active	Instruments	Release contributions
	Allan Clarke	1962–1971 1973–2000	lead vocals harmonica rhythm guitar	all Hollies releases from "(Ain't That) Just Like Me" (1963) to Distant Light (1971), and from "The Day That Curly Billy Shot Down Crazy Sam McGee" (1973) to "Peggy Sue Got Married" (1996) also including: Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress (1972)
	Graham Nash	1962–1968 1981–1983	rhythm guitar backing and additional lead vocals	all Hollies releases from "(Ain't That) Just Like Me" (1963) to "Listen to Me" (1968) "Wings" (1969) What Goes Around... (1983) "Peggy Sue Got Married" (1996)
	Eric Haydock	1962–1966 (died 2019)	bass	all Hollies releases from "(Ain't That) Just Like Me" (1963) to Would You Believe? (1966) For Certain Because (1966) – "Don't Even Think About Changing" only
	Don Rathbone	1962–1963 (died 2024)	drums	"(Ain't That) Just Like Me" (1963) "Searchin'" (1963) "Stay" (1963) – B-side "Now's the Time" only Stay with The Hollies (1964) – "Little Lover" only Just One Look (1964) – "Talkin' 'Bout You" only
	Vic Steele	1962–1963	lead guitar	none
	Bernie Calvert	1966–1981	bass keyboards	"Bus Stop" (1966) all Hollies releases from For Certain Because (1966) to "Holliedaze" (1981)
	Terry Sylvester	1969–1981	rhythm guitar backing and additional lead vocals	all Hollies releases from "Sorry Suzanne" (1969) to "Holliedaze" (1981), except "Wings" (1969)
	Mikael Rickfors	1971–1973	lead vocals rhythm guitar harmonica	"The Baby" (1972) Romany (1972) "Magic Woman Touch" (1972) Out on the Road (1973)
	Alan Coates	1983–2004 (touring 1981–83)	rhythm guitar backing vocals	all Hollies singles from "Too Many Hearts Get Broken" (1985) to "The Woman I Love" (1993) "Nothing Else But Love" (1993) "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" (1995) "Peggy Sue Got Married" (1996) "How Do I Survive" (2003)
	Steve Stroud	1983–1986 1990–1991 (touring 1981–83)	bass	"Too Many Hearts Get Broken" (1985) "This Is It" (1987) – B-sides only "Purple Rain" (1990)
	Denis Haines	1983–1990	keyboards	all Hollies singles from "Too Many Hearts Get Broken" (1985) to "Baby Come Back" (1989)
	Dave Carey	1990–1991		"Purple Rain" (1990)
	Carl Wayne	2000–2004 (until his death)	lead vocals	"How Do I Survive" (2003)

Touring

Image	Name	Years active	Instruments	Release contributions
	Pete Wingfield	1974–1977	keyboards synthesizers	Wingfield began touring with The Hollies after the release of their 1974 self-titled album, remaining until 1977.
	Paul Bliss	1979 1982-1983 1991		Bliss performed keyboards on a number of Hollies tours, as well as contributing to several studio albums.
	Hans-Peter Arnesen	1979 1982–1983		Arnesen recorded for several albums and performed on multiple tours alongside Wingfield and Bliss.
	Jamie Moses	1983 1986	rhythm guitar backing vocals	Moses temporarily replaced Coates during shows in New Zealand in 1983, and later in Europe in 1986.
	John Miles	1999 (died 2021)	lead vocals	Miles replaced Clarke, who was unavailable due to a family illness, for a run of three shows in March 1999.
	Ian Harrison	2003 2004		Harrison replaced Wayne for one show on 24 January 2003, and again for another on 21 August 2004.

Timeline

Lineups

References

1. Green, Al (21 January 2014). "The Hollies". Rhino Entertainment. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
2. Donaldson, Michael (20 February 2017). "The Hollies: still riding on a carousel". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
3. "Interview: Bobby Elliott of The Hollies". Rhino Entertainment. 23 September 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
4. Unterberger, Richie. "The Hollies: Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
5. Eder, Bruce. "Eric Haydock: Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
6. "Hollies star Eric dies at 75". Daily Express. 8 January 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
7. Eder, Bruce. "Bernie Calvert: Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
8. Anderson, Stacey (5 December 2011). "Week in Rock History: Altamont Ends in Tragedy". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
9. Bell, Robin (20 June 2017). The History of British Rock and Roll: The Psychedelic Years 1967–1969. Lulu.com. p. 349. ISBN 978-9198191684. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
10. Marchese, Joe (28 May 2015). "Gasoline Alley Bred: The Hollies' "Complete 1969-1973" Box Set Coming From Parlophone". The Second Disc. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
11. ^ Eder, Bruce (5 July 1996). "The History Of The Hollies". The Hollies. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
12. ^ "Pete Wingfield - A Man For All Sessions". Record Collector. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
13. "Pete Wingfield: Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
14. ^ Doggett, Peter (5 July 1996). "Long Road Home: The History Of The Hollies". The Hollies. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
15. ^ "Peter Arnesen: Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
16. ^ "Session Listing". The Hollies. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
17. Schulps, Dave (17 October 1981). "East Coastings: Last Week's Speculation Is This Week's Fact Dep" (PDF). Cash Box. Vol. 43, no. 22. New York City. p. 12. ISSN 0008-7289. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
18. Planer, Lindsay. "What Goes Around... - The Hollies: Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
19. ^ Bessman, Jim (17 September 1983). "Talent on Stage: Hollies, The Bottom Line, N.Y.C." (PDF). Cash Box. Vol. 45, no. 16. New York City. p. 29. ISSN 0008-7289. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
20. "Too Many Hearts Get Broken / You're All Woman". The Hollies. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
21. "Ray Stiles". The Hollies. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
22. "This Is It / You Gave Me Strength". The Hollies. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
23. "Reunion Of The Heart / Too Many Hearts Get Broken". The Hollies. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
24. "Ian Parker". The Hollies. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
25. "The Woman I Love / Purple Rain (Live)". The Hollies. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
26. "Nothing Else But Love - The Hollies: Song Info". AllMusic. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
27. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Not Fade Away (Remembering Buddy Holly): Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
28. Larkin, Colin (27 May 2011). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. New York City: Omnibus Press. p. 1820. ISBN 978-0857125958. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
29. "The Move's Carl Wayne Dies At 61". Billboard. 2 September 2004. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
30. "Carl Wayne Obituary". The Independent. 3 September 2004. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
31. "The Hollies' Official Website". The Hollies. Archived from the original on 18 September 2004. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
32. Hutchinson, Martin (30 March 2007). "Sounds of the 60s - with The Hollies". The Bolton News. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
33. Eder, Bruce. "Staying Power - The Hollies: Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
34. Edwards, Adrian (22 February 2010). "Review of The Hollies - Midas Touch – The Very Best Of". BBC. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
35. "Paul Bliss: Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
36. "Jamie's CV". Jamie Moses. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
37. England, Steve. "The Hollies - Concert Review". David Eaves. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
38. "The Hollies Tour - 2003". The Hollies. 31 December 2003. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
39. "The Hollies Tour - 2004". The Hollies. 31 December 2004. Retrieved 1 April 2019.

External links

• Official website

• Lists of members by band
• The Hollies members