Frequent releases during the mid-60s included many cover versions of popular songs, as well as a few group-penned hits and many songs written especially for them by professional songwriters.
The Hollies were formed in 1962 in Lancashire, England. By 1965,the group had been established as one of Britain's pre-eminent singles bands. As part of the British Invasion, they enjoyed huge chart success in many countries in the mid-Sixties, releasing a string of classic harmony-pop hits including Bus Stop I'm Alive, a UK No. 1, I Can't Let Go, Stop Stop Stop, Carrie Anne, On A Carousel, Look Through Any Window, and Jennifer Eccles.
In 1972, the hit Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress reached #2 in the US. Their last mega hit was He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother, hitting #1 in the UK in 1988 (albeit 19 years after its first release).
The band are noted for their longevity, with their 2006 tour chalking up 45 years. Despite numerous changes in line-up, Tony Hicks & Bobby Elliott have been with the band almost from its inception.
Lead singer Allan Clarke left The Hollies in 1971, though he rejoined the band at later times. He was eventually replaced by Carl Wayne, ex lead singer of The Move, who passed away in 2004. Wayne was replaced by Peter Howarth. The 2007 line up is, Ian Parker on keyboards, Ray Stiles (Ex Mud, remember 'Tiger Feet') on bass guitar and Alan Coates on guitar and vocals by Steve Lauri.
Original bass player Eric Haydock died in January 2018.
The Hollies were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 15, 2010.
Allan Clarke (vocals, 1962-71, 1973-99), Graham Nash (guitar, vocals, 1962-68, 1983), Eric Haydock (bass, 1962-66), Vick Farrell (guitar, 1962), Don Rathbone (drums, 1962-63), Tony Hicks (guitar, banjo, mandolin, electric sitar, vocals, 1963-present), Bobby Elliott (drums, percussion, 1963-present), Bernie Calvert (bass, 1966-81), Terry Sylvester (guitar, vocals, 1969-81), Mikael Rickfors (vocals, 1971-73), Denis Haines (bass, 1981-86), Alan Coates (guitar, 1981-2004), Ray Stiles (bass, vocals, 1986-present), Ian Parker (keyboards, vocals, 1991-present), Carl Wayne (vocals, 2000-04), Peter Howarth (vocals, acoustic guitar, 2004-present), Steve Lauri (guitar, vocals, 2004-present)
Hillsborough
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I opened my eyes and I knew I needed more of you
You walked out that room there was no way to deny you
I felt myself shake the last time that I saw you
Why must it take such hurt and pain
Who are the ones who guilt and shame
Will they stand tall and take the blame
Why must it take such hurt and pain
We share the guilt we're all the same
Who really cares who takes the blame
Go on your way little angel
They'll be friends who greet you down the line
Go on your way little angels
You'll be fine you'll be fine
Go on your way little angel
They'll be friends who greet you down the line
Go on your way little angels
You'll be fine you'll be fine
Why must it take such hurt and pain
Who are the ones who guilt and shame
Will they stand tall and take the blame
Why must it take such hurt and pain
We share the guilt we're all the same
Who really cares who takes the blame
Why must it take such hurt and pain
Who are the ones who guilt and shame
Will they stand tall and take the blame
The Hollies' song Hillsborough was written in response to the tragic events that occurred on April 15, 1989, at the Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield, England, where 96 fans lost their lives during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. The song reflects on the emotions and aftermath of the disaster, as well as the ongoing search for justice and accountability. The opening lines of the song speak of infatuation and a strong sense of connection to the victims. The singer expresses his desire to be near them and his shock at their sudden departure.
The chorus of the song asks why it takes so much hurt and pain for people to take responsibility for their actions. Who should be held accountable for the tragedy? Should it be the fans, the police, or the state? The singer suggests that everyone is at fault, in some way, and that the blame should be shared equally. And yet, he wonders whether anyone will actually take responsibility for their part in the disaster.
In the closing lines of the song, the singer bids farewell to the victims and expresses his hope that they will find peace. He encourages them to continue their journey, assuring them that they will be welcome among friends. The song ends with a final repetition of the question of responsibility, suggesting that despite the passing of time, the search for justice is far from over.
Line by Line Meaning
It all felt so right on the first time that I saw you
Meeting you felt like destiny from the very first moment
I opened my eyes and I knew I needed more of you
I couldn't get enough of you from the moment I met you
You walked out that room there was no way to deny you
You left a huge impression on me and I couldn't ignore you
I felt myself shake the last time that I saw you
The memory of you made me feel emotional and unstable
Why must it take such hurt and pain
Why do we have to suffer so much
Who are the ones who guilt and shame
Who should be held responsible and feel guilty
Will they stand tall and take the blame
Will they take responsibility for their actions
We share the guilt we're all the same
We are all responsible in some way and should share the guilt
Who really cares who takes the blame
Ultimately, it doesn't matter who takes the blame as long as justice is served
Go on your way little angel
Proceed with your journey, dear innocent soul
They'll be friends who greet you down the line
You'll be met with friendly faces at your next destination
You'll be fine you'll be fine
Don't worry, everything will work out for the best
Contributed by Sarah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Femai Ben Rigiel
Tony Hicks' voice is pure silk and gold. So strong... So sweet and soft... and the meaning is so heartbreaking... Only Tony could sing something like this.
i jeff
Always loved this song from the first compilation CD I found it on. Over the years I've found more than a few great Hollies songs that never saw the light of day in the U.S. This is definitely one of them.
Yolanda Galvan
Hermosa voz la de Tony!!siempre tan talentosos Hollies
Poopaloo55
Tony has nailed this...great job! (I'm a die-hard Allan fan as well, but credit where it's due!)
Poopaloo55
This is SO beautiful. Thanks Lynn! Tony's voice sounds fantastic and I absolutely love the photos... Allan's heart-stopping smile at 1:57 is making me dizzy! Thanks for sharing, Paula xx
Patricia Millin
Goosebumps! Beautiful! Tony should have sung lead more often...
redhairkid
Tony should have sung lead more often. This is exquisite!
Maria del Carmen Terreros
Amo a The Hollies, muchas gracias!!! por subir música de ellos, sería maravilloso verlos juntos este 15 de marzo en el Salón de la Fama!!!
Eef Ife
This song is too magical!
jasann54
Thank you for posting this wonderful gem. Tony does an amazing job in singing lead. I love the Hollies!