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)
Survival Of The Fittest
The Hollies Lyrics
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Her makeup was right for the occasion
She did what she had to do, she said what she had to say
She played her part to perfection
She`s so empty inside, lies to herself and the public
She`s so empty inside, lies to herself and the public
acclaim`s not the same
The star of the show she was true to herself
and everything went as reported
Rumours about herself came along
That`s when it all got distorted
[Chorus]
What a good show she gave
Happy to go on the stage
Was she to know it would change
Can she go on feeling strange
[Chorus]
The Hollies's song "Survival Of The Fittest" seems to be a critique of the entertainment industry and how it forces performers to put on a facade and hide their true selves. The first verse describes a performer who outwardly seems to have done everything perfectly, from her makeup to her performance, but is ultimately empty inside and lies to herself and others. The second verse alludes to rumors and gossip about this performer, which cause her image to become distorted, highlighting the pressures and criticisms that come with fame. The choruses question whether the performer can continue on this path and still feel fulfilled or if she will be forever changed by the demands of the industry.
The lyrics of this song are a reflection of the pitfalls of the entertainment industry, especially for performers. The pressure to present a certain image and to maintain public approval can cause performers to feel empty and unhappy. Despite this, they continue to perform in the hope of finding fulfillment and success, but often find themselves feeling strange and disconnected from their true selves.
Line by Line Meaning
Give her a hand `cos she gave a good show
Applaud her performance, as she put on a good performance
Her makeup was right for the occasion
She had the right appearance for the event
She did what she had to do, she said what she had to say
She fulfilled her role and spoke what was necessary
She played her part to perfection
She performed her role flawlessly
She`s so empty inside, lies to herself and the public
She has a lack of substance as she deceives herself and her audience
She`s so empty inside, lies to herself and the public
She has a lack of substance as she deceives herself and her audience
acclaim`s not the same
Praise from others is not equivalent to genuine fulfillment
such a shame
It's unfortunate
The star of the show she was true to herself
As the main performer, she was authentic to herself
and everything went as reported
The event unfolded as documented
Rumours about herself came along
Gossip and rumors about her surfaced
That`s when it all got distorted
This caused the situation to become twisted and unclear
What a good show she gave
She put on an impressive performance
Happy to go on the stage
She is content to perform
Was she to know it would change
She could not have anticipated the change in circumstances
Can she go on feeling strange
Can she continue to perform with the feeling of being out of place?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALAN CLARKE, GRAHAM NASH, TONY HICKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Philip Kassabian
on Carrie Anne
A nice and catchy song by The Hollies.
Philip Kassabian
on Bus Stop
Yet another great Hollies song.
Philip Kassabian
on Stop Stop Stop
One of the best bands from the 60's no doubt.