Hollies

Initial Line Up: ALLAN CLARKE (b. 5 Apr'42, Salford, Manchester, England) - vocals / TONY HICKS (b.l6 Dec'43, Nelson, Lancashire, England) - lead guitar / GRAHAM NASH (b. 2 Feb'42, Blackpool, England) - guitar / ERIC HAYDOCK (b. 3 Feb'43) - bass / DON RATHBONE -drums Formed: Manchester, England... 1961 by ALLAN CLARKE and GRAHAM NASH, who quickly found DON RATHBONE and ERIC HAYCOCK. In 1963, they signed to EMI's 'Parlophone' label, adding a 5th member, TONY HICKS. Their debut 45, '(AIN'T THAT) JUST LIKE ME', made the UK Top 30, being followed by 'SEARCHIN", their first of 21 consecutive Top 20 hits until 1971's 'HEY WILLY' (later a hit for the SWEET as 'Little Willy') failed to register. During the early part of their career. The HOLLIES were
basically a pop industry beat group, jumping on the psychedelic bandwagon in 1968 with the mythical pretentiousness of 'KING MIDAS IN REVERSE'. However, following the departure of NASH, they increasingly moved into the cabaret scene. They regained a bit of credibility in late 1969, however, with the much-loved ballad, 'HE AIN'T HEAVY'. In December '71, CLARKE left for the first time, returning in mid-73 after his Swedish replacement MICHAEL RICKFORS failed to impress the buying public. They immediately reinstated themselves when a Top 30 hit was followed by near No. 1 smash, 'THE AIR THAT I BREATHE'. Although future hits were few and far between, they ploughed on throughout the 70's & 80's. In 1988 after exposure on Miller lite UK TV ad, the 1969 hit 'HE AIN'T HEAVY, HE'S MY BROTHER' re-charted, hitting No.l.

Discography: