British Invasion act The Hollies officially called it quits on Thursday, August 20th, when lead guitarist Tony Hicks and drummer Bobby Elliott, the final two members of their classic lineup still performing, announced they were both retiring. The 80-year-old Hicks’ decision was made out of health concerns, with the 84-year-old Elliott stepping away in solidarity.
The decision to retire was made due to health reasons, with Tony Hicks stepping away from touring and Bobby Elliott retiring in solidarity. “Due to health reasons, Tony has decided to step away from touring,” reads an official statement. “Out of respect for Tony and everything they have shared throughout their remarkable journey together, Bobby has also decided to retire from touring.”
The End of an Era
“After more than six decades, the Hollies’ touring career will come to a close with immense gratitude to the fans who have supported them around the world.” Tony Hicks and Bobby Elliott both joined the Hollies in 1963, shortly before the band broke through in the United States with a string of hits including “Look Through Any Window,” “Bus Stop,” “Stop Stop Stop,” and “Carrie Anne.”
The two were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 alongside founding members Allan Clarke and Graham Nash, as well as late singer Terry Sylvester and early members Eric Haydock and Bernie Calvert. However, neither Hicks nor Elliott attended the ceremony due to a show scheduled that evening.
Legacy and Impact
Though Tony Hicks was never one of the primary singers in the Hollies, he contributed vocals to hits like “Look Through Any Window” and “Carrie Anne.” He was also a primary songwriter alongside Clarke and Nash, holding credits on “Carrie Anne” and “King Midas in Reverse.”
Hicks and Elliott had led a stable lineup of the Hollies since 2004, when lead singer Peter Howarth and rhythm guitarist Steve Lauri joined the group. The band was rounded out by bassist Ray Stiles and keyboardist Ian Parker, who came aboard in 1991.
In conclusion, the retirement of Tony Hicks and Bobby Elliott marks the end of an era for the Hollies, a band that has been a significant part of the music industry for over six decades. Their legacy will continue to be celebrated by fans around the world, and their contributions to the British Invasion will always be remembered as a pivotal moment in music history.
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