The Hollies officially call it quits after 63 years
The Hollies officially call it quits after more than six decades on the road, as classic 1960s members Tony Hicks and Bobby Elliott retire from touring. Hicks is stepping away for health reasons, and Elliott is retiring out of respect, ending the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band's long live career.
Key Takeaways
- The Hollies have ended their touring career after more than 60 years.
- Lead guitarist Tony Hicks (80) is retiring due to health concerns.
- Drummer Bobby Elliott (84) is also retiring in solidarity with Hicks.
- Both joined in 1963 and helped define the British Invasion hitmakers.
- Fans may still hear Hollies songs via Terry Sylvester packages and Graham Nash dates.
Why Did the Hollies Officially Call It Quits?
According to Variety, the group posted a social media announcement on Thursday saying Hicks is leaving the road for health reasons. Elliott, who shared decades of touring with him, chose to retire as well.
The statement said that after more than six decades, the Hollies' touring career will close with gratitude to fans worldwide. That decision ends a run that, in some form, stretched back to 1962.
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Who Were the Last Classic Members Still Touring?
Hicks and Elliott were the last two members tied to the classic 1960s lineup still in the working band. Both joined in 1963, before the group's biggest hits.
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 with Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, Terry Sylvester, Eric Haydock, and Bernie Calvert. Hicks and Elliott skipped the ceremony because of a gig that night.
A later lineup that solidified in 2004 stayed intact into recent dates, with Hicks and Elliott joined by Peter Howarth, Steve Lauri, Ray Stiles, and Ian Parker (who joined in 1991).
What Hits Defined the Hollies' U.S. and U.K. Success?
In the United States, British Invasion hits included "Bus Stop" (No. 5 in 1966), "Stop Stop Stop," "Carrie Anne," "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother," "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress," and "The Air That I Breathe."
In the U.K., the catalog looked different at times; "I'm Alive" reached No. 1 in 1965 but barely charted in America. Hicks was not the primary lead singer but sang "Look Through Any Window" and shared leads on songs such as "Carrie Anne," and co-wrote hits including "Carrie Anne" and "King Midas in Reverse."
Can Fans Still Hear Hollies Songs Live?
Variety notes that Terry Sylvester, who replaced Nash in 1969, still appears on oldies package tours billed with "of the Hollies." Nash also has tour dates booked into this fall, with "Bus Stop" figuring into his setlists.
Those options are separate from the band's own touring era, which Hicks and Elliott have now brought to a close after 63 years connected to the classic lineup's longest-serving players.