Ariana Grande Blasts Trump Administration for Using ‘We Can’t Be Friends’ in Social Post: ‘Your Truth Is False’

Diane Warren Adopts West Hollywood’s Runaway Pig: ‘Welcome Wilbur!’

Apple Music to Label AI-Made Tracks Later This Year

The Hollies Officially Call It Quits, as Last Two Members of Classic 1960s Lineup Retire After Being in Band for 63 Years

The Hollies have brought their storied career to an end, officially closing the book on a six-decade journey that helped define the landscape of British rock music. The announcement, delivered through the band’s official social media channels on Thursday, confirmed that their touring days are over—a development that may surprise some, given that a version of the group had continued performing quietly for years. Yet the news carries a definitive weight, marking the conclusion of a saga that began in Manchester in 1962, when a group of teenagers first started harmonizing together in the city’s bustling club scene. The catalyst for this decision was the health of guitarist Tony Hicks, now 80, who has stepped away from the road. His longtime partner in rhythm, drummer Bobby Elliott, 84, chose to follow suit, driven by a deep sense of loyalty to a friendship forged in the early 1960s. The two had been the band’s anchor for decades, their partnership dating back to 1963 when both joined just before the group’s ascent to stardom. In a heartfelt statement, the band expressed their gratitude: "Due to health reasons, Tony has decided to step away from touring. Out of respect for Tony and everything they have shared throughout their remarkable journey together, Bobby has also decided to retire from touring. 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." Their legacy was cemented in 2010 when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an honor shared with original vocalists Allan Clarke and Graham Nash, later vocalist Terry Sylvester, and early members Eric Haydock and Bernie Calvert. For those unfamiliar with their origins, the Hollies emerged from Manchester’s vibrant music scene—a city that also nurtured the Bee Gees and Herman’s Hermits—and their signature three-part harmonies would go on to influence countless artists, from the Byrds to Oasis. Their American breakthrough came with "Bus Stop," which climbed to No. 5 in 1966, followed by a string of hits including "Stop Stop Stop" that same year, "Carrie Anne" in 1967, "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" in 1969, "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" in 1972, and "The Air That I Breathe" in 1974. Across the Atlantic, their U.K. trajectory took a different turn—"I'm Alive" topped the British charts in 1965 but barely dented the U.S. market. Hicks, while not the primary frontman, lent his voice to tracks like "Look Through Any Window" and shared lead duties on "Carrie Anne." He also played a crucial role as a songwriter alongside Clarke and Nash, penning gems such as "King Midas in Reverse." The lineup underwent numerous shifts over the years, but a stable configuration emerged in 2004 that endured until the end, featuring Hicks and Elliott alongside vocalist Peter Howarth, Steve Lauri, Ray Stiles, and Ian Parker, who joined in 1991 and became the third-longest-serving member. Reflecting on the band’s early days, Elliott once recalled in a 2014 interview with Rhino.com how he and Hicks first crossed paths: "Tony Hicks and I had a band called the Dolphins. Tony was 14, I was 18, but we were quite a hot band here in the north, and as time went on, Allan Clarke and Graham Nash heard about us. The Hollies were forming and they wanted a guitar player, so their manager kept coming and pestering us: 'Tony, you must come and join this new band, the Hollies. They've got an audition at Abbey Road Studios!' It was all this, that, and the other. And he said, 'Okay, if Bob comes along, I will!' Anyway, that went by the book, and he went along by himself. Meanwhile, there were no Dolphins anymore!" Elliott soon followed, and the rest is history. Hicks, speaking to Terrascope, attributed the band’s signature sound to a serendipitous discovery: "Allan and Graham sung together but we found my voice could blend in as well." Elliott also spoke warmly about their live shows in 2014, describing two-and-a-half-hour performances, the charm of traditional British theaters, and the rush of a standing ovation: "You float off after that. And then you have a shower, get changed, have a drink, and…there's no better feeling. That's the best life for me. So that's something I don't want to let go! I'll have to one day – time's rolling on – but for now, it's still great fun." For fans still hoping to hear Hollies classics live, there are avenues left to explore. Terry Sylvester, who stepped in for Nash in 1969, continues to tour on oldies package shows billed as "of the Hollies." Meanwhile, Graham Nash has dates scheduled through the fall, with "Bus Stop" still a setlist favorite—a fitting tribute to a band whose harmonies defined an era. Though the touring chapter has officially closed, their catalog endures, a lasting reminder of a legacy that spanned more than sixty years and resonated with listeners worldwide. As music historian Simon Harper notes, "The Hollies were the rare act that bridged the gap between pop and rock, crafting songs that felt both timeless and of their moment—a feat few bands ever achieve."

Category:SHOW BIZ NEWS

MSG team 2026-08-21