Legendary British band The Hollies calls it a day after 64 years on stage

The Hollies, one of the iconic bands of the British Invasion of the 1960s, have announced they are disbanding after 64 years on stage. The news was confirmed in a statement posted on the group's Facebook page.

The decision was made by 80-year-old guitarist Tony Hicks, who is retiring for health reasons. Following his lead, 84-year-old drummer Bobby Elliott chose to leave the band as well, out of solidarity with his longtime bandmate. Both musicians had been with The Hollies since the early 1960s, essentially from the band's very founding.

"After more than six decades on the road, The Hollies are calling it a day with huge thanks to the fans who have supported the band around the world," the statement reads.

A story that began in 1962

The Hollies were formed in Manchester in 1962 by childhood friends singer Allan Clarke and guitarist Graham Nash. Tony Hicks joined in February 1963, followed by Bobby Elliott that August. Bassist Eric Haydock completed the band's classic lineup.

The group became known for its distinctive vocal harmonies and grew into one of the defining acts of the British Invasion, the musical phenomenon that swept the 1960s. Among The Hollies' biggest hits are I'm Alive, Bus Stop, He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother, Sorry Suzanne, Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress), Stop Stop Stop and The Air That I Breathe.

Graham Nash left the band in December 1968 to form Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. He was replaced the following year by Terry Sylvester. Allan Clarke departed the group in 2000.

Over the course of their career, The Hollies released 23 studio albums, from their 1964 debut Stay With The Hollies to their final record, Then, Now, Always, in 2009. The band continued to perform live right up until this year.

Source: novinky.cz