The history of the Hollies is enigmatic at best. Their squeaky clean images kept them out of the spotlight. The Beatles hogged the British scene in the 60s, while The Rolling Stones thrived on their enfant terrible image. This might be the reason why not much is written on The Hollies. The Hollies: Riding The Carousel by Malcolm C. Searles promises to shed light on perhaps of the greatest 60s band. I recently read Wild Tales: A Rock & Roll Life from 2013 by Graham Nash in hopes of getting a greater scope of The Hollies’ influence on the music industry. I highly recommend you get the audiobook version as read by Graham Nash. Nash deep dives into his early career with The Hollies. Graham Nash’s boyhood friendship with Allan Clarke blossomed into The Hollies. The group did spawn in many splendid ways in the 70s with their own continued success alongside Crosby, Stills, and Nash’s dominance. This little group has deep roots in the annals of rock and roll music that still sprout in so many new ways. Malcolm C. Searles is no stranger to writing about rock. Finally, we have a true biography on The Hollies. This is one book you do not want to miss. Get on the carousel for the ride of your life.
‘The Hollies: Riding The Carousel‘ is the first full biography of British music legends. This extensive project, researched in detail, covers the story from their early 1960s formation, playing the small clubs and coffee houses in and around Manchester, right up to the current day.
Second, only to The Beatles in UK Chart successes at their peak, this work draws on many rare interviews with all former members of the group during their hit-making heyday. In addition, friends and acquaintances also share their thoughts and recollections as to what made this band so special.
I’m Alive, Here I Go Again, Bus Stop, Look Through Any Window, Carrie Anne, On A Carousel, He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother, The Air That I Breathe, Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress)… and many, many more are covered within the pages, along with a selection of rare photographs and posters.
Why did the group’s original guitarist leave, just before success came calling? Which former member went on to achieve superstardom in the U.S. after quitting the band? How did a founding member of the 1970s chart-toppers 10cc play such an important role in the Hollies story? What did The Hollies get up top on a darkened Newcastle railway platform in the company of Paul McCartney’s younger brother? How did a beer commercial revitalize the career of the group?