The Hollies - Live Tracks with Mikael Rickfors (Audio)

[LadieBug357]

that was great to listen to, deena! i for one appreciate the sound they had with mikael - sure he was different than allan, but i agree they seemed to take more risks, and they really did rock during the rickfors years! i like that terry and tony stepped up and took the lead more - it seemed more like an ensemble.

thnx! - kc

[plonker00765]

the hollies just weren't the hollies without allan clarke,the bands dynamic changed completely.

[jamisondavid100]

@plonker00765 Allan was a great singer (better range than Rickfors), but he wasn't as much a musician, and Rickfors was a better writer. I still think that with Rickfors they had more potential to grow.

[plonker00765]

@jamisondavid100 i believe it was all about clarkes voice, he had a unique voice which blended perfectly with the other band members, i saw the hollies live in auckland new zealand many years ago and i can still recall a song clarke did called amazing grace, he did it solo without music, it was crystal clear and still one of the best songs i've ever heard live.the hollies just aren't as good without clarke.

[jamisondavid100]

I really wish the Hollies had given Rickfors a bit more time. "Out on the Road" wasn't that bad of an album, it just needed someone to put some polish on it and change the track order somewhat... a good producer, in other words. At least when Rickfors was in the band, they were taking risks and they sounded fresh, although they relied too much on past material.

[tatethompson1234]

terry is singing long cool woman here

[jamisondavid100]

@tatethompson1234

terry always handled this song when rickfors was in the band.  then he tried singing along with alan when the band was inducted into the Rock Music Hall of Fame, and got the mic ripped out of his hand.

[heymaryann1]

@jamisondavid100 LOVE hearing Terry sing Long Cool Woman! Nash/Clarke didn't want to share the spotlight at the RRHOF induction,so Terry & his fans were deprived the opportunity of him performing w/ his former group as many had been looking forward to for years. Terry helped keep the Hollies going by singing LCW on tour 72-73 when Clarke LEFT. Nash LEFT years b4. Do ya think that's why Terry went on stage for LCW? The non-Hollies Nash picked to sing weren't even alive when LCW was a hit!

[jamisondavid100]

@heymaryann1 Terry spent 12 years in the band, Graham spent maybe half that time. Nash and Clarke always considered themselves the "owner/originators" of the Hollies. I think Nash was supportive of the group after he left, but Clarke seemed insecure (check out his short interview on youtube from the time he was embarking on the solo career. Whatever. I always loved the harmonies, but the hitmaking focus of the band really inhibited them from making better albums.

[susanott]

Thanks for posting this rare audio concert clip from one of my favorite eras of this great band. Especially like Mikael's rendition of "He Ain't Heavy" -- what a voice! Enjoyed the memorabilia as well.

[68blues]

Rickfors......cool character.

[moorlock2003]

You got that right. Someone described him as a "James Dean"-type; brooding and mysterious, and tremendously talented.

[moorlock2003]

The Hollies really ROCKED during this era.

[moorlock2003]

Thank you for posting!

[ricogarion]

What a wonderful version of He ain't heavy,though Mikael had the difficult task of replacing the legend that was and is Allan Clarke he represented himself with class and dignity.The boys did a tremendous job also picking up their performances and carrying the band to new and exciting heights.I love the Hollies,the enduring band.

[carrieanne1967]

Great Stuff Deena - A wowzer performance from the lads and the sheer atmosphere sounds electric and ....... I wish I was there !!!! Well Done !!!!!

[roots66]

Thanks honey! I probably should have turned down the bass a little, Bernie was really loud on "Bus Stop."

[luvsmuzik1]

Mikael truly has a strong and powerful voice..nice pic. at :17...the pic. at 6:47and 7:17 is to die for !!..

[roots66]

Yes, certainly powerful enough to cut through all that tape hiss!

[kathykay2010]

@luvsmuzik1 It would appear that luvsmuzik1...loves Tony Hicks 2...! You do have

an eye for the FINER things in life...ME 3-4-5-6 & 7...YUM..YUM..YUM..!!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!

[katdowli]

This is a rare find indeed. Mikael fans will be very happy about performances such as these existing. Great performance of Bus Stop in particular and I love the photos. The article on 1:39 is interesting, in one way I wish Allan did have better success solo but if he did, I don't think the Hollies would have lasted as long as they have done. Great post once again Deena :)

[roots66]

I'm impressed with your ability to read the fine print Kat! A normal-sized scan of it and other pro-Allan articles will appear in the coming weeks of course!

[katdowli]

Maybe my eyesight is clear when I read anything related to Allan hehe. I'm looking forward to more of those pro Clarkey articles.

[Melchersson]

@katdowli Why did they sack Rickfors?