The Hollies have announced that guitarist Tony Hicks and drummer Bobby Elliott, the band's two longest-serving members, are retiring from live performances, ending the group's touring legacy after more than six decades on stage.
Health reasons behind the decision
In a statement released on Instagram yesterday evening, the group revealed Hicks had reached the decision "due to health reasons," and that Elliott had opted to retire alongside him "out of respect for Tony and everything they have shared throughout their remarkable journey together."
They wrote: "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," the statement continued and was signed off with "The Hollies."
Fans react to the news
Fans reacted to the news in the comments, with some being completely devastated. One fan shared: "I'm sad I never got to see them live but I'm glad that he is putting his health first."
Another echoed: "We are sorry to hear this but will do our best not just to keep their music alive but to honour their legacy in the best possible way. Wishing a very happy & healthy retirement to Tony & Bobby and to Peter, Ray, Steve & Ian - wishing you the very best for the future and hope our paths will cross again."
Meanwhile, a third penned: "I am very saddened to hear this but I know there would come the time for all of us, including our Rock music legends to get our hard-earned rest as well as prioritising our health and we all owe you a huge thanks with gratitude for all of the six long decades of dedicating to all of your fans with delivering great music. Thank you all so much, Tony, and you and your band, please take care."
A six-decade legacy
Hicks became part of the band in February 1963, taking over from original guitarist Vic Steele prior to their audition for EMI's Parlophone label, with Elliott joining the line-up that August in place of Don Rathbone.
The duo had previously performed together in the Nelson outfit the Dolphins, and their recruitment established the classic line-up alongside Allan Clarke and Graham Nash.
Through Nash's 1968 exit, Clarke's withdrawal from touring in 1999, and every subsequent change in personnel since, Hicks and Elliott remained the mainstays, sustaining the band's live performances through hits including Bus Stop, Carrie-Anne, He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother, Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress) and The Air That I Breathe.
The Hollies received their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. Along with acts such as the Rolling Stones, the Who and the Searchers, they were amongst a limited number of British Invasion-era groups to maintain an almost continuous touring schedule since the 1960s, interrupted only by the pandemic-related hiatus in 2020.
