The Hollies Conclude Touring After 63 Years, Announcing Retirement

The legendary British pop band the Hollies has announced the end of its touring career after 63 years, marking the conclusion of one of the longest‑running acts in pop music.

The decision was confirmed yesterday (August 20) in an official statement. Guitarist Tony Hicks cited health reasons for stepping away from touring, while longtime drummer Bobby Elliott announced his retirement in solidarity with his bandmate.

“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 read.

Formed in Manchester in 1962 by childhood friends Allan Clarke and Graham Nash, the band’s classic lineup was completed when Tony Hicks joined in February 1963 ahead of a successful audition for Parlophone at Abbey Road. Drummer Bobby Elliott, previously of The Dolphins, joined that August, with bassist Eric Haydock rounding out the original line‑up.

The Hollies became known for their distinctive three‑part harmonies and were a defining act of the British Invasion, scoring hits such as ‘I’m Alive’, ‘Bus Stop’, ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’, ‘Stop Stop Stop’ and ‘The Air That I Breathe’.

Graham Nash left the group in December 1968 to help form Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and was replaced by Terry Sylvester the following year. Allan Clarke retired from performing with the band in 2000.

Tony Hicks and Bobby Elliott remained the band’s constant members throughout its history, later being joined in the final two decades by singer Peter Howarth, guitarist Steve Lauri, bassist Ray Stiles and keyboardist Ian Parker. Their most recent studio album, ‘Then, Now, Always’, was released in 2009.

The Hollies were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. Hicks and Elliott were unable to attend the ceremony due to a previously scheduled concert that night.

In 2017, the late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins cited ‘The Air That I Breathe’ as one of five songs he wished he had written. The track also famously influenced Radiohead’s ‘Creep’, eventually prompting original songwriters Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood to receive co‑writing credits.

‘He’s Not Heavy, He’s My Brother’ returned to the UK charts as a number‑one single in 1988 after its re‑release. Over the course of their career, The Hollies sold more than 60 million records worldwide.

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