After sixty years of creating unforgettable music and on-stage moments, The Hollies are calling it a day. The legendary rock group made the announcement
via their Facebook page on Thursday, August 20.Videos by Wide Open Country
"Due to health reasons, Tony has decided to step away from touring," the statement read. "Out of respect for Tony and everything they have shared throughout their remarkable journey together, Bobby has also decided to retire from touring."
The statement then continued by noting that The Hollies will no longer continue touring, while also thanking their fans for their never-ending support.
"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 Hollies were formed in 1964. Tony Hicks and Bobby Elliott have been with the group since its early years. Both Tony, 80, and Elliot, 84, will be remembered for their incredible longevity within the rock scene.
Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, Terry Sylvester, Eric Haydock, and Bernie Calvert joined Hick and Elliot as members of the group that was inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame in 2010. The group has had numerous personnel changes throughout its long-life. In total, The Hollies released a mind-blowing 23 studio albums.
The Hollies Still Draw a Huge Streaming Audience
Sixty years in the music business is no easy feat. Staying on top for that long is both impressive and borderline unheard of. However, The Hollies have managed to do just that, and still boast a sizeable fanbase to this day.
According to Spotify, which makes artists' monthly listener numbers available, The Hollies are pulling in over 9.5 million listeners per month. "Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress) is the group's most popular song on the platform with more than 768 million hits.
"The Air That I Breathe" sits second for the group with over 270 million streams. "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" rounds of The Hollies' top three with over 155 million plays.
It was inevitable that The Hollies would eventually call time on touring. Still, their decision comes as somewhat of a shock. Fortunately, we can always throw on some of their catalog if we want to jam out. The band will go down as one of the most successful rock groups in history.
