#61 - Allan Clarke of The Hollies Interview: on Graham Nash, Nigel Olsson and Dee Murray

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[@thetomcridland]

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[@pwlp789]

Allan Clarke was one of the best singers of his generation and a great man.

[@open-minded-oldie]

Down to earth bloke, what a fabulous group the Hollies were!

[@jimyobbie7226]

for sure i agree we all get old i feel the same dont wanna stop but have to

[@SPDY65]

After watching this I have a new found admiration for Allan Clarke. What a humble man he is. Incredibly honest and gracious. There seems to be no inflated ego in him at all. How great would it be to hoist a pint with him.

[@donaldduck2139]

Allan Clarke, what a humble down to earth guy... awesome

[@noyfor3322]

Allan it’s good to see you looking well, you are a legend sir.

[@liamwilliams6088]

*Alan, you're the man and voice of the Hollies.I grew up listening to you and the Hollies..there could never be another Alan Clarke..so thank you, Alan, for the music*

[@ronlargecock7775]

Allan comes across as a tremendous guy - honest and reflective. He also happens to be one of the greatest pop vocalists of all time

[@theoldcraftsman5000]

Couldn't agree more...incomparable.

[@semmcstevenson]

Yes… he definitely is.

[@rayedwards7736]

A very special interview. Nothing brash or outrageous. Full of respect, dignity and understanding.

[@anthonydavella8350]

the word is class

[@voicevoice2053]

Allans voice was the Hollies. I could never accept another lead voice. Not only that his image was a big part.

[@SPDY65]

Allan is a natural born front man. He has stage appeal. He always knows where the camera is. He smiles and genuinely likes what he does. And Allan knows HOW to sing. As much as I like watching his later work when he had completely perfected his craft, I think I like the early years the best. He just has so much fun on stage and that vitality is endearing.

[@gitzah]

Couldn't agree more! His sound was impeccable. Such a super band they were.

[@dawnjenniferclark4464]

Agreed

[@margaretrundle7835]

I love The Hollies, and although I love Graham Nash, Allan Clarke leads are my favorites. Wonderful interview and as others have said, what a humble man with so much talent.

[@charlesfarran1717]

What a great interview and what a solid guy Alan is.

[@slydogmania]

Agree - Allan Clarke was the Hollies, I was a massive fan of his voice, and to bow out gracefully, befitting of a true legend of British pop

[@Moshavnik7272]

Alan Clarke’s voice was so unique and its presence was so strong that the band could play anything and it would sound great! This is even more incredible when you consider that the rest of the band including Graham Nash and Tony Hicks could more than hold a tune on their own. Whenever I hear a Hollies song I’m overwhelmed all over again. Such great harmonies and unforgettable songs,

[@veriurquizo295]

I love to see that Mr. Allan Clarke is well and always willing in his fabulous interviews.

[@philrobertson7173]

Long Cool Woman is still one of the great pop tunes ever, Timeless

[@lew832]

At 72, I am not a fan of manufactured music. Looking back to the eighties I would think some of those bands would cringe when they see themselves today. The Hollies were up there with the Beatles. Allan was a great singer and front man. You watched him sing and listened. A great band, always smartly dressed for the show, and together they played honest, enjoyable music. He looks great, a decent chap, and still working. All the best to you.

[@michaelrogers734]

This is great: so good to see Allan fit and well, with no hard feelings or animosity, and still no pretensions despite his wonderful career. I personally remember very well that day 56 years ago in my native Coventry when he married Jenni (who lived with her parents just a couple of doors away from a good schoolfriend of mine). What a good band The Hollies were (and, what remains of them, still ARE).

[@holydiver73]

Yes, they were married at the church at the top of Hearsall Road by the common.

[@manfredwilliams3860]

@@holydiver73 No, they were married at St.James church on the Leamington Road, same as me. His wife was a Styvechale girl.

[@ashleywood1628]

Great to see and hear from Allan Clarke. He's one of the greatest British singers of that generation.

[@chrichr49]

My claim to fame was that Alan Clarke bought me a pint at a gig where I was the resident D.J. had a long chat with him at the bar after his soundcheck, and to this day I remember him as a really down to earth nice guy.

[@tikiwaqanivere3425]

Miss you Allan ,Your voice is full of magical feelings,your music is one of the best in the World❤❤❤

[@joannkripper9990]

I absolutely loved this interview, I’ve always loved the Hollies since their beginning ..lovely seeing Allan, and hearing his stories of the early Hollies days...again loved it..☮️💝✌️

[@robertknowles2699]

Jo Ann, I grew up in a truly safe environment; there was never any thought of harming one another. As a 1/2 Gewish man prayer in Sunday Skool, Confirmation after reciteing most of 10 Commandements as my friends did in Catholic school, recognizing ‘On a Carousel’ and ‘Bus Stop’ while pushing a hand lawn grass mower hearing from a transistor radio to earn a few $, and hearing Crosby, Stills, and Young and NASH ; and this morning to see on satellite telephone 10 people were murdered in Colorado I see the spillover from Ww2 with pistol and rifle manufacturers making ancient Norse death for $. March 23, 2021. I hope we can endorse organizations to stop manufacture of guns everywhere to halt stupidity whether in car, house, barn, tank, airplane, land, jet, boat, where instead of boxing or fist fighting innocent folk die. The renewal of Jewish people is like Coventry Cathedral to me. One opposite of dynamite, gunpowder is bicycles and staying healthy in sail with the law to ok this. This band gives me courage, or gevura, to get more involved.

[@rogerball9]

What a wonderful man he appears to be. Used to love watching The Hollies live many years ago. Great times.

[@pattih7]

Priorities change, as years go by, in life. Family is number one, and Allen made a good decision to leave , though all those songs, still stand today! I’m coming up on 73, and I totally understand! So good to see you, Allen, and listen to you. God bless you and your wife and family. ☺️🧡🙏🌹❤️

[@juandoez3031]

There woud have NEVER been any HOLLIES, without Alans fabulous voice box.

[@rosieb.8626]

Thankyou The Hollies for the all the memories your songs evoke.

[@Cradley684]

Saw The Hollies a few times at gig's Birmingham Allan is still the best lead singer The Hollies have had I reckon though WHAT a Band !!!. Stay Safe everbody !!!>

[@aliciaavelino9365]

I'm avid fan until now, he's the best lead singer. I'm 70 yrs old but still never tired playing all their songs. Again, thank you for the opportunity watched him in this interview. Bring back my memorable sweet memories in high school and college days...

[@lindalucas6318]

Legend!!!

[@johnandersonjjr]

Great interview great singer of one of my favourite bands Who needs TV?

[@milaleonen4536]

A great singer... ALLAN CLARKE I salute you!. Up to these days I still love to listen to the music of your group THE HOLLIES! He sangs very well and played guitar remarkably. Wish you GOOD HEALTH, SIR ALLAN CLARKE! Take a lot of care!

[@richieburns1021]

Legend .

[@gregmcloughney9042]

Brilliant interview. A Wealth of music history here and what an amazing and humble man Allan Clarke is.

[@brian.7966]

thank you Allan for the music.

[@timward4227]

Was thirteen in 64 when I first heard the Beatles...Hollys shortly thereafter. Listening to A.M radio in those days, where there was music explosion of great Artists like Alan Clark...Thanks for the memories Alan...

[@stephenbrown3835]

Allan Clark ~~~ great singer and The Hollies fantastic ~~ still looks tops !! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@carriagegirl4260]

Thank you. Allan is a brilliant singer and his latest album is great.

[@thatdudewholikesguns]

Absolutely riveting commentary from the legendary Mr. Allan Clarke. His is a priceless rock and roll perspective that is a joy to listen to and learn from. I can’t say enough about his talents. I was born in ‘71, so I came a bit late to the party. Mom would talk about the Hollies as being one the bands that she had seen in the ‘60s, so I had an awareness of the band from an early age. Lately, though, I’ve really just been mesmerized by their wonderful catalog of songs. I can’t say enough!

[@garytwitchett9359]

I was just 14 in 1971, and that's when I became a big fan and began collecting all their Records after watching their performance of "Hey Willy" on TOTP's. I still buy both the Hollies and Allan's solo records to this day. 👦👍🎶

[@LG-kl3co]

Its totally admirable that Allan knew when it was time to go, there are many "has beens" who do not recognise when the game is up ! Its a bit like "Guitar Man" by Bread ......

[@texastornado8842]

He ain’t heavy was such a powerful song...with his powerful voice..

[@333ohmy]

What a great interview with one of the best lead singers of all time in Rock!

[@robharding4028]

What a great guy, ! such a modest chap, for all his music achievements.

[@peterwalton1502]

Wonderful lead singer

[@mikes6844]

Was very fortunate to see the Hollies and Allan many many times, fantastic music and a great human being. I'd still love to see him but respect his life decisions, which just goes to show the type of person he is. All the best Allan and good health and happiness to you and your family.

[@ivanashley7875]

I get what Allan means, his voice was one of the best in the business and I can see why he wouldn't want to tarnish perfection. I still love and listen to the the Hollies and thank him creating the soundtrack of my teenage years.

[@michaelnotigan7796]

Total class gentleman, Allan Clarke.

[@dphotos007]

Alan was a wonderful singer . Nice interview.

[@lesleyaqua1819]

I was 18. In 1971. They are one of my favs I still watch them on u tube about 3 times a week they take me to my most happiest place . It’s better than any meditation. I couldn’t choose one song but each one I associate with differnt. Outfits and clubs. I get totally transported back to a great time when all my loved one were alive. And Life was So exciting I couldn’t choose one track But The keys in Suzzane send shivers. The happiness in bus stop. The emotion in he ain’t heavy. Thank you alan so much for your music. Xxx

[@NS-vw8pm]

Really hope Allan and Graham record again. That would be a fantastic collaboration

[@maureenrhysjones4643]

What a fabulous interview! Thanks! I still remember seing Hollies live at Bournemouth Wintergardens in 1978, just before we migrated to Australia. Alan's voice absolutley knocked our socks off! HUGE! For me, Alan was the best Hollies front man but the others are still having fun out on the road... AND they sound pretty damn good...I don't begrudge them that one iota! BUT there will only ever be one Alan Clark... bless him. XXX

[@jv-ep2tc]

Clarke looks great, what a find this is!!

[@susanneredford3766]

Love you! Best wishes, and stay well. God Bless.

[@ColinStuart]

What a joy! Graham and Allan's music has certainly fed my life for years! Thank you for this interview.

[@eikohasegawa2225]

Thank you The Hollies came to Japan when I was 13 I still remember the TV show the Hollies appeared They sang two songs on the show Jeniffer Eccles and Stop Stop Stop I’ve been fascinated by Allans voice

[@jeanward3692]

8

[@johnandersonjjr]

Great interview great singer from great band from a great time .I’m glad fm radio decided to play only”classic rock” for the last 40 years. Now that I’m bored of hearing the same songs over and over ,I can with great enthusiasm listen to great stuff like “Im alive” (it escapes me how this song never made the radio in my area ,Canada) and the rest of their impressive catalog.

[@maureenmcgovern6119]

I also enjoy his dancing.

[@markjamesmeli2520]

Nice to hear Allan doing so well. I met him on that US tour with Graham and the Hollies in 1983, and he was one of the nicest people ever. It's also good to hear him speak so highly of Terry Sylvester. In 2019 when Allan's RESEARGENCE album came out, Terry's sentiments were hardly the same.

[@herculitaomictin9351]

I love his song, He Aint Heavy, Hes my Brorher. A song often sung by our church choir.

[@doreenf8040]

The hollies were my favourite band especially Alan's voice, saw them many times Alan's voice gave me goosepimples still listen to them always will great voice alan

[@rogerhance5883]

Allan was always a hero for me as a young lad and I bought all the Hollies singles. I liked the Beatles, but I was more a `Hollies fan` than a Beatles fan. THe Hollies played at the Odeon, Chelmsford and I was standing by the side door when they went in. Such amazing songs.

[@bluey7007]

Absolute legend...

[@rosarioreside3327]

I’m glad to see Allan Clarke on this interview. He aged but still looking great one of my favorite artists since the 60’s Thanks for sharing!

[@allanhall8623]

Nothing to prove Allan just absolutely great

[@dagmargross6064]

Allan Clarke was my very favourite lead singer back then! So manly! And I was always watching out for all the Hollies' new hits, which came at one or two every year! Okay, it coincided that I liked most of their music anyway. "The Air that I breathe" for me is the greatest they did! Sublime! And I met The Hollies briefly in Hamburg at the concert hall backstage there after their concert and they were so lovely! And I got Allan's autograph too! So thrilled!

[@CURVEDGLASS123]

Credit to the interviewer.

[@petrslivinski7481]

Thank you for sharing this with us. Love the Hollies with Allan Clarke. The Hollies wouldn't have happened without him, Nash, and Hicks. The three of them were the magic of the band. The Hollies recorded music that are now considered "classic" music. We have all their albums from beginning to the time he departed the band. Glad to know he is doing well.

[@normanmorgan1596]

What a smashing guy. Very level headed, genuine nice person. Best wishes Alan for the future, thanks for the numerous songs the Hollies did. Still enjoy seeing the group today, would have seen them earlier this year but for the lockdown.

[@p.g.8138]

Great vocal range, song writing and a great guitar player

[@philipmanning7352]

Remember seeing the Hollies in Derby 30 years ago always listen to their CDs nowadays.

[@RogerBeverley]

Followed The Hollies since late 50's ( before they made the big time) they used to play in the town i lived in which was close to Manchester . Have everything they recorded on vinyl singles, Ep's and Lp's plus CD'S and now Allan's solo albums .

[@johnhills6262]

Brilliant ,well done Allan!

[@Steve-le3jq]

Hollies one awesome band Gasoline alley bred one of my favourites Manchester certainly has had some fantastic bands 10cc as well Graham Gouldman, Graham Nash Great song writers.

[@urchill1]

Class group, none better in the day!!

[@lhanieradam9228]

luv u..allan clarke..stay healthy..idol

[@peterjordan2738]

I give Allan so much credit for not following in others footsteps of "staying on the circuit" until they would drop. Kudos Allan to you from a HUGE fan from CA. Stay well and healthy.

[@tim.timothy.brennan]

It is great to see and hear 'Allan Clarke' The Hollies! what a sound! Bus Stop, He aint Heavy just a couple to mention.CLASS ACT!!!

[@Rob-fx2dw]

Absolutely fantastic interview with Allan Clarke. It is great a revelation of what was behind the story behind the Hollies who were one of the oustanding groups of the 60's and 70's with their stunning harmonies and songs. No autotune there but just quality voices.

[@tbeau6663]

Lovely interview

[@XCodeHelpHub]

Allan is a class act!

[@tonydunn7455]

Great to come across this video ,great to see you back Alan.

[@shauncorless8965]

Yeh one of the nice guys ☺️ glad he's still here and looking well ,

[@davidarthur2411]

Loved the Holies since 1963..Rock on . Saw them many times . Fantastic live band . Have every 7" single and almost all albums

[@maryprinz8087]

I did research for Combat PTSD Nightmares with our US government about 10 years ago. I watch/listen to your He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother at least once a week. I doubt anyone could sing that like you did. I am your age now, but surely have been around for the Vietnam war and the rest following and have always worked with veterans...through various mental health systems.

[@anthonyhampton6059]

I loved ya, and still do, what a voice.

[@piper081147]

Great to see and hear Allan looking so well. Great name check for The Oasis. Happy days!

[@rajendranramasundram2570]

Thank you very for the music Allan

[@holydiver73]

You hear a lot of Interviews with Graham Nash where he is open about how Steven Stills and/or David Crosby have pissed him off in some way. In contrast, you will never find a Graham Nash interview where he says a bad word about Allan Clarke. Graham, Steven and David were collaborators in music, Allan and Graham have been collaborators all their lives as friends. There’s the difference. In my opinion, The Hollies were better than the Beatles....and Allan married a girl from Coventry, which also proves he has excellent taste. And that Interviewer has excellent taste in baseball teams as that is a brilliant St Louis Cardinals shirt.

[@harvey1954]

Graham has said that The Hollies were the best band he was ever in.

[@tessflores785]

Allan Clarke was, is and will always be , the best lead singer for me. Such talent. He is the voice of the Hollies. Glad to see him looking fit. Take care , Allan Clarke.

[@ivetteriveraleyva7934]

I always love him!!!

[@bryang6061]

Allan's voice on He ain't heavy spans the Atlantic and cannot be surpassed.

[@jfelton4153]

Just loved how he said 'the pictures'.

[@marybellethrockmorton7503]

I just love Alan Clark !!!! God bless all the Hollies.

[@garytwitchett9359]

I was wishing and hoping for a long time that a Hollies biography would emerge, I now have six books about the Hollies, all of which have been published fairly recently.

[@TheElarich]

Brilliant interview. Love Allan Clarke's voice in He Ain't Heavy... I hope you will write an autobiography. I was born in 1964 and I love your songs. ❤

[@PaulLea]

Wonderful clip Tom, Alan looks & sounds great. Lots of cool info here. Thanks.

[@Toppitmanilikeit]

Truly one of the greatest English vocalists of his generation.....and a great guy too. Top man Allan Clarke.

[@whathappenedtoclaudio]

What a great fella, and a great interview

[@calescapee9642]

I love the Hollies! One of my favorite songs is Take Your Time, Written by Buddy Holly. That song always brings me to tears.

[@liamwilliams6088]

*Thank you. also, Tom Cridland for this interview with Alan*..I subscribed to your channel

[@bazwillrun]

So good to see him looking so well...back in the day I used to go for drinks with him and the rest of the band in a pub called the Shakespeares Head at the top end of Carnaby St

[@brendanaschinski-bp9dj]

Such a beautiful smile

[@Phoneybeetlemaniacxs]

Good Salford lad is Allan. You can tell he’s a good guy.

[@avlisk]

Thank you for doing this interview, 'arold!