Allan Clarke talks The Hollies, Graham Nash, Long Cool Woman and the North Beach Leathers look

Allan Clarke looks back on The Hollies and opens up about his friendship with Graham Nash. How did Allan feel when Graham left the group? What is their relationship like today? And what does Allan think when he hears Marrakesh Express?
Allan also shares memories of the early years, playing The Cavern, recording at Abbey Road and hanging out with the Beatles. He talks about his heroes, recording with the Everly Brothers, meeting Jerry Lee Lewis, playing with Little Richard and seeing Elvis in Las Vegas.
Allan remembers writing and recording Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress, as well as the North Beach Leathers outfits that he wore at the time.
Allan also looks to the future with a new solo album on the way!

[@yokeloonw]

Allan is so grounded and down to earth. A man blessed with such amazing vocal skills and voice yet so considerate about others. What a legend!

[@paulazimmerman-taylor324]

This interviewer, though keeps trying to goad him into negative responses, but he resists! Good for him.

[@kande6916]

Alan Clarke, thanks for the music!!!! The Hollies are more then a legendary band ,they are a part of musical history !! You are still huge and always will be!!!

[@johnballard6725]

Apparently the Hollies have never stopped touring in 60 years although Alan doesn't tour any more.Interesting they were so successful despite not writing their hit songs.

[@normatible9795]

I Love Allan Clarke, a real gentleman. Not a bad Word to any other artist. A very dignified human being. God bless him

[@ann275]

He really seems to be a great guy. And the Hollies will always be one of my favorite groups..

[@mylifeonvhs]

He really is Ann.

[@maryjvanderwerken3192]

Agree, 100%! ☺

[@wazzajack9253]

I’m from Australia and I always loved the Hollies music without knowing anything until recently about their lead singer Allan Clarke. Well what a lovely humble man. A rock icon without an ego. Fantastic singer that should be as well known as any other.

[@transformationgeneration]

So humble and so gregarious. Long Cool Woman was my "theme" song when I was 13. Push my chest out everytime I heard that intro. LOL

[@paulascott5701]

Allan is a grounded person who knows himself and what is right for him. I love people like that! He has one of the most underrated vices in music history. His family has benefitted so much from his wisdom - staying away form Los Angeles was the best thing he ever did.

[@mylifeonvhs]

Well said.

[@wattheheck6010]

Thank you for posting this interview with Mr. Allan. I grew up in the 50's-60's-70's and truly enjoy The Hollies to this day. When I watch KZbin videos of them, I seem to notice looks and body language Allan gives Graham Nash; I felt Allan was annoyed at times with Graham. Despite reading they were "always friends" this interview is honest and puts those amazing days in perspective. I never cared for the phoniness of the LA scene where people in a restaurant constantly look to see who's coming through the door. Allan seems so down to earth. Mr. Allan didn't need LA. We share devotion to our wives, each two-time breast cancer survivors. Your priorities are true. Thank you, sir, for unselfishly sharing your talent with people like me who often reminisce fondly about your music. Be at peace.

[@Cradley684]

Great seeing Allan on this interview, loved The Hollies but when Allan left it wasn't there anymore !!!.

[@chuckyoneil2853]

His humbleness is just off the charts he's bigger than I believe he knows,Allan your a legend to me.

[@barbarapybus4049]

What a fabulous interview! He’s always seemed very low key as a front man, but what a voice, and what a lovely man. Great interviewer too.

[@mylifeonvhs]

Thank you Barbara.

[@_CAT-lg4sr]

Rest assured Allan, you are "still" famous and will never be forgotten. You have anchored your place in Rock-n-Roll history long ago and are still rock'n today ! Thank you for the musical accompaniment of my youth.

[@byronmills5952]

A wonderful interview - and what a wonderful outlook Allan has on his amazing past achievements and his life today. A living legend.

[@mylifeonvhs]

Thanks very much, so glad you liked it%

[@LLACEM]

Allan Clark what a nice guy I had always loved the hollies The summer before I went to university it seemed that they had one hit after another a great time in my life.

[@jhonnyarrieche7042]

i love you allan clark, best remembers whith the long cool woman in a black dress song

[@neillambton4065]

What a great interview with a really decent genuine honest guy. My favourite Hollies track is "Curly Billy", closely followed by "Long Cool Woman".

[@johncitizen3361]

Great interview. I have to say the intro to long cool woman has to be one of the greatest guitar intros in history, fantastic song.

[@roberthughes513]

I’ve always liked The Hollies and Allan Clark but what a nice guy….he really is a genuine person which makes me feel good that I like him so much, thanks Allan you’ve made my day.

[@deborahfrasier1221]

Alan Clarke Has A Beautiful Soul❤

[@angieprimus2499]

Long Cool Woman is timeless….my grandsons absolutely love it and request it when I pick them up from school.

[@ladyjane99999]

Another great interview with the truly legendary Allan Clarke! Allan is so so talented and has generously blessed us with hauntingly beautiful music and catchy tunes for decades. I appreciate his willingness to share openly and honestly with his fans. It is gladdening to see Allan still looking and sounding so great--and that he is still a genuine, virtuous performer, father, and husband.

[@mylifeonvhs]

Thanks Holly.

[@johnidan6264]

Allan is a truly a great singer. His humble approach and manner are very endearing. A man for all seasons. Cheers Allan!

[@maureenrhysjones4643]

Oh! Wow! That was a fabulous interview, thank you! Imagine three friends in a cottage in Jersey, in 1971, all singing and dancing around to Hollies music, while we did the housework! We were HUGE Hollies fans, and still are! Recently just reunited we recalled all our wonderful times and the music we played. We had every single Hollies album..tapes then! Haha! We migrated to Australia in 1978 but went to Bournemouth Winter Gardens to see The Hollies live just before we left!! Absolutely unforgettable! Allan's voice was HUGE!! Magnificent! Thank you Allan, music is so evocative and you'll be forever in our young hearts. Thank you Alex, terrific interview! Stay safe, love from Australia. XXXXX Oh! God! I'm all teary now!

[@maryjvanderwerken3192]

Allan's induction into the rock and roll hall of fame is free on youtube, it's great!

[@LisaBellaDonnaMusic]

This is such a precious gift! What a wonderful interview. Distant Light is one of the finest rock and roll albums ever made. It's a masterpiece. Thank you for this. Great to see Alan so happy & healthy. Rock and Roll is here to stay.

[@heinzkr.8659]

Für mich heute noch eine der besten Band The Hollies die es je gab.

[@Mandobanjoman]

Great interview! And it is great to hear Allan being so honest and open about himself and his life.

[@mylifeonvhs]

Yes he’s a really nice guy.

[@mikeprior6898]

Respect to Allan what a great man and very honest. And to the interviewer respect to you .

[@johnsampson1096]

Salute, Alan! I fell in love with the Hollies from America when I'm Alive was popular in1965. Back then I could even hear Bobby's cymbals. Not so today, I'm 75 and "Still Alive."

[@KieroUnasBotasAGoGo]

❤️🌹Allan we love you ❤️🌹

[@kevvome]

Ive watched hundreds of these interviews with various pop stars over the years but this particular one is the top of the pile. Allan has had the kinda life we would all love to have had. A great vocalist and a great gentleman. You always knew you were gonna get a superb song when The Hollies made their latest record in the 60’s and 70’s. I agree totally with the absolutely terrific interviewer here….King Midas was rubbish. It sounded as though a 12 year old kid had wrote it as the lyrics were so unbelievably immature and childish. No wonder it was such a flop in comparison to all The Hollies other tracks. It’s the only track I will miss out of everything they have ever done. But Allan is such a modest and upfront fella that I truly believe there is no one better at telling a pop story like Allan Clarke does. Long life mate and may you and your brilliant wife have many happy years together. Thank you for the very many years of happiness The Hollies have given me and they were the finest group ever to snap our fingers and dance to on the planet. When you left The Hollies it was the end of the most fantastic times of my love of music. Good health mate.

[@mylifeonvhs]

Thanks Kev.

[@kevvome]

@@mylifeonvhs Cheers Al. 👍👌

[@johnballard6725]

I thought Midas was fair to middling ?!

[@389383]

@@johnballard6725 I liked it!

[@carriagegirl4260]

Great interview. Thank you.

[@mylifeonvhs]

Thanks for watching.

[@nelidasilviacastro1722]

Love Love Love Sean Felices!!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@vickiprouty91]

Wow! This is an awesome interview and I enjoyed your interview style. I learned a lot about the fabulous Allan Clarke and so glad to hear him say there will be more music from him. I can't wait. I'm glad to hear that he loves his life as it is now and that he has a wonderful family who adores him.

[@mylifeonvhs]

Thank you for your lovely comments Vicky.

[@727412]

Great interview with a thoroughly nice and genuine man.

[@flyinghedgehog3833]

Allan was a regular at the Wells Tavern in Hampstead where i was a part time barman in 75/76... i had just arrived from a mill in Batley! .. he walked his dogs and dropped in for drinks usually a couple of large Brandy n coke .i.was sort of gobsmacked! He said have a drink on me and had a short chat.funny how you remember things 47 yrs later! cheers Allan !Inspirational..

[@billmagowan1492]

Long cool woman’s one of the most iconic songs ever, Allan Clarke’s such a humble guy for such a superstar…and he definitely is that…what a career and life he’s had so far, and long may it continue! Saw the hollies a while back, even without Allan they’re soooooo good, just a pity he’s no longer with them, that would be unbelievable!

[@chrissyholliex3686]

A wonderful interview with a wonderful gentleman. Allan is in such a good place. He is still creating and looking forward, and is a true inspiration.His last album, Resurgence,was a masterpiece, and I can't wait for the follow up. Thankyou for the music Allan, cheers🙂

[@mylifeonvhs]

You are so right Chrissy.

[@user-hj8vc1mg4p]

Viva The Hollies , viva Allan Clarke, viva o rock 👏👏👏 Allan Clarke incomparável 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@garytwitchett9359]

I'd love to see Allan, Graham and Tony make an album together 🎶👍👦👍🎶

[@Bruce15485]

And Bobby Elliot !!!

[@389383]

@@Bruce15485 And Bernie if he is still alive!

[@judijohnson97]

What a lovely man...So humble, so honest.

[@veriurquizo295]

Excellent interview Mr. Allan Clarke, I always enjoy listening to you tell the anecdotes of your artistic life when you were a member of The Hollies and your current musical performance.

[@mylifeonvhs]

Thanks for watching.

[@777Ruffdriver]

A very honest and decent guy with some great stories.

[@terriacosta997]

Great interview. Alex, you are a master interviewer.

[@mylifeonvhs]

Very kind Terri, thanks very much.

[@loricairns3459]

This is the best interview yet!!! 👏👏👏 Thank you for asking the in-depth questions. Allan looks and sounds wonderful! Cannot wait for the next album. ❤️🎶❤️🇨🇦

[@mylifeonvhs]

Thank you Lori, so pleased for enjoyed it.

[@jcheck6]

Lori you are so right especially how well Allan has aged. Makes me want to go out and lose 20 lbs.

[@tessflores785]

Allan Clarke was the voice of the Hollies. No offense meant, the current line is also good , but for me, the band was never the same without Allan. Absolutely the best lead singer any band could have. Happy to see him looking good.

[@carlybowers-smith8088]

Such an awesome singer and still handsome ❤️

[@johnfreeman210]

What a very down to earth and humble guy. Really have enjoyed watching this. I have been a Hollies fan right since I first heard Stay on Brian Mathews Saturday club, as a young lad. Awesome 😎👍

[@ericrose3877]

Greatest voice .

[@pattih7]

“Long, Cool Winn”, my favorite, to watch this man perform! So greatly loved, still! I’m 71, and he still does it well! ❤

[@sharonwyatt298]

Alan you are and will always be to me a star who hits those high notes xxx

[@margaretberryman6260]

Wonderful!

[@mylifeonvhs]

Thank you.

[@ijeff2005]

Love the Hollies. Love Allan Clarke. I'm a happy camper having stumbled upon this interview video. By the way, anyone watching this video you really need to get Allan's "Resurgence" album. It may be more than a couple decades since we've heard from Allan musically, but this was well worth the wait.

[@sharonwyatt298]

I got it a few weeks toll it out to car and been ill ever sicecso not played it yet but can't wait

[@markjamesmeli2520]

I LOVE this man! One of the highlights of my life was meeting him almost 30 years ago.

[@garytwitchett9359]

Brilliant interview. I'm glad Allan put the record straight regarding Marrakesh Express. 👦👍🎶

[@strangemusic7754]

The history of music is quiet an amazing thing! Its never boring and there's always creativity... Your such a great influence...☮️

[@paulryan1578]

Alan is a bright star who sheds a glowing light on those around him but at the same time takes nothing away from others and is incredibly humble ,I was a teenager myself in London from the mid sixties what a blast and these guys collectively as a band were so underated but at the same time so popular ,brilliant all round

[@brucenicoll4373]

What a fantastic interview

[@ursulacosta307]

Great interview with one of the all time best singers. 🎼

[@reginakemmer2489]

Love the Hollies my favorite group....im alot older now but I.love rock and roll....😊😊😊

[@theresagallagher9161]

What a doll baby! ..... does he have a brother? Is he heavy? ..... in sincerity sounds like a great guy! Should be more like him.👍💥

[@Phoebedumplings]

The everly brothers story is priceless

[@danfreeman3855]

Class Act

[@rosaliecooper3707]

Love Allan Clarke brilliant voice love all the Hollies .Always loved that they were such a talented group no drugs group just pure happy guys . I still listen to all their songs . Always loved Tony Hicks and Alan’s smile . Always thought they were better than the Beatles

[@jcheck6]

From America, never heard of you Alex but outstanding interview. The best one to date with my favorite lead singer, Allan Clarke. Now I am going to have to listen to your other interviews.

[@mylifeonvhs]

Thanks very much J I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Yes please take a look at the others. Have a great weekend

[@PapaDon46]

He's still a megastar!

[@joyceamy]

Thank you so much for this great interview. Allan Clarke is a hero of mine, loved him since I first saw/heard him. We've seen the Hollies and thoroughly enjoyed their show, especially Allan, what a voice, what a looker too. Shame covid scuppered your tour. Are you touring again soon? I know the Hollies are touring, but I've no interest if you aren't with them. I'm a drummer and still trying to get someone to play Long cool woman, but no one has had the talent to try to cover it. Love love the drums on this track. Good luck Allan, more power to you. From a Lanacshire lass

[@mylifeonvhs]

Thanks Amy.

[@whamni]

Brilliant interview and what a lovely man Alan is. Thankyou for the music.

[@joaopedroejarque6566]

What and brilliant interview. Thank you Allan Clarke. Love the music.

[@pennybronder1674]

I play your music every day. I just want to share the the Hollies ARE my favorite British bands, hands down. Frankly you had better and more music than the Beatles. I could not believe that the Hollies did Long Cool Woman! That song is so iconic and in many movies where Vietnam is depicted. Keep it up Allen, you are loved!!!

[@bobbruton9557]

Fantastic saw him with the Hollies in the sixties several times. My favourite band. Great to see him now.

[@tonyelse]

superb interview What a Guy.

[@bluey7007]

Fabulous interview..first saw hollies 1964 ..allan had one of pops best voices ever

[@deborahshea6612]

I have loved the Hollies since the 1960’s! Many great childhood memories with their music! Still love and enjoy listening! My ancestors were Clarke’s from England, my mom’s maiden name was Clarke. God bless you, Allan!🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦

[@paulchilton7571]

Just watched 👍 feeling the love

[@mylifeonvhs]

Thank you.

[@tdjohnsky]

I’d still like to hear Alan sing Long Cool Woman in a Back Dress now.

[@AmpasaurusWrecks]

I probably would’ve asked someone different questions considering the band’s long history, But it’s great to see him well, brilliant voice.

[@geoffreynolds4740]

Came across this by accident. Glad I did. First album I bought was In the Hollies Style.

[@ingeforman6140]

Thank you for the interview. Humble, great family man and a great singer

[@lynnewalker4345]

What a lovely, humble man

[@trog.lodyte]

100% class, great interview. Thanks for all the music Allan, I was hooked when I heard long cool woman as a 10 year old.

[@tomzeeh6618]

Great interview. I've loved The Hollies ever since LP "Here! Hear The Hollies" was released in late 1965 when I was a high school freshman. Allan is a gentleman; so is Alex.

[@derekstocker6661]

What a fantastic interview, what a wonderful character Allan is, honest and down to earth, so enjoyed these tales of Allan's life in and out of the Hollies. Allan has a great voice, very strong and totally suited all the music he made. He was and I am sure still is, a great front man no doubt about it. What tales he could tell of the early days I am sure. Thanks so much for this, great interviewer as well and the two of these personalities seem to gel so very well. Love this.

[@gioknows]

What a wonderful interview. I have been a fan all of my life. Cheers from Ottawa, Canada 🍁

[@yrvyndavila]

El Maestro Alan Clarke Voz Líder de The Hollies forever

[@reynaguerrero9159]

You are a great guy and I love your voice I have good memories dancing the air that I breathe and a few more songs . I'm happy to see you and family are doing well ❤️

[@tonikribben9414]

Legends never die!

[@jamespmurray2785]

I had that album for decades but didn't know it was the Hollies. None of my friends knew that album at all. I loved it.

[@vidsforsquids]

Brilliant interview! “Long Cool Woman” & “Air That I Breathe” are 2 of my fave songs in the world!!!

[@oldtimer7635]

Fantastic stories, thank you. : ) And.....thank you for the music.

[@poppyjons56874]

i saw the hollies at the appolo ardwick green hyde road manchester they were great afterwards alan was the only member of the group who came out of the stage door to sign the programme we talked for a few minutes and then he got into is car and drove away in to the night i still have the programme a great guy and easy to talk to

[@IndieUSA]

I absolutely love The Hollies! Allan is amazing and hearing stories of the past is fascinating. Great interview!

[@lindakam9947]

Great interview!

[@ianmacphee9698]

Comes across as a really nice man.

[@glicmathan1771]

Allan is an incredible singer and creator. And one of the most grounded, decent guys in the industry. I’d love to jam with him one day!

[@kimberlyroberson5400]

Fantastic interview, thank you!

[@jasontimperley9199]

I can’t speak highly enough about Allan. Great storyteller, down to earth, incredibly talented. One of my heroes. ❤

[@kencrisp6333]

True gentleman! I was hoping they would cover the story on how Allan got the lead vocal part on the Alan Parson's song "Breakdown". He nailed the vocals on that song!

[@paulinefragle3135]

I remember them coming to Burnley quite often & one occasion we were going to have our photo taken in the photo booth & someone pulled the pulled plug out . 😂 Still have happy memories of them playing there . At the Locarno . Nice guy ..

[@jayneforryan4830]

Great interview with Alan. I was ten years old when listening to the hollies on my older sisters record player.i am sure I was in love with Alan Clarke.happy memories for me as now I am sixty six.

[@tonybaloney4195]

Fantastic voice

[@floydbennett6936]

thank you allen for being there for us all those years past, u and your group i feel was on par with THE BEATLES, AND HERE'S A BIT OF FICTION TIED IN WITH PAST REALITY, WHICH WAS SO REAL FOR U PEOPLE AND US! IN ALL THE UNIVERSE , PEOPLE OUT THERE SOMEWHERE ARE SINGING AND DANCING TO THE COOL SOUNDS OF "THE HOLLIES" SAYS THE UNIVERSES "DAILY MUSIC REVIEW" THIER MUSIC ISNT NEW, BUT STILL HOT ENOUGH TO MAKE " THE MILKYWAYS MUSICAL TOP 10 MUSIC CHARTS" AND THAT'S AN HONOR NOT TO BE IGNORED! THE HOLLIES MUSIC STREAMING GALAXY, AND UNIVERSE WIDE IS IMPACTING CIVILIZATIONS FAR AND WIDE, THE MUSIC OF ALLEN, BOBBY, TONY, BERNIE, GRAHAM, AND TONY IS STILL TAKING THE BILLIONS OF GALAXYS BY STORM, AND HAS THEM VOTED ALONG WITH THE BEATLES THE UNIVERSES BEST EARTH BANDS! I REST MY CASE, I COULD GO ON FOREVER, BUT I THINK NOT!