Hollies rockin' for 50 years

The Hollies' veterans have been in action for half a century. And, says drummer Bobby Elliott,"we have had more hits than The Beatles had".

The band, from Manchester in England, will play in South Africa next month.

Named after singer-songwriter Buddy Holly, the band includes guitarist and vocalist Tony Hicks, lead vocalist Peter Howarth, bassist Ray Stiles, rhythm guitarist Steve Lauri and Ian Parker on keys.

Elliott may be part of a group of exceptionally seasoned professionals, but he appreciates the new generation of musicians captivating the industry.

"Adele is great," he says.

"You know the Arctic Monkeys? Well, I think they're good.

"They're kind of like us when we started out - being influenced by the pioneers of the time before us, listening to the likes of Buddy Holly, picking up our instruments and, well, making music, really.

"We started out just like these kids," he recalls.

"We've never been apart since 1961."

The drummer still rocks out in a cap and brightly coloured shirts, as if he's still in his 20s.

If you watch recorded performances you'll notice that he is never without a huge smile behind his mass of cymbals.

"You become so accustomed to each other's personalities and styles, and when it works, you keep it going," he says.

"Sure, we've had our personality clashes every now and again, but it's part of the game."

He says music is their way of life, and it gives them joy.

"From recording to touring the world, you know that you will never be happy doing anything else. We're still doing it because we still love it.

"The thrills of performing and the enjoyment of the audience are so important - to all of us.

"Even though we've matured greatly, we're still really just big kids on stage."

Distinctive harmonies and prolific song- writing led the group to produce a whopping 19 studio albums, 22 compilation albums and 67 singles.

In 2010, the group was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.

Elliott says it's important that the band has achieved "a kind of permanence".

"More important, though," he says, "is that we've achieved a kind of permanence.

"You write songs that have longevity - and the secret to writing hits is being able to spot a good sound, write a song that speaks to your buying audience."

Elliott explains that it's also about "spending time perfecting your sound, devoting yourself and sacrificing everything else for your music".

The band's tour to South Africa will mean a lot to anti-apartheid activists.

The Hollies' song He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother , was adopted as a struggle anthem , signifying the brothers of the struggle carrying each other.

"I didn't know that," says Elliott.

"But I am so proud. It's such an honour to be linked to that."

Elliott says the band does not know what to expect in South Africa.

"Every band is received differently in every country, so we have no idea.

"We hope to wow you guys, play a good show, and get a standing ovation, really. That's all that a band wants."

• The Hollies will perform in Cape Town on February 23 and in Johannesburg on February 25 and 26. Tickets cost R160 to R460