The Hollies’ singer was here

Remember the hit tunes Bus Stop, He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, The Air That I Breathe, Long Cool Woman In a Black Dress and Carrie Anne? The legendary British Invasion band Hollies took those songs and many more to the charts worldwide in a music career that started in 1962.

Today, the group continues to rock ’n roll featuring two originals Tony Hicks (lead guitar) and Bobby Elliott (drums) with lead vocalist Peter Howarth, bassist Ray Stiles, rhythm guitarist Steve Lauri and keyboard artist Ian Parker.

Howarth, 46, was recently in Manila for the Cliff Richard show at the Araneta Coliseum and wondered why in five decades of touring, the Hollies never performed here.

"We’re booked for shows in New Zealand early next year and we’d love to make a stop in Manila," said Howarth who was critically-acclaimed for his vocals in the Hollies’ comeback album Staying Power released last year.

Howarth joined Keith Murrell and Mick Mullins as back-up singers for Richard on the Big Dome stage. He sang the Sting hit Fields of Gold in a duet with Richard.

Howarth met Richard on the set of Dave Clark’s West End musical Time in 1986 and he has since performed of most Richard’s concerts. Two years ago, Howarth was invited to audition for the Hollies job after retired vocalist Allan Clarke’s replacement Carl Wayne died.

Although Howart is now the Hollies’ full-time lead vocalist, he manages to find time for Richard’s events. "It’s an honor to perform with Sir Cliff because he’s a legend," said Howarth. "I’m proud to be associated with him."

A struggling professional musician in his formative years. Howarth found work as a session man and even performed in cruise ships. He broke into the theater circuit playing lead guitar in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and later essayed the roles of the Sheriff of Nottingham on Robin Price of Sherwood (which he co-wrote) and Roy Orbison on the Roy Orbison Story.

Howarth’s musical genius led to session contracts with Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams and The Who. He also wrote and sang commercial jingles.

Striking it out on his own, Howarth formed the bands Sahara and Circle of Four but never discovered the success that he enjoys with the Hollies and Richard.

"Working in the music industry is rough these days," said Howarth. "Musicians are being asked to share part of what they earn from live shows with record companies. That’s because record companies are not earning as much from record sales anymore because of free downloads and other things."

Howarth, who studied classical guitar when he was only seven, said it didn’t take long for him to master the Hollies songs.

"My favorite is He Ain’t Heavy," he said. "In our shows, we sing what the audience likes to hear so we try to do all the Hollies hits. Tony and Bobby, who were with the Hollies from the start, decide where we go on tour with our manager Jimmy Smith."

The Hollies remains active in the concert circuit with a large fan base despite losing Graham Nash and Clarke. Its distinct sound of harmony, rich vocals and a driving beat is very much alive.

In the Hollies’ latest album, Howarth said his favorite cut is Emotions. Three of the songs were co-written by Enrique Iglesias whose mother Isabel Preysler is a Filipina-Spanish mestiza.

During his Manila visit, Howarth watched a PBA doubleheader in the jam-packed Araneta Coliseum and marveled at the way Filipinos play the game.

"I played basketball when I was in school and I love the game," said Howarth. "Lately, I’m focused on football because that’s what my son plays and I try to watch every game he plays. I try to keep in shape by running and playing squash."

A dedicated family man, Howarth makes it a point to e-mail his wife and two children as often as possible on tour.

Howarth said it’s a blessing that he can make a living out of what he enjoys doing and it’s a bonus that he’s able to share his talents with a worldwide audience.