#17 - Bobby Elliott of The Hollies Interview: McCartney played him Hey Jude at Abbey Road 

A great drummer and a gentleman. I saw The Hollies in Malmö, Sweden in 1967 and I will never forget it. Loved that Elliott mentioned Elgar, Barbirolli, Previn...

Being a drummer born in Burnley myself I have an affinity with the great Bobby Elliott who for me was a massive influence...my mam used to go to the Nelson Imp and watch the Hollies, Beatles... and she owned all the Hollies singles. Not many people know that Bonham cited Bobby as an influence because his"drumming stood out" and he wasn't wrong because if you listen to the early tracks and indeed throughout you can tell he's like the lead drummer... listen to"just one look"...very light chick on the hi-hat and a beautiful technique with the bass drum which he would sometimes hit the same time as the snare on his accents... those records would not sound the same without him... undoubtedly one of the greatest drummers of all time... it's not about being the best...or even having technical ability... it's feeling that matters and finding your own style...I learnt that from the best...by just listening... and I also never had a lesson in my life 🙏🥁

Ralph Williams Hi Bobby , I played in a Welsh band in the sixties who tried to perform Holles covers. Our singers were quite good but not like the real thing. I Iearned a lot about drumming by listening to you but never could emulate your style.... BRILLIANT SHOWMANSHIP!!!! . Thankyou for your work .... INSPIRING!

The fantastic Mr Elliot. Superb drummer who dosent get the credit he should. Whenever they publish a list of great drummers its the same old tired names & double bass drum metal freaks.

Legend.Great guy great Drummer.

“Long Dark Road”, the forgotten, yet unbelievably great follow up to “Long Cool Woman” should be included in the conversation; fabulous harmony and production!

Always an interesting story to tell.

Excellent interview Tom, very enjoyable. My Fav Hollies B side is ''It's You''...A side Stop Stop Stop from 67. I bough the 45 in New Zealand, still have it.

Got his drumsticks ; from. a manufacturer in cleckheaton in Yorkshire - thank you John Pratt ( soapy) all signed thank you Bobby your live album in the 70 s got me playing 👍👍

The kids in America, think the Beatles, started Rock and Roll. I watched Philly Bandstand at age 5....When Rock and Roll Hall was in it’s infancy.

One of the most impressive drummers of the 60s and 70s, in one of the best bands. Unfortunately, the current Hollies, although very good musicians, just can’t capture that magic Hollies sound

Was Tony born with a guitar in his hands?

I think the song you were thinking about was “ I cant tell the bottom form the top”