Tony Hicks
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| Tony Hicks | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Anthony Christopher Hicks |
| Born | 16 December 1945 |
| Origin | Nelson, Lancashire, England |
| Genres | Pop music |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1960s- present |
| Associated acts | The Hollies |
Tony Hicks (born Anthony Christopher Hicks, 16 December 1945, Nelson, Lancashire, England) is a guitarist and singer who has been a member of the British pop group The Hollies since 1962.
[edit] Career
Tony Hicks first had a taste of fame at the age of 12 as a member of Les Skifflettes when they were featured on the Carroll Levis talent show in 1957.[1] By the early 1960s, Hicks was a respected member of the Manchester music scene and had become the lead guitarist with Ricky Shaw and the Dolphins. When local rivals The Hollies needed a replacement for their guitarist Vic Steele in 1962, Hicks was approached to join the band. Although initially reluctant, Hicks was finally convinced to join after listening to the Hollies through the air vent of the Oasis Club in Manchester (and the fact they had secured a record deal with Parlophone).[2]
The Hollies soon became one of the most successful bands in Britain with a distinctive breezy pop style which was built around the three-part harmony singing of Hicks and band mates Allan Clarke and Graham Nash. By the mid 60s, the threesome had also become responsible for writing most of their songs, including hits such as "On A Carousel", "Carrie Anne" and "Jennifer Eccles".
With Nash performing few guitar duties, Tony Hicks became an integral part of the Hollies sound. Apart from contributing distinctive lead guitar parts, Hicks could always be relied upon to add unusual instrumentation to their sessions such as the banjo which was a key component of their hit "Stop, Stop, Stop". When no original material was available, Hicks was always on the look out for potential hits and it was he who discovered the demo of "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" which was to become one of the Hollies biggest hits.[2]
The Hollies continued to have hits beyond the 1960s (they even enjoyed a surprise number 1 single in 1988 with a re-issue of "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother") and the group still performs today. However, with the departure of Allan Clarke in 1999, only Hicks and drummer Bobby Elliott remain from the band's 60s heyday.
[edit] Personal life
Tony has been married to Jane Dalton since 1974.[3]
His son Paul Hicks has worked as a sound engineer at Abbey Road Studios and was involved with several of The Beatles remastering projects, notably the Anthology and Let It Be...Naked albums.
[edit] References
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