The Hollies Break Up as Final Two Members of Classic Lineup Retire

The Hollies disbanded on Thursday, August 20th, 2021, when lead guitarist Tony Hicks and drummer Bobby Elliott, the last two members of their original lineup, announced they were retiring. The 80-year-old Hicks cited health concerns for his decision, while 84-year-old Elliott opted to follow suit out of respect for his bandmate.

Both artists joined The Hollies in 1963, just before the band achieved success in the United States with hits such as "Look Through Any Window," "Bus Stop," "Stop Stop Stop," and "Carrie Anne." They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside founding members Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, Terry Sylvester, Eric Haydock, and Bernie Calvert in 2010.

However, neither Hicks nor Elliott could attend the ceremony due to a scheduled performance. Though not a primary vocalist, Hicks contributed vocals to several songs, including "Look Through Any Window" and "Carrie Anne." He was also a co-writer with Clarke and Nash for hits like "Carrie Anne" and "King Midas in Reverse." Hicks and Elliott had led a consistent lineup for The Hollies since 2004, when singer Peter Howarth and guitarist Steve Lauri joined the group, with bassist Ray Stiles and keyboardist Ian Parker completing the band in 1991.