They were Tauranga's most anticipated visitors of the New Year - and The Hollies didn't disappoint.
The English pop and rock group took to the stage last night for their second concert at Mills Reef, as part of the annual Stars Under The Stars concert series.
Among the 4000 fans were Bethlehem's
Paul and Pam Byrne and their friends, Kathy and Mark Laugesen, of Whakatane.
The foursome, perched in deck chairs, sipping wine and nibbling on cheese and crackers, planned to spend the evening singing and dancing.
"The music was our era," Mrs Laugesen said.
Mrs Byrne agreed: "It brings back a lot of memories. When you get to our age you have to have songs to generate the memories."
Mrs Laugesen said The Hollies brought back memories of being "young and free. The beach ... good times."
The group joked their posse was the "grey sitting area" and estimated the average age of last night's crowd to be about 50 to 55.
"Have you heard of the hippies in the 70s?" Mr Byrne asked cheekily.
"Well, there they are," he said stretching his hand out over the crowd.
Prior to The Hollies taking the stage, Mrs Byrne said she was looking forward to hearing her favourite song Carrie Anne, while the others said they wanted to hear Bus Stop.
Meanwhile, Welcome Bay's Maria Moller, 41, and her father, Marty Burke, of Matua, were happy to hear any of The Hollies famous tracks.
"It's just fantastic beats. You can sing along to all their songs. It's feel good music," Ms Moller said.
Pyes Pa's Jack Moyle, 56, who is in his own band Random Notes, grew up with the music of The Hollies and saw them perform live for the first time 35 years ago in Auckland.
"They are very good. A very good live band. I'm expecting them to be better. Much better. It's a different line-up, with only two original band members left, so it will be interesting."
Saturday's show sold out before Christmas and last night's show was also understood to be sold out.
The group was accompanied by support acts including rising star Bex Murray whose music is inspired by the late Eva Cassidy.
