Hollies Eric left me with many memories

VIEWPOINTS Write to: Viewpoints, M.E.N, Mitchell Henry House, Hollinwood Avenue, Oldham, OL9 8EF Or email: viewpoints@men-news.co.uk

I WAS sad to hear that Eric Haydock had passed away (Tributes as Hollies bass player Eric dies aged 75, M.E.N January 8).

I saw him last year at the Stockport Plaza, a night arranged by Derek Quinn and Eric, ‘Dek & Eck.’

Not all 1960’s pop groups emanated from Liverpool. I know Manchester was the birthplace of many excellent groups.

Your reporter, Simon Smith, omitted to mention the most important venue for The Hollies – The Oasis Coffee Dance Club, Manchester.

My late husband, Graham (Mac Magonegall Lacey, DJ) was the first person to introduce them as The Hollies.

Mac was spinning discs when Graham Nash announced from the dressing room that they were ready to perform. Mac said: “What do I call you?”

Graham said: “Play another record and I will tell you.” Shortly after he popped his head out of the dressing room and told Mac – The Hollies.

He said later their name was a tribute to Buddy Holly and the fact that Christmas was close.

Mac had many ‘firsts’ at The Oasis, and we saw and met The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Ike & Tina Turner, not to mention Freddie & The Dreamers, Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders, Billy J Kramer & The Dakotas, and I still see Pete Maclaine & The Clan once a month at a pub in Gatley, as well as Derek Quinn at the Stockport Rock & Roll Society.

Please remember, some of the ‘finest performers on the planet’ came from Manchester. Joyce Rawlings, Manchester