The lead singer of The Hollies, Allan Clarke, retired from the band in 1999. He was replaced by Carl Wayne, and later by Peter Howarth.
Allan Clarke, one of the founding members of The Hollies, was known for his distinctive voice that helped define the band’s sound. The Hollies, formed in the early 1960s, enjoyed a string of hits including “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,” “The Air That I Breathe,” and “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress.” Clarke’s tenure with the band was marked by both commercial success and critical acclaim.
In 1999, after decades of performing, Clarke decided to retire from The Hollies, citing the strain on his voice as one of the reasons for his departure. His retirement marked the end of an era for the band, but The Hollies continued to perform and record music. Clarke was replaced by Carl Wayne, former lead singer of The Move, who remained with the band until his death in 2004. After Wayne’s passing, Peter Howarth took over as the lead vocalist and continues to perform with the band.
Clarke’s contribution to music was not limited to The Hollies; he also had a solo career and released several albums on his own. Despite his retirement from the band, Clarke’s legacy as a key figure in the British Invasion and his influence on the pop and rock music scenes remain significant. The Hollies were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, a testament to their enduring impact on the music industry.