Robert Hartley Elliott (born 8 December 1941) is an English rock drummer, best known for playing with the Hollies. He has been described as "one of the very finest drummers in all of pop/rock".

Early life

Elliott discovered jazz music when he was around 10 or 11 and wanted to become a drummer. He attended Nelson Grammar School. Elliott taught himself how to play the drums, by using home-made brushes and sticks, on tins and other household items, and copying the playing of

Chico Hamilton Foreststorn "Chico" Hamilton (September 20, 1921 – November 25, 2013) was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. He came to prominence as sideman for Lester Young, Gerry Mulligan, Count Basie, and Lena Horne. Hamilton became a bandleader, ...

of the Gerry Mulligan Quartet and Gene Krupa of the Benny Goodman Orchestra.

Career

Shane Fenton and the Fentones

Elliott was an original member of Johnny Theakston and the Tremeloes, who formed in 1959, and were fronted by the vocalist Johnny Theakston. In late 1960 they sent a demo tape to BBC Radio's Saturday Club, calling themselves Shane Fenton and the Fentones, but Theakston died before they received a reply. Having been offered an audition, the band's roadie Bernard Jewry (later known as

Alvin Stardust Bernard William Jewry (27 September 1942 – 23 October 2014), known professionally as Shane Fenton and later as Alvin Stardust, was an English rock singer and stage actor. Performing first as Shane Fenton in the 1960s, Jewry had a moderately s ...

), stepped in as vocalist, adopting the stage name “Shane Fenton” at Theakston's mother's request. Tommy Sanderson became their manager, and negotiated a record deal with EMI who released "I'm a Moody Guy", which reached 19 on the UK singles chart. The next three singles failed to chart, and the band broke up in April 1963.

The Hollies

Bobby played in Ricky Shaw and the Dolphins, a band led by guitarist Tony Hicks who left to join the Hollies. Shortly after, Don Rathbone left the Hollies and Elliott replaced him. The Hollies would quickly garner a cult following after their songs Here I Go Again,

Look Through Any Window "Look Through Any Window" is a song by the British beat group The Hollies. It was their follow-up single to their first UK chart-topper, " I'm Alive", and reached No.4 in the UK Singles Chart at the beginning of October 1965. "Look Through A ...

, and Just One Look charted in the British charts. Future hits would include: "

Bus Stop A bus stop is a place where buses stop for passengers to get on and off the bus. The construction of bus stops tends to reflect the level of usage, where stops at busy locations may have shelters, seating, and possibly electronic passenger ...

", " On a Carousel", " Carrie Anne", " He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" and "

The Air That I Breathe "The Air That I Breathe" is a ballad written by British-Gibraltarian singer-songwriter Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood, initially recorded by Hammond on his debut album, '' It Never Rains in Southern California'' (1972). It was a major hit f ...

", among others. Elliott’s hair began thinning at a young age (around the time the Hollies took off). So on stage, he would wear a variety of hats to cover up his balding. This decision would eventually inspire more artists (balding or not) to wear hats on stage, helping to bring wearing hats into Rock and Roll. By the 1970s, Elliott had gone completely bald and eventually, Elliott, a blonde, started wearing a long brunette wig on stage. In September 1973, Paul McCartney offered him the position of drummer in his band Wings, but Elliott declined due to commitments with the Hollies. As of 2023, Elliott and Hicks still tour with the Hollies. The Hollies were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.

Personal life

Elliott had a long relationship with Maureen Hicks. Thanks to this relationship Elliott would meet Maureen's brother, Tony Hicks. Bobby is married to Susan Elliott

Influences

Prominent drummers who were influenced by Elliott include Gilson Lavis, Ric Lee, Cozy Powell and Ian Paice.

Discography

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Elliott, Bobby 1941 births Living people English rock drummers Musicians from Burnley Musicians from Manchester The Hollies members