Eric Haydock (The Hollies) Plaque Unveiling

We'd love you to join us to unveil a Stockport Music Story plaque to commemorate the life and musical contribution of Eric Haydock of The Hollies, who had over 30 singles in the UK chart and 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100 making them one of the most popular and enduring bands of the 1960's.

Eric was born Eric Haddock in Portwood and brought up on Victory Street, attending Vernon Park Primary School. He was one of the first British musicians to own a Fender Bass VI, a six-string bass which he played in Manchester band The Deltas. It was Eric who heard Allan Clarke and Graham Nash singing together as Ricky and Dane Young and invited them to join his band.

The Deltas first called themselves The Hollies for a December 1962 gig at the Oasis Club in Manchester and it has been suggested that Eric named the group in relation to a Christmas holly garland, although in a 2009 interview Graham Nash said that the group decided just prior to a performance to call themselves The Hollies because of their admiration for Buddy Holly.

Eric was a member of The Hollies from their formation in 1962 to 1966 playing on all their biggest hit records. He went on to form his own band 'Haydock's Rockhouse' who released two singles and manage 'The Rhythm House' music shop on Middle Hillgate during which time he was a regular at the Red Bull pub.

In 2010, Eric, along with the other original members of The Hollies were inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for their contribution to music.

We will be meeting outside the Red Bull at midday for a presentation of the Eric Haydock plaque and we will then convene inside the pub for a social gathering. Everyone is welcome at this free event and please do bring any memorabilia you may have.