THEY keep going and going . . . and they are still going after almost 45 years.

From their first hit in 1963, The Hollies were almost ever-present in the charts for more than a decade with hits such as Just One Look, On a Carousel, Stop Stop Stop, Sorry Suzanne, The Air That I Breathe and the anthemic He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother.

Tonight, they will play all of these and more at their show at The Lowry, in Salford.

The group was fronted by Salford-born Allan Clarke with schoolfriend Graham Nash from Blackpool, guitarist Tony Hicks from Nelson and bassist Eric Haydock. Binding them all together was drummer Bobby Elliott - another Nelson lad.

Over the next few years there were changes in the line-up with the addition of Alan Coates on guitar, Ian Parker on keyboards and Ray Stiles (ex Mud) on bass. Then in 1999, Clarke hung up his microphone and ex-Move frontman Carl Wayne came in. That all changed, however, in 2004 when Carl died and soon after Alan Coates left.

Vocalist Peter Howarth from Blackpool and guitarist Steve Lauri stepped in. Last year the band released their first all new album for over 20 years - Staying Power. So why do they keep doing it? Drummer Bobby Elliott said: "I would only pack it in if I wasn't enjoying it anymore, or if the fans stopped coming. Luckily there doesn't seem to be a problem there as the tour is practically sold out. When it all comes together, it's a joy to perform.

"When we tour, we always try to keep to the same crew, lighting, sound and even drivers. As for Peter, he's a great frontman. While Tony and I can be a bit laid back, Pete is hungry for success and keeps pushing us. We are now keen on directing our energies forward."

There is also a new 44-track compilation CD coming out in April called The Hollies'' Finest, including hits and other songs that have been previously overlooked - and there is even talk of a possible brand new album.

  • The Hollies are at The Lowry, Salford, tonight. Tickets are available on 0870 111 2000.