10 OCTOBER 2002 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BEGINS:

THE HOLLIES POSTPONE AUTUMN TOUR WHILE

LEAD SINGER CARL WAYNE UNDERGOES OPERATION

The Hollies have today announced the postponement of their forthcoming Autumn Tour due to lead singer Carl Wayne having to undergo an urgent operation to remove an oesophageal blockage. Discovered recently, the blockage has prevented Carl from eating properly and doctors have advised operating without delay:

 “A month after returning from our recent American tour, I experienced difficulty swallowing. I had various tests and it was discovered that I had an oesophageal blockage, which doctors have stressed needs operating on immediately.

Sadly, this has meant I will be unavailable for the forthcoming tour and all my other commitments while I recover. This is a huge disappointment but I have been told I need to make a full recovery before I can resume my career and return for the rescheduled tour in the New Year. I look forward to seeing you all on tour during 2003.”

 Carl has postponed all commitments until 2003 and further information and any updates will posted to Carl’s official websitewww.carlwayne.co.uk (contact Helen Macdonald at email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Rescheduled concert dates will also be posted to The Hollies official website at www.hollies.co.uk.

 Carl’s next appearance on record will be as a special guest on EMI’s forthcoming remastered edition of Electric Light Orchestra’s “ELO 2” album. Three songs, recorded by ELO with Carl on lead vocals during 1973, were recently discovered in EMI’s archives and will be released on 3 March 2003.

ENDS