LONDON, March 15 (UPI) -- The two remaining original members of The Hollies said they will miss the band's Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame induction in New York because of a prior engagement.
Former Hollies members Graham Nash and Allan Clarke will represent the band at Monday's induction ceremony. Drummer Bobby Elliott and guitarist Tony Hicks couldn't make it because of a British tour they told the BBC had been booked for 12 months when the Hall of Fame officials announced the band would join this year's class of Abba, Genesis, The Stooges and Jimmy Cliff.
"There was no way we could get an alternative date for these venues," Elliott said.
"Our fans in this country are a priority," he said. "It's a great honor to be in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, no doubt about it. But it's just one of those things."
The Hollies -- with hits such as "Bus Stop," "He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother," "The Air That I Breathe" and "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" -- had more U.S. hits than any other British band but The Beatles and Rolling Stones from 1964 to 1975, the BBC said.
Elliott said he wished Nash and Clarke well "and I hope they bring my award back in one piece."
