Eric Haydock (born Eric John Haddock; 3 February 1943 – 5 January 2019)[1] was a British musician, best known as the original bass guitarist of the Hollies from December 1962 until July 1966.
Career
Haydock's first group, The Deltas, would become The Hollies in December 1962.[2]
Although considered a great bass guitarist, he was replaced in 1966 by Bernie Calvert, after disputes related to the conduct of the band's managers.[4] He wanted to raise £2,000 for a house, but when he failed to raise the money, he told manager Michael Cohen that he would not return to the band until he had sorted out his finances.[5] A month later, he learned that he had been replaced.
Haydock's last album with the band was Bus Stop, which had been released after his departure, but included recordings in which he contributed to, although it was Calvert who played bass on the titular song that would later go on to become a hit; however, Haydock appeared with the group on Top of the Pops in June 1966, performing the song Bus Stop.
When Pete Quaife left The Kinks in early 1966, Haydock was offered to replace him, but turned it down as he was still in The Hollies.[5]
In 1997, Haydock was sued by the Hollies for promoting his new band as "Eric Haydock's Hollies". The lawsuit resulted in Haydock being banned from using the name.[6]
Haydock was married to Pamela Dore in 1965, but their marriage ended in divorce. They had three children.[6] He died at his home on 5 January 2019, at the age of 75.[1][8][9] He had been ill for some time.[8]
