Tony grew up in Lancashire, England with music. His aunt bought him his first guitar and he first tasted fame at the age of 11 with a skiffle band called... Les Skifflets. Tony was then a member of a popular Lancashire band; Ricky Shaw and The Dolphins.

In late 1962, he was approached by Allan Clarke and Graham Nash to join the Hollies as lead guitarist (he was already known round Lancashire as one of the best lead guitarists). Tony wasn't too sure about joining the Hollies at first but after listening through an air vent at a Manchester club to the early Hollies line-up, he soon changed his mind! The Hollies were soon signed up at the famous Abbey Road studios under the Parlophone label (same as the Beatles).

As a member of the Hollies, Tony contributed to the three-part harmony sound, his amazing guitar work and solos as well as using one of the first banjos on a pop record ever (listen to Stop! Stop! Stop!). Tony also wrote songs with the band. 40 years after the first gig with the band, Tony is still out there touring with the Hollies - catch him or miss out!