ROB Quinn starred with Val Doonican, Engelbert Humperdinck, Dusty Springfield and Tom Jones — but he never craved the fame game.

The 66-year-old Geordie, who fronts Hollies tribute act The Hollywood Bees, said: “I saw famous artists nearly die under the pressure of fame and it was definitely not the life for me.

“I’ve seen first hand how fame can nearly destroy people.

“Some of them were not happy folk. I never wanted that unhappiness in my life.”

Quinn landed a part in the Black and White Minstrel Show, made it on to Opportunity Knocks and even turned down a world tour with Marty Wilde after he was spotted singing in a North East nightclub, where he was the resident singer.

“The pressure to perform at the top in music is immense,” added Quinn, who brings doppelgangers Hollywood Bees to Clitheroe’s Grand Theatre this month.

“I saw too many victims, some of them who are megastars today, and it wasn’t pretty. I was just happy to keep it as my hobby.

Like the rest of the Hollywood Bees, Quinn learned his craft in a variety of bands, having supported the Moody Blues, The Searchers and The Hollies.

Tony Hicks and drummer Bobby Elliott are the only remaining members of The Hollies’ classic line-up.

Bass guitarist Eric Haydock left in the 1960s, followed by Graham Nash, to become part of the super group Crosby, Stills and Nash.

“It was certainly strange supporting the real Hollies, and some people say that they prefer us, which is nice, but I don’t see it like that at all,” added Quinn. “Our aim is to bring our interpretation of those wonderful hits, along with some of the music that influenced them, to audiences who love The Hollies sound.

“The Hollies music was powerful and distinctive, with catchy melodies, and while some of their music was an acquired taste, their pristine harmonies were sensational.

“We interpret their music in our own fashion — but true to the Hollies original recordings.”

Fifty years is a long time in rock and roll, so have their songs — He Ain’t Heavy, I’m Alive, Look Through Any Window and Carrie Anne among them — stood the test of time?

“I think they have. They are classics in their own right, although they didn’t write too many of their own songs,” added Quinn.

“The music history books perhaps underestimate The Hollies as a musical force.

“The biggest names in pop in that era were The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Then there was The Hollies.”

The Hollywood Bees, Clitheroe Grand, January 18. 01200 421599.