IT’S hard to believe, especially for Buddy Holly fans, that we are now in the year that celebrates the 60th anniversary of his one and only ever UK tour in 1958.

Still, the music and the legend that was Buddy Holly lives on some 59 years after his tragic death in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, that also cost the lives of fellow entertainers J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper) and Ritchie Valens.

Now the touring tribute show, Buddy Holly and the Cricketers, together with the English Rock and Roll Orchestra, are performing at 22 venues across the UK in March, including Malvern’s Forum Theatre this Sunday, March 4.
 


The UK’s first and best-loved Buddy Holly tribute act will revisit many of the same venues performing on the same days as the man himself did 60 years ago.

Although he lived a short life Buddy left a great musical legacy that lives on today.



Producer Simon Fielder, of Simon Fielder Productions, a former band member in the original West End show, said: “I am so lucky to present shows that feature people and subjects about which I am really passionate.

“Buddy Holly was pivotal in my development as a guitarist and songwriter. His UK tour was a watershed for popular music in this country and influenced a whole generation of our greatest musicians such as, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Brian May and many others.”

He added: “I’m delighted that the English Rock and Roll Orchestra are joining us for this tour making it a special and unique event.”



Composer Amy May is responsible for the orchestra line-up consisting of a group of talented musicians with impressive credentials, she has also worked with a number of well-known artists such as; Elbow, Snow Patrol, Cerys Matthews, The Killers and Emeli Sande, to name a few. 
 


Buddy Holly and The Cricketers is a dynamic show featuring authentic arrangements, driving rhythms, energetic performances and skilled musicianship that often has audiences dancing in the aisles.

It has been delighting audiences for 26 years and has performed in many locations around the world including Europe and a tour of the US.

The show stars some of the finest actor-musicians in the UK including Gordon Taggart, as Buddy and was endorsed as Britain’s most popular Buddy Holly act when the boys appeared on BBC One's ‘The One and Only,’ with Graham Norton notably commenting that they were “Buddy Brilliant!”

This Sunday’s show at the Forum starts at 7.30pm.