That’ll be the day for Buddy Holly fans

It’s billed as the most successful rock and roll show of all time — and with 25 years of touring, 22 million people watching and a gold disc cast album (now approaching platinum), they just might be right.
By Gillian Loney
Published 13th Jun 2014, 22:00 BST
Buddy the Musical Production shots 2011Buddy the Musical Production shots 2011
Buddy the Musical Production shots 2011

The cast and crew of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story are celebrating with a return to the King’s Theatre for one week only — so slick back that hair or don your best circle skirt and take your seats.

Buddy tells the story of the musical icon’s rise to fame and his tragic untimely death, aged just 22.

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The Texas boy in the glasses (born Charles Hardin Holley and dropping the spare ‘e’ after a record label spelling error) is credited as having revolutionised the face of contemporary music.

The singer and his band of Crickets are said to have paved the way for more of the music world’s greats, as well as influencing everyone from The Beatles to Springsteen.

The show chart’s Buddy’s life story, ending with a final, legendary performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa.

Of course, music fans will know that Buddy then boarded an ill-fated plane alongside Ritchie Valens and J.P Richardson (a.k.a The Big Bopper) which crashed shortly after take-off (inspiring the line the day the music died in Don McLean’s American Pie).

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The Buddy Holly Story combines 20 of the legend’s greatest hits, from That’ll Be the Day and Peggy Sue to Rave On — as well as incorporating the Big Bopper’s Chantilly Lace and Ritchie Valens’ La Bamba for a night of classic rocking and rolling.

On reaching the show’s 25 year milestone, Buddy’s widow, Maria Elena Holly, said: “When we opened, we never imagined Buddy’s music and story would still be rocking stages and entertaining audiences around the world 25 years later.

“I believe this is testament to a great show, and to the enduring appeal of Buddy Holly and what he represents; a youthful energy, huge talent and creativity, combined with a determination to make a lasting impression in this world.”

She added: “Buddy was certainly a one-off, and it’s incredible to witness subsequent generations getting carried away in his music — proof that his spirit lives on through all of us.”

Buddy runs at the King’s Theatre from June 16-21. Tickets are £12.90-£33.40 plus booking fee, available from 0844 871 7648 or www.atgtickets.com/glasgow.

Related topics:Texas