February 3rd 1959, is a date etched in the memories of music lovers throughout the world; a date described by Don McLean in his song "American Pie" as "The day the music died." On that day, as the result of a tragic plane crash, we said farewell to Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and J.P. Richardson (aka "The Big Bopper"). These three young men were talented and popular rock 'n roll artists and their loss was felt by those closest to them and by their ever increasing worldwide audience. Over the years, I have seen this particular musical four times and each one has been slightly different from the last, but a fitting tribute in its own way. This latest show was, without a doubt, my favourite.

The story was told from the perspective of Hipockets Duncan, a Texas disc jockey, who was an instrumental figure in Holly's early career and we had fine acting, interspersed with songs by Holly and his backing group, the Crickets, which were performed in style and were a fitting tribute to the artists themselves. The show featured well known characters from the story, such as Buddy's manager, Norman Petty and his wife, Vi, Maria Elena, who was to become Buddy's wife and of course, the original Crickets, Joe B. Mauldin, Jerry Allison and Niki Sullivan. The rise to fame of the group and the ups and downs along the way (including their unexpected success at an all black theatre in New York) were well charted and sensitively handled. 

The finale was set in the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa on the evening before the fateful crash and as my wife said to me, it was almost as if we were actually there. We had Buddy classics, along with Richie's "La Bamba" and Bopper's "Chantilly Lace" and it provided the show with a truly memorable ending. As a  rock 'n roll fan since my boyhood, their songs have provided a backdrop to much of my life and in recent years, I have been priviliged to get to know Buddy's niece, Sherry Holley, an accomplished singer and mosaic artist in her own right. Long may this excellent musical keep the memory of Buddy and the other performers alive. Thanks as always to Ellen at the Garrick for arranging our visit and this is a show well worth watching. Catch it if you can!