This sensational multi award-winning West End show first opened in 1989 and has been thrilling audiences around the world ever since. Now, for the first time in 11 years, it triumphantly returns to Birmingham Hippodrome as part of its 2025-26 UK Tour.
And, in doing so, reminds us why this particular singer, songwriter is still regarded as a pioneer of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Featuring two terrific hours of the greatest songs ever written, including That’ll Be The Day, Oh Boy, Rave On, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace, Johnny B. Goode, Everyday, Shout, Raining In My Heart and many more, this show is a pure celebration of Buddy and his tragically short musical career.
Killed in a plane crash at the age of just 22, along with Richie Valens and The Big Bopper, it’s sad to think we never knew what longevity of success he may have achieved beyond the three years of making hit records, with, and then later without, The Crickets.
The tragedy wasn’t dwelled upon though and the show builds to a wonderfully heart-warming and soul-stirring finale that was met with the standing ovation it deserved.
This barnstormer of a production makes no apologies for being half play, half concert. (Don’t expect the biography-driven plot typical of most musical biopics) but it seems right to let the music do the most of the talking.
The first half focusses on the early years with The Crickets and Buddy’s attempts to bring studio and record owners over to his rock and roll sound.
An unexpected highlight of the second half was Miguel Angel’s performance as Tyrone Jones singing Jackie Wilson’s Reet Petite as The Hippodrome became ‘The Apollo.’
The superb musicianship did justice to Holly’s hits – his unending back catalogue a gift that just keeps on giving.
Overall, the show is a thoroughly enjoyable celebration of a truly incredible talent over 60 years after his death. Proof once again that this icon’s music continues to stand the test of time – and long may he Rave On!
Buddy The Buddy Holly Story plays at The Birmingham Hippodrome until tomorrow night (Saturday) and tickets are available to book HERE or by calling the box office on: 0121 689 3000.
