Buddy Holly and the Cricketers return to Newport’s Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre stage this week to delight audiences with their Rock ‘N’ Roll show.
Featuring Buddy Holly’s big hits including That’ll Be the Day, Peggy Sue, Heartbeat, It Doesn’t Matter Anymore, Raining In My Heart and Oh Boy! the show will feature Jason Shaw as the legendary rock n roller.
How does it feel finally being back on tour?
I’m overjoyed. It’s been very difficult having to be separated from live music so I’m just relieved beyond belief to be going again.
How have you coped during the pandemic did you learn any new skills, musical instruments, take up any new hobbies during the lockdowns?
I think we all assumed that’s how we’d use our time but looking back I’m pretty sure I just hibernated through.
What process did you have to go through to get into the band?
A two stage, nerve racking audition at our rehearsal studios where I was introduced to both our wonderful musical director Rob Maskell, and our show runner, and director Simon Fielder. Both of whom were very kind and shortly after my recall audition asked me if I would like the job, to which my answer was of course, yes.
What’s your musical background have you performed with any other similar bands?
I’m a self-taught musician who trained as an actor, so I suppose my musical experience is mostly home-grown. Although I was once in a metal/screamo outfit by the name of Medical Attention, which, I suppose, wasn’t quite the same.
Did you have a keen interest in Buddy Holly before joining the band?
Especially so, and a particularly close to home interest as well given that my it was my father who first introduced me to the man and his works. Many of my memories of this music are shared with my old man which makes it an even greater honour to play it as much as I do.
How do you think today’s music compares to Buddy Holly?
I think Buddy’s influence can be traced directly into the Beatles works and by extension glanced occasionally in contemporary music. It’s one of the reasons why I think he’s still the focus of many a TV documentary and considered a primary driver in any comprehensive look at pop music history, and thus to those who like or dislike todays or tomorrow’s top 40 – with the exemption of maybe, rap – he probably had a hand in shaping it.
What’s the audience reaction to your performances?
The jitterbug. The twist. The odd jive. This music was built to get people moving and most of the time it still works.
Which is your favourite Buddy Holly song and is there a reason why?
Reminiscing. Absolutely amazing record. Vocals, arrangement, all perfect.
- Buddy Holly and The Cricketers play The Riverfront on the 29 September at 7.30pm.