Buddy Holly, UK 1958
Am 21. März waren Tommy Allsup und Johnny Rogers die Stargäste im total
ausgebuchten Queen's Hotel in Blackpool mit 250 begeisterten Zuhörern.
All photos courtesy of Paul King
Queen's Hotel Blackpool - Friday 21st March, 2008
This was third of four Tommy Allsup and Johnny Rogers shows I was fortunate to
attend. I travelled with them on the mini-bus from Liverpool to Blackpool's Queen's
Hotel . Also on board was my wife Dot, Johnny's wife and two children, and our host
Tony Marsh .
After setting up at the seafront hotel we separated and visited the nearby funfair
and slot machine arcades! We then regrouped and together with the the duos
backing band 'Juke Box Eddies' we feasted on fish, chips and peas - what else
when in Blackpool?
Back at the venue an expectant audience of around 250 hotel guests, members of
Blackpool Rock 'n' Roll Society and other fans including some who had travelled
great distances waited in anticipation. George had travelled from Derbyshire, as he
had done for three previous shows, Ted had made the long journey from Wiltshire.
A DJ played the opening session to get the Blackpool R 'n R Society dancers in good
form. Mike Byrne's splendid 'Juke Box Eddies' then played for more than
an hour. Mike on keyboard and lead vocals, Ray on slap bass, Geoff on lead and
steel guitar, Jimmy Hughes on the drums. We were treated to some great rock 'n'
roll standards to get us warmed up for the main event.
At around 10.30 pm, Tommy and Johnny came on to a rousing reception and
swung right into some classics - 'Maybe Baby', 'Think It Over', 'It Doesn't Matter
Anymore', etc. By the time the set had finished at 12.15am we had
experienced yet another wonderful show. A standing ovation followed with loud
cheering and whistling which naturally brought the boys back for an encore. This
included a terrific version of 'Crying, Waiting, Hoping' - easily the best rendition I've
ever heard with a double guitar break (as often happened with these boys) by
Tommy and Johnny . 'Not Fade Away' followed leading into the final
song 'Mona'. Wow!
'Juke Box Eddies' provided the backup as they often did on the tour, with Tony
Marsh taking over from Geoff but playing rhythm guitar (although I'm sure he was
trying hard to get the lead at times!). Mike Byrne and Tony did a terrific job too on
accompanying vocals.
If you're a 'buddyhollic' , Tommy and Johnny are unbeatable. If you're not, then
you will become a 'tommyandjohnnyhollic' because these two are truly sensational.
Without doubt, this is the finest Buddy Holly Tribute act in the world - ever. At the
end of each of the three shows I had the fortune to attend, I felt emotionally
drained, as did all other 'buddyhollics' present.
Thank you Johnny , for giving us those wonderful Buddy numbers we don't hear
elsewhere - 'Little Baby', 'Dearest', 'It's Too Late', 'An Empty Cup', 'You've Got
Love', 'Take Your Time', and many, many more. I've known and seen Tommy and
Johnny play for several years now, and they just get better and better. Tommy of
course is the maestro, and has undoubtedly influenced Johnny. Incredibly, it is also
true that Johnny has brought out the very best in Tommy - long may it continue.
A huge vote of thanks also goes to Tony and Nona Marsh who made this whole
tour possible. They kindly hosted Tommy and Johnny and his family at their home
for over two weeks. Tony coordinated all the conditions necessary to make all the
shows we witnessed a great success.
PAUL KING
Kudos to Paul King for his great report from Blackpool.
Hans
Keeping the flame alive and burning bright :
Johnny Rogers and Tommy Allsup with the Tour van, it belongs to Liverpool FC!
Tommy Allsup by the sea at Blackpool, near South Beach Pleasure Park
Some of the 250 strong audience at the Queen's Hotel
Tommy Allsup, Johnny Rogers and Tony Marsh with fan Dot King
Juke Box Eddies members Mike (keyboard) and Ray (double bass) with Johnny Rogers, Tommy Allsup and Tony Marsh
Mike Byrne and Johnny Rogers
Johnny Rogers singing with the Blackpool Rock 'n' Roll Society dancers
Johnny Rogers
Johnny Rogers
