Show: Buddy Holly Lives – The Music Never Died
Location: Epstein Theatre, Liverpool
Date: Saturday February 19 2022
Time: 19.30
Running Time: 120 Minutes
Age Rating: 8+
This is our review for Buddy Holly Lives – The Music Never Died at Liverpool‘s Epstein Theatre. So, let’s take a look at Buddy Holly Lives – The Music Never Died!
Buddy Holly Lives – The Music Never Died
Description Of Buddy Holly Lives – The Music Never Died
Asa Murphy’s homage to an all-time musical great covers Buddy Holly’s brief yet unforgettable career. With Billy Butler as a surprise emcee, this show was an entertaining trip down memory lane. The show provides a story of sorts as we track Buddy’s rise to fame from the man’s personal perspective. Along the way, we hear of his run-ins with K-DAV Radio due to a clash in philosophy. We also learn of how one hit – That’ll Be The Day – would change his life forever. Not to mention how he handled some tough gigs during times of racial segregation.
Most notably, we see Buddy at his peak during one particular gig to an adoring American crowd. This would sadly be his last due to the plane crash that would end his life hours later. However, as the title of this show says, though Buddy died, his music didn’t die. And it still lives on to this day, having influenced musical icons from the 60s to the present day. Hence why his 16-month career at the top remains one of the most celebrated.
Analysis Of Buddy Holly Lives – The Music Never Died
Asa Murphy steps into the shoes of Buddy Holly effortlessly. Not only for his singing but also his mannerisms and his general personality. More than a tribute show, this shows tells Buddy’s story with honesty and respect. There are humorous moments too, such as the Crickets arriving late to a recording session. Their excuse? An overly-long visit to the “Graf-Ton”. This line got the biggest chuckle of the night from the Liverpool audience.
There is a feel-good vibe to this show, both on the stage and in the audience. Though Buddy’s shock death was tragic, the production doesn’t dwell on the sadness of this moment. Instead, the show honours his memory before allowing the audience to get up and dance. Harking back to a previous point, this is a celebration as opposed to a tribute. Hence why everyone in attendance was smiling from beginning to end. I should note that the older generation knows how to enjoy themselves while still respecting those around them. That’s a lesson for the 18-30 crowd to learn for future shows.
Music
Of course, this show truly succeeds because of the music. And there is one super-catchy song after another. There’s Hey Good Lookin’, Blue Days, Words Of Love, Listen To Me, and his first hit That’ll Be The Day. Then there’s Oh Boy, It’s So Easy To Fall In Love, Heartbeat and Fade Away. Furthermore, we hear Wishing, It Doesn’t Matter Anymore, Raining In My Heart, and Peggy Sue. Not forgetting I’m Gonna Love You Too, Maybe Baby and Think It Over. After True Love Waits, the show closes with Runaround Sue, La Bamba and That’ll Be The Day one more time.
The vocals are spot-on, the dancing is often eye-catching and the backing music is authentic. Again, because they’re catchy songs, the audience was often singing, clapping, and later dancing along. In many ways, this feels like a throwback not only for the soundtrack but for the entertainment experience. Indeed, it was a hark back to simpler terms when people listened, paid attention, and responded positively. And they sure did that throughout this performance. Suffice it to say that Asa Murphy earned his standing ovation at the end of the night.
Summary Of Buddy Holly Lives – The Music Never Died
Of course, Buddy Holly fans are the most likely demographic to flock to this show. But anyone who appreciates music and its history should see Buddy Holly Lives – The Music Never Died. It’s a pleasant, exciting, and varied ride through the career of a rock ‘n’ roll legend. And with Asa Murphy leading the way, you know that you’re in good hands. Make sure to see this show when you can!
Notes
Target Audience: 40+
Content: No Content Likely To Offend
Recommendation?: Yes
Overall Rating: 10/10 – Perfect
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