01 - Aberdeen (Music Hall)
02 - Dundee (Caird Hall)
03 - Edinburgh (Usher Hall)
04 - Newcastle (City Hall)
05 - Sheffield (City Hall)
06 - Leicester (De Montfort Hall)
07 - Brighton (Dome)
08 - Slough (Adelphi)
09 - Harrow (Dominion)
10 - Bristol (Colston Hall)
11 - Plymouth (Theatre Royal)
12 - Bournemouth (Winter Gardens)
13 - Rochester (Gaumont)
14 - Dudley (Hippodrome)
15 - York (Rialto)
16 - Hull (City Hall)
17 - Stockton (Globe)
18 - Manchester (King's Hall)
19 - Liverpool (Philharmonic Hall)
20 - Lincoln (Savoy)
21 - Hanley (Victoria Hall)
22 - Croydon (Davis)
23 - St Albans (Odeon) - matinee
23 - Romford (Odeon) - evening
His second tour, running at the same time as Buddy Holly
Vic Hammett & His Orchestra
Lorrae Desmond
Kentones
Roy Stevens
Reg Thompson (compere)
Promoter - Harold Fielding
01 - Elephant & Castle (Trocadero)
02 - Kilburn (Gaumont State)
03 - Southampton (Gaumont)
04 - Sheffield (City Hall)
05 - Stockton (Globe)
06 - Newcastle (City Hall)
07 - Wolverhampton (Gaumont)
08 - Nottingham (Odeon)
09 - Bradford (Gaumont)
10 - Birmingham (Town Hall)
11 - Worcester (Paramount)
12 - Croydon (Davis)
13 - East Ham (Granada)
14 - Woolwich (Granada)
15 - Ipswich (Gaumont)
16 - Leicester (De Montfort Hall)
17 - Doncaster (Gaumont)
18 - Wigan (Ritz)
19 - Hull (Regal)
20 - Liverpool (Philharmonic Hall)
21 - Walthamstow (Granada)
22 - Salisbury (Gaumont)
23 - Bristol (Colston Hall)
24 - Cardiff (Capitol)
25 - Hammersmith (Gaumont)
Ticket - Nottingham
Ticket - Bradford
Ticket - Ipswich
Poster - Stockton
Supplied by Graham Harrison
Gary Miller
Tanner Sisters
Ronnie Keene's Orchestra
Des O'Connor (compere)
Promoters - Lew & Leslie Grade
Buddy Holly (Guitar)
Joe B Mauldin (Bass)
Jerry Allison (Drums)
At the time of the concert they had two records in the top 10 - Oh Boy
(5), Peggy Sue (10). Maybe Baby would enter the charts the
following week
Buddy Holly was born September 7th 1938 (Lubbock, Texas) and died in a plane crash on February 3rd 1959 (Clear Lake, Iowa)
On
stage at Birmingham Town Hall
Artistry has been kicked out of the stage door and performers who can provide ephemeral thrills are taking its place. Audiences are in search of the momentary gimmick, of which they tire whenever another novelty is introduced.
At least it would seem so (writes Peter Holdsworth) from the fanatical reception given to a screeching guitar player and his two colleagues when they headed the bill at the Gaumont Theatre, Bradford last night. They were American Buddy Holly and the Crickets.
Unless they had previously read the lyrics or heard them sung by an articulate vocalist, I would have defied anyone in the audience to tell me what 70 per cent of the words which issued from the lips of this foot-stamping, knee falling musician. Where on earth is show business heading?
The tragedy often is that many of the performers, like the trio last night, have a basic talent which they distort in order to win an audience's favour. On an elaborate display board at the Gaumont announcing a forthcoming musical contest, is fixed a washboard. What a pitiful symbol it is of present-day entertainment. Like its worshippers, it would be better employed in the dolly-tub!
TV
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Special Gala Show to celebrate the 100th performance
Bob Hope (1903-2003) was top of the bill. Also appearing was (Dame Alicia) Markova the ballerina (1910-2004)
The show was compered by Robert Morley
02 - Walthamstow (Granada)
04 - Walthamstow (Granada)
05 - Aylesbury (Granada)
06 - Bedford (Granada)
07 - Kettering (Granada)
08 - Grantham (Granada)
09 - Rugby (Granada)
Bob Cort Skiffle Group
Cab Kaye Quintet
Len Marten
Bob Dale
Joan Small
02 - Ipswich (Gaumont)
03 - London (Chiswick Empire)
10 - Glasgow (Empire)
24 - Liverpool (Empire)
31 - Nottingham (Empire)
April 1958
07 - Leeds (Empire)
The Worried Men
The Jackpots
The Terry Sisters
Ron Parry
support acts may have varied
03 - London (Chiswick Empire)
10 - Sheffield (Empire)
17 - Glasgow (Empire)
24 - Oldham (Empire)
31 - Nottingham (Empire)
April 1958
07 - Southsea (Kings Theatre)
14 - Belfast (Opera House)
21 - Dublin (Royal)
Tour continues next month (se May/June 1958)
Full copy of Chiswick Empire programme
Full copy of Nottingham Empire programme
Full copy of Southsea programme
Sonny Roy (The funny boy)
Little Johnny & The Teenagers (Deccas's 12 year old)
McKinnon Sisters (In rhythm)
CHISWICK
Rosa Macari (The personality girl)
Chas McDevitt & His Skiffle Group with Shirley Douglas
Griff Kendall (and 'George')
SHEFFIELD (10th)
The Four Jones Boys
Hollander & Hart
Rose Macari
GLASGOW (17th)
Hollander & Hart
Jeanne & Jon
Gitsom Sisters
Andy Stewart
Chas McDevitt & His Skiffle Group with Shirley Douglas
Margo & John
NOTTINGHAM (31st)
Hollander & Hart (A guy, a girl, a guitar)
Edna Savage (From radio's 'Sentimental Journey')
Roy Lance (Drawing the line)
SOUTHSEA (7th)
Edna Savage (From radio's "Sentimental Journey)
Hollander & Hart (A guy, a girl & a guitar)
Roy Lance (Drawing the line)
BELFAST (14th April)
Edna Savage
03 - Glasgow (Empire)
10 - Brighton (Hippodrome)
17 - Bradford (Alhambra)
31 - Birmingham (Hippodrome)
April 1958
07 - Sheffield (Empire)
14 - Bristol (Hippodrome)
21 - Manchester
28 - Hanley
SUNDAY SHOW - separate entry
March 30th 1958 - Colchester (Regal)
Freddie Earle
GLASGOW
Southlanders
Gillian & June
leo Bassi & June
Paul & Peta Page
Freddie Earle
Billy Baxter
O'Duffy Brothers
BRIGHTON
Edna Savage
Johnny & Suma Lamonte
Dennis Spicer
Victor Seaforth
Cyril Dowler
Rhoda Rogers
Gillian & June
BRADFORD
Candy Sisters
Southlanders
Carlo Sisters
Paul & Pete Page
Smoothey & Layton
BIRMINGHAM
Carlo Sisters (Aerialists)
The Southlanders (Decca's sepia singing stars)
Morecambe & Wise (Radio & TV comedians)
Manetti Twins (Comedy knockabout stars)
Ann & Val Shelley (Artistry in rhythm)
SHEFFIELD
Gillian & June
Southlanders
Due Russmar
Terry Scott
The Kordas
BRISTOL
Morecambe & Wise
Southlanders
Illona Sisters
Carlo Sisters
Gillian & June
St. Albans (Odeon)
Rory Blackwell & His Blackjacks (Parlophone's hit recorders)
The Terry Sisters (Parlophone singing duo)
Bill Kent & The Dene Aces (Decca's new star)
The Sensational Red Peppers (Flavoured to suit all tastes)
Barry Johns (compere)
Dudley (Hippodrome)
Jean & Julie (Steps appeal)
Roy Lester (Wise and otherwise cracks)
Barry Anthony (The explosive spark)
Derek Lawrence (and his talking violin)
Kelty & Dale (A rhythm mix-up)
Fey Jover (Sweet but crackers)
The Rosinas (aerialists supreme)
Promoter - Arthur Fox
10 - Nottingham (Empire)
17 - Leicester (Palace)
24 - London (Finsbury Park Empire)
April 1958
14 - Liverpool (Empire)
Hal Monty
Peter Crawford Trio
Lassco de Rocco (10th & 17th)
Jolly Jesters
Bernie & Barbara
El Granadas (24th & 14th))
The De Vere Girls
10 - Birmingham (Hippodrome)
17 - Shrewsbury (Granada)
24 - Nottingham (Empire)
BIRMINGHAM - NOTTINGHAM
Terry Wayne
Desmond Lane
Terry Scott
Richman & Jackson
The Three Ghezzis
SHREWSBURY
Albert Burdon
Elizabeth& Collins
Renee Strange
Freddie Harrison
Ken & Anna Alexis
Lester Sharpe & Iris
London (Dominium)
with Ottilie Patterson
Lonnie Donegan & His Skiffle Group
Ken Colyer's Jazzmen
"Midnight Matinee"
Promoter - National Jazz Federation
Bradford (St George's Hall)
17 - Edinburgh
24 - Dublin
23 - Oxford
29 - Manchester
Elvis Presley
Colchester (Regal)
see above for March/April variety tour
Wee Willie Harris
The King Brothers
The Most Brothers
Tony Crombie & His 2Is Rocking Group
Dickie Dawson (compere)
"Teenage Special"
London (Empress Hall)
"Stars Organisation For Spastics"
Dennis Lotis
Dickie Valentine
Eddie Calvert
Kenneth Earle & Malcolm Vaughan
Lonnie Donegan
Marion Ryan
Michael Holliday
Norrie Paramour
Petula Clark
Ronnie Hilton
Stargazers
Terry Dene
Vera Lynn
Worcester (Gaumont)
Cheltenham (Gaumont)
Norman Evans (Lancashire's ambassador of laughter)
Gilbert (Like father like son)
Mistin Juniors (Xylophonists on wheels)
Barbara Law (Radio's new singing star)
Lisa & Shirley Gaye (Rhythm & style)
Fe Jover (Cutely comical)
Kelty & Della (Beauty in the balance)
Larry Grayson (He's priceless)
Birmingham (Hippodrome)
Carlo Sisters (Aerialists)
The Southlanders (Decca's sepia singing stars)
Morecambe & Wise (Radio & TV comedians)
Manetti Twins (Comedy knockabout stars)
Freddie Earle (The 'Earl' of laughs)
Ann & Val Shelley (Artistry in rhythm)
The Hippodrome Orchestra
Film
London (Trocadero, Elephant & Castle)
Ken Mackintosh & His Orchestra
Brighton (Dome)
Laurie London
Promoter - Arthur Howes
06 - Bristol (Colston Hall)
07 - Liverpool (Empire) - 6 nights
13 - Hull (Regal)
14 - Birmingham (Hippodrome) - 6 nights
20 - Bradford (St. George's Hall)
21 - Finsbury Park (Empire) - 6 nights
27 - East Ham (Granada)
28 - Glasgow (Empire) - 6 nights
May 1958
04 - York (Rialto)
05 - Newcastle (Empire) - 6 nights
11 - Woolwich (Granada)
Ronnie Aldrich & the Squadronaires
The variety shows also included
Smoothey & Layton
Allen Brothers & June
Sally Logan
Horler Twins
Promoters: Lew & Leslie Grade and Harold Davison
The previous year he became the first American solo rock 'n' roll artist
to tour the UK
www.charliegracie.com
07 - Newcastle (Empire)
14 - Leeds (Empire)
21 - Glasgow (Empire)
28 - Edinburgh (Empire)
May 1958
05 - Liverpool
12 - Manchester
19 - Bristol
26 - Sheffield
June 1958
02 - London (Finsbury Park Empire)
Ray Alan (with Steve & Skippy)
Alan Clive (Host of stars)
Marguerite & Charles (Aerial action)
Johnny Mack (American dancing star)
Jean & Jackie Dawson (Crazy rhythm)
The Three Martinis
Authors & Swinson (Masters of mime)
Leicester (De Montfort Hall)
Kay Sisters
Frank Weir & His Orchestra
Burnley (Palace)
see also January 7th 1958
Les Hobeaux (HMV recording stars)
Tony Crombie & His Rockets (The new 2I's discovery)
Reed & Delroy (Melody and song)
The Most Brothers (Decca recording stars)
Ronnie Collis (Tap happy)
Jerry Harris (compere)
"Stars of the 6.5 Special at the 2I's"
Promoters - Arthur Fox & Paul Lincoln
Coventry (Theatre)
Stan Stennett
Des O'Connor
Vic Gordon & Peter Corville
The Ballet Montmartre
12 - Manchester (Free Trade Hall)
13 - Liverpool (Empire)
14 - Sheffield (City Hall)
15 - Hanley (Victoria Hall)
16 - Birmingham (Town Hall)
18 - Newcastle (City Hall)
19 - Leeds (Odeon)
20 - Leicester (De Montfort Hall)
21 - Blackburn (King George's hall)
22 - Wolverhampton (Civic Hall)
23 - Bristol (Colston Hall)
25 - Cheltenham (Gaumont)
26 - Cardiff (Capitol)
27 - Southampton (Gaumont)
Ken Mackintosh & His Orchestra
Promoter - Arthur Howes
First British male singer to top "Cashbox" chart
14 - Kettering (Granada)
15 - Grantham (Granada)
16 - Bedford (Granada)
17 - Aylesbury (Granada)
18 - Maidstone (Granada)
19 - Slough (Granada)
Betty Smith & Her Quintet
Dowie & Kane (Pistol packin' rhythm)
Barbara Law (Lovely new singing star)
Fran Dowie (The man the women love to hate)
Jackie Ross (Creating an impression)
Nottingham (Empire)
Fey Jover
Kelty & Della
Ken Swan
Barry Anthony
Three Skylarks
Hal Roach
The Lane Twins
18 - Woolwich (Granada)
19 - Sheffield (City Hall)
Letchworth (Broadway Cinema)
Rory Blackwell & His Rock 'n' Roll Group
The Red Peppers
Betty Smith & Her Quintet
The Four Jacks
Barry Johns (compere)
Promoter : John Smith
20 - London (Coliseum)
21 - Manchester (Hippodrome)
27 - Leicester (De Montfort Hall)
28 - Liverpool (Empire)
May 1958
05 - Glasgow (Empire)
12 - Newcastle (Empire)
Johnny Duncan & The Blue Grass Boys (not Newcastle)
Freddie Earle (not Glasgow)
Marie de Vere Girls (not Leicester or Glasgow)
MANCHESTER
Don Hooton (Comedy star from the USA)
Two Matanzas (Knife edge acrobats)
Jean & Peter Barbour (Stilt dancing puppeteers)
LEICESTER
Phil Fernando
Sandy Brown's Jazz Band
LIVERPOOL
Fran Dowie
Two Matanzas
The Daring Rosinas
GLASGOW
Leslie Randall (Star of TV's Joan & Leslie)
The Daring Rosinas (Thrills in the air)
Tex McLeod (Cracking gags and whips)
Two Matanzas (Knife edged acrobats)
NEWCASTLE
Candy Sisters
Morecambe & Wise
Carlo Sisters
Phil Fernando
The Falcons
Newcastle (Empire)
Tony Crombie & His Rockets (The new 2 I's discoveries)
Hollander & Hart (A guy, a girl and a guitar)
The De Vere Girls
Les Hobeaux (HMV recording stars)
The Most Brothers (Decca recording stars)
Jeanne & Jon (A well balanced pair)
The Empire Orchestra - Tom Young
Jerry Harris (compere)
"Stars of the 6.5 Special at the 2-I's"
Cardiff (Gaumont)
Southampton (Guildhall Ballroom)
Jack Train
Peter West
Southsea (Savoy Ballroom)
26 - Coventry (Gaumont)
27 - London (Trocadero)
29 - Bristol (Colston Hall)
30 - Sheffield (City Hall)
Raymond Long (pianist)
Frank Weir & His Orchestra
COVENTRY & LONDON
The King Brothers
SHEFFIELD
Audrey Jeans
The Five Dallas Boys
Murray Campbell
Promoter - Harold Fielding
Derby (Hippodrome)
Sunderland (Empire)
The Four Ramblers
Carl Barriteau
Fey Jover
Clarkson & Leslie
Chas Ancaster
Dale Kelty & Della
Frankie Burns
Ken Swan & McGhee
Southend (Odeon)
Tommy Cooper (Magical humour)
Billy Dainty ("Going mad" - coming?)
Ugo Frediani (Juggling wonder)
Johhny Stewart (the funny man from Wales)
Ety Van Veen Duo (Continental musical equilibrists)
Tommy Locky (BBC entertainer - Unusual & unique)
Dancing McKenna (On with the show)
Promoter - Bernard Delfont
30 - Dundee (Caird Hall)
May 1958
01 - Edinburgh - Cancelled
02 - Newcastle (City Hall)
05 - Plymouth (Theatre Royal)- see separate entry
12 - Lewisham (Gaumont)
19 - Leeds (Odeon) - see separate entry
26 - Glasgow (Empire)
see also June 1958
Jackie Dennis replaced him at Plymouth, Leeds and possibly Lewisham & Glasgow
Venue Unknown
Eric Delaney Band with Vicki Anderson & Gene Williams
"The Biggest Rhythm Show Of 1958"
Dates & venues unknown
Wee Willie Harris
Johnny Duncan & The Blue Grass Boys
The Bachelors
The Rockets
Jimmy Tarbuck (compere)
Promoter - John Smith
