Buddy Holly was the first rock star to make pop accessible to the masses, inspiring youngsters around the world to pick up their guitars and form groups. Many acts including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan have cited him as an influence.

So how fitting on the 75th anniversary of Holly¹s birth that premier tribute act Buddy Holly and The Cricketers have taken to the road to celebrate the man and his music.

The band turned out a full house at Newport Riverfront on Thursday evening with an electrifying presence that escalated into a full rock n roll party.

Dean Elliott portrayed Buddy Holly giving classics like Rock Around With Ollie Vee, Peggy Sue and That¹ll Be The Day raw energy and a heart warming charm. He was joined by his band The Cricketers; featuring Stephen Gray on guitar, Ben Kypreos on bass, Kevin Oliver Jones providing orchestrations on keyboards and the enigmatic Leon Camfield on drums. Each band member also had the chance to shine performing tributes to Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and The Beatles.

Much audience participation was encouraged including singing; clapping and finger snapping while Leon reproduced Jerry Allison¹s thigh slapping rhythm on Everyday.

The concert closed with a funky rendition of Think It Over and a powerful 20 minute rock n roll medley which had the audience dancing in the aisles and Holly- hollowing for more, proving that even in 2012, Buddy Holly¹s music is still alive and kicking ­ Oh Boy!