Andrew Johnston

Cold Days, Hot Nights: Buddy Holly and the Crickets' British Tour Andrew Johnston

March 1958 was cold, unusually cold. The arrival of Spring seemed to be forever delayed as Britain remained in winter's grip. Flying into this frigid climate were Buddy Holly and The Crickets, for whom Saturday the 1st of March marked the beginning of their 25 date UK tour. Having landed at Heathrow Airport, then known merely as London Airport, two days previously the group were unprepared for the weather that met them. They had begun the week on tour in Florida, and the contrast could not be more apparent; their stylish, but thin, leatherette jackets offered barely any protection from the elements, even with them zipped right up under their chins. In front of them was a gruelling journey of over 1800 miles up and down the trunk roads of England and (briefly) Wales to play 55 shows, as well as three television appearances, and at least one radio spot.