Entertainment
The Crickets drummer Jerry Allison who played alongside Buddy Holly dies aged 82 -Kim Novak-Entertainment – Metro
He had been the last surviving member of the original line-up.
Jerry Allison (left) who was in The Crickets with Buddy Holly (right) has died (Picture: Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)
Jerry Allison, who played the drums alongside Buddy Holly in The Crickets has died aged 82.
News of Allison’s death was confirmed in a short statement on the official Buddy Holly Facebook page alongside a black and white photo of the musician.
The statement read: ‘Our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Jerry ‘JI’ Allison, drummer in The Crickets, one of Buddy’s very closest friends, and the inspiration to drummers for decades since, who passed away today at the age of 82.
‘JI was a musician ahead of his time, and undoubtedly his energy, ideas and exceptional skill contributed to both The Crickets, and rock n’ roll itself, becoming such a success.
‘Buddy is often heralded as the original singer-songwriter, but JI, too, wrote and inspired so many of the songs that would go on to be eternal classics.’
It added: ‘There’s more to be said and posted here in the coming days. For today, we think about his family and friends and wish JI to rest in peace.’
The drummer’s cause of death has not yet been confirmed (Picture: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage)
Allison (bottom left) was the last surviving member of The Crickets (Picture: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Allison is credited with co-writing some of Holly’s biggest hits, including That’ll Be The Day and Peggy Sue.
The Crickets were formed by Holly in January 1957, with That’ll Be The Day being their first hit record, released just five months later, peaking at number three on the Billboard Top 100 chart in September of the same year.
Their first album, The ‘Chirping’ Crickets, showed the band’s line-up at the time of Holly, Allison, Niki Sullivan and Joe B Mauldin on the cover.
Allison was the last living member of the original line-up, with Holly having died in a plane crash in 1959 at the age of 22, while Sullivan died in 2004 and Mauldin died in 2017.
The Crickets had also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 14 2012.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Gary Busey denies allegations of sex offences at recent convention as ‘all false’
Entertainment – MetroRead More
