Not Fade Away: The Life & Music Of Buddy Holly
by John Gribbin

Not quite a rave on

Buddy Holly died 50 years ago in February, and what better way to commemorate him than with another biography. Thing is, there ain’t too much to say that hasn’t been said before. The anecdotal history of Holly is becoming increasingly more recycled than insightful. More unfortunately, however, is Gribbin’s proclivity for parochialism and sycophancy. This is especially frustrating when you remember that Holly’s fairly starched public persona was matched by an equally bland private one.

But therein lies his enduring quality: not a legacy of reprehensible behaviour and self-indulgence, but of pleasantness and musicianship. Regrettably, though, these attributes don’t make for an absorbing read. Gribbin can certainly entertain, but is preoccupied with niche subject matter, such as Holly’s recording sessions and touring schedules. The author does his best to squeeze some life out of incidental information, but only proves insipid and inaccessible for non-fans.

As it stands, this simply serves to reiterate that there isn’t much to get excited about Buddy Holly, apart from the music itself.

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

ISBN 9781848310346, 208 pages

Reviewed by Laith Al-Kaisey
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