A TRIBUTE to an American singer-songwriter and a much-loved rock and roll pioneer is coming to Braintree.

Smash-hit rock and roll salute Through the Decades with Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly is coming to Bocking Arts Theatre next month.

Buddy Holly, whose hits included 1957 American chart-topper That'll Be the Day, died aged 22, along with Big Bopper Jiles Perry Richardson, Ritchie Valens and pilot Roger Peterson in a plane crash in February 1959.

Tillingham-based singer Marc Robinson channelled his inner Buddy Holly in ITV series Stars in Their Eyes and stage production Buddy the Musical, and has sung for Sir Cliff Richard and Sir Paul McCartney.

"The show is a celebration of Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison's songs, recreated on stage as close to the original music as possible," said Marc.

“Not Fade Away written by Buddy and made famous by the Rolling Stones was recorded by the Crickets in the studio using a cardboard box instead of drums. This is how we play it live.

“Also in the song Everyday the drums are substituted by the drummer slapping his knees. It was born out of the pure love of the music by me and Darren and because the two performers started together on the same circuit, in the same recording studios."

Darren Page who impersonates Roy Orbison has shared the stage with many household names, including Marty Wilde, Charlie Grace and Big Bopper Junior Jay Richardson.

He said: "I have always had a love for rock 'n' roll and rockabilly music, having been brought up with it as my parents are massive supporters of this genre.

"I have massive respect for Elvis, and I put Roy Orbison up there with the greats to last the test of time. Just like Elvis, Roy O spans the genres from rockabilly, rock n roll, and the big-time ballads with full orchestras.

“My love for Roy O's music has great respect as I perform the range in vocals he performed - he is definitely up there as one of the greats.”

Through the Decades with Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly is at Bocking Arts Theatre at 7.30pm on July 16.

Further details are at bockingartstheatre.com.