Hi William,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

This poster advertises a one-day-only performance by Buddy Holly and The Crickets at the Trocadero Elephant & Castle in London, on Saturday, March 1, 1958. It is from the band's first and only UK tour, the first major rock n' roll tour by an American act in Britain. At the time, British youth were hungry for the real deal—Holly was an icon of the new sound sweeping the U.S. and he not only predated the Beatles but had a profound influence on future British rock legends, including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and The Hollies.

The Trocadero in Elephant & Castle (South London) was not a typical rock venue, making this a rare and early example of rock ‘n’ roll entering mainstream British stages. The fact that it was “for one day only” and featured two shows (6:15 & 8:45 PM) underscores the excitement and exclusivity. British stars like Gary Miller, The Tanner Sisters, and comedian Des O’Connor were typical of pre-rock UK variety shows. Their inclusion shows how rock ‘n’ roll was still seen as part of a broader entertainment lineup rather than a standalone genre.

Buddy Holly died less than a year later, on February 3, 1959 (“The Day the Music Died”), giving this poster even more historical weight: it captures a fleeting moment just before his untimely death at age 22.

At auction, this poster typically sells for between $60-90.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage 1958 Buddy Holly & The Crickets London concert poster
60cm by 43 cm (23-5/8 by 17 inches)
CONDITION: With minimal wear
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 60-90*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia