September 7th-14th, 1976
1st Buddy Holly Week
Last updated on September 7, 2025
September 7th-14th, 1976
Last updated on September 7, 2025
Article August 1976 • Wings Fun Club newsletter August 1976 published
Article Aug 16, 1976 • Paul McCartney acquires Low Park Farm in Scotland
Article September 7th-14th, 1976 • 1st Buddy Holly Week
Album Sep 17, 1976 • "Ringo's Rotogravure" by Ringo Starr released in the UK
Article Sep 19, 1976 • The Beatles receive a $230 million reunion offer
Paul McCartney acquires Buddy Holly’s song catalog
February 1973 ?
Early September 1977
Sep 06, 1978
September 7-14, 1980
September 7th? to 14th?, 1981
Early September 1982
Early September 1983
September 8-14, 1984
September 11-14, 1985
Early September 1986
Early September 1994
Sep 10, 1997
Sep 09, 1998
Sep 09, 2000
On September 7, 1976, Buddy Holly would have turned 40. Paul McCartney, a long-time admirer of Holly and owner of his song publishing rights, decided to mark the occasion by launching the first “Buddy Holly Week,” a celebration running from September 7 to 14. The event became an annual tradition, always opening on September 7, and continued until 1999.
The inaugural week opened with a luncheon at the Orangery in Holland Park, London. The guest of honour was Norman Petty, Holly’s manager, producer and co-writer. Among the invitees were Denny Laine, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Roger Daltrey, members of Queen, 10cc, and other figures from the music world.
Roger and Heather Daltrey (left) and Paul and Linda McCartney were not just out for a typically British stroll. They had joined other stars like Elton John and Eric Clapton at a luncheon in honor of the late American rock pioneer Buddy Holly. The gathering, organized by a newly mustached McCartney, coincided with what would have been Holly’s 40th birthday (he was killed in a 1959 plane crash) and kicked off Buddy Holly Week throughout Britain. Explained Elton, an impressionable 11 when Holly died: “He was one of my earliest heroes”
From People Magazine, September 1976
Buddy Holly Week Lunch
At the Buddy Holly Luncheon, the Orangery, Holland Park – September 7, 1976
Left to right: Brian Brolly, MPL; Douglas Maxwell, G. Whizzard; Roy Featherstone, MCA; Brian Mulligan. Music Week; Peter Robinson, MCA; Howie Casey, Wings; Nick Nickola. UPI; Paul Winn. MPL; Alan Crowder. MPL; Tony Bramwell; Mrs. Tony Prince; Ray Coleman. M.M.; Roy Carr. N.M.E.; Tony Prince, Radio Luxembourg D.J.; John Gould, EMI; Tony Brainsby; Patti Harrison; “Unidentified Object”; “Unidentified Object”; Mrs. Vi Petty; Trevor Jones, MPL; Roger Taylor, Queen; Brian May, Queen; Elton John: Joe English, Wings; David Munns, EMI; Kevin Godley, 10cc; John Deacon, Queen; Eric Stewart, lOc.c.; Steve Harley; Michael Appleton; Yvonne Keeley; Paul Gambaccini, B.D.C. D.J.; Phil Manzanera. Roxy Music; Graham Gouldman, 10cc. Shirley Natanson. EMI; Paul Watts, EMI; Eric Hall, EMI; J. J. Jackson. U.S DJ.; “Unidentified Object”; Bob Mercer. EMI; John Beecher. Buddy Holly Fan Club.
Sealed, left to right: Christine Mackie, MPL; Eric Clapton; John Reid; Denny Laine. Wings; Joanne Laine; Norman Petty; Paul McCartney; Linda McCartney; Lol Creme. 10cc.; StephenBishop; Jane McKay; Andy McKay. Roxy Music; Sharon Manzanera; Adrienne Hunter, E. G. Management; Sue Thompson; Pauline MacLeod, Daily Mirror; Paul Thompson, Roxy Music; Ann Gillham, MPL; Ian Meldrum, Australian DJ.
Missing was Alan ‘Fluff Freeman who was busy tickling the photographer
From Club Sandwich #1, February / March 1977
The McCartney Legacy: Volume 2: 1974 – 80
The follow-up to The McCartney Legacy, Volume 1, the most complete work on the life and work of Paul McCartney ever published. Volume 2 continues to paint the portrait of one of the world’s greatest musicians, his work post-Beatles, and his life from 1974 to 1980.
The Beatles Diary Volume 2: After The Break-Up 1970-2001
An updated edition of the best-seller. The story of what happened to the band members, their families and friends after the 1970 break-up is brought right up to date. A fascinating and meticulous piece of Beatles scholarship.
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Whitney Rix Victory II • Jul 08, 2024 • 1 year ago
Does anyone have a copy of the reel shot in Lubbock, Texas in the 80s for Buddy Holly Week? It was shot with Doug Nelson and I, the KTXT van and the limo is mine. Doug and I did the 3 Buddy Holly Music Festivals in Lubbock, Texas in the 80s. I have the picture when Maria Elena and Don McLean got the platinum for Buddy Holly Lives from our mayor. I'd love to know if the video is still around.
The PaulMcCartney Project • Jul 21, 2024 • 1 year ago
Hi Whitney, thanks for your message that I've shared on a few Beatles forums, but so far no positive response. I will let you know if I hear back. Thanks.