Buddy Holly drummer Gerry Ellison dies aged 82 as Crickets legend is honored | Music

Jerry “G” Ellison has died at the age of 82.

The legendary drummer – who was a member of Buddy Holly and The Crickets and co-wrote the songs ‘Peggy Sue’ and ‘That’ll be The Day’ – died on Monday (22.08.22).

A post on the Buddy Holly Foundation Facebook page read: “Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jerry ‘JI’ Ellison, drummer for The Crickets, one of Buddy’s closest friends and an inspiration to drummers for decades since, who has passed away today at the age of 82.

“JI was a musician ahead of his time and there is no doubt that his energy, ideas and exceptional skill helped make The Crickets and rock ‘n’ roll itself such a success.

“Buddy is often heralded as the original singer-songwriter, but JI also wrote and inspired so many songs that would go on to become timeless classics.

“More can be said and published here in the coming days. We are thinking of his family and friends today and wish JI rest in peace.’

Tributes have been paid to the late musician, with The Mountain Goats drummer John Wurster, who worked with REM and Katy Perry, among those paying their respects.

After sharing a video of Buddy Holly and the Crickets playing ‘Peggy Sue’ – which was named after Ellison’s then-girlfriend and future wife – on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1957, he tweeted: ‘Jerry Ellison has left the building. I love it, it’s the greatest drum game ever to be televised.”

A fan wrote on Twitter: “Heard the news that Gerry Ellison, best known as the drummer for The Crickets, has passed away.

“His parade tom doing all of ‘Peggy Sue’, playing a cardboard box on ‘Not Fade Away’ and playing on his knees on ‘Everyday’ are worth a listen.”

Another person added: “Very sad to hear Gerry Ellison has passed away aged 82. A true great in the history of rock and roll.”