April 2009 \ Features \ Field Report \ 50 Winters Later: A Tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper

50 Winters Later: A Tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper

Joe Coffey

Inside the tribute concert for Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper
Premier Guitar April 2009
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Click here to listen to Joe's podcast live from the event.
On February 2, 2009, the families, friends and fans of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “the Big Bopper” Richardson celebrated the music and legacies of the performers who played the same stage 50 years ago before boarding a plane that would not reach its destination. The 50 Winters Later Commemorative Concert, was a star-studded event at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, IA. The television crew that produces Austin City Limits recorded the event for eventual broadcast on PBS.

Editorial Director Joe Coffey was at the event. This is his photo essay chronicling the tribute...

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Comments

 (5 comments) display by
UsernameComment
Ramon
on 06/02/2009 		Gear 101 - Know thy Gear. I've just been schooled. Thank you!
Brian Wilson
on 04/14/2009 		I was happy just to be in the building 50 years to the day of the last show. I am told it hasn't changed much.... I could imagine Buddy and Tommy, Waylon, Ritchie and The Bopper setting up their equipment and playing to a crowd somewhat similar to what we experienced 50yrs later. I was overwhelmed with the feel of the building and the energy.... I hope to return visit the Surf again in future years... Buddy Holly we still miss you.... Your music lives on. Rave On!
Phillie C
on 03/31/2009 		Awesome lineup (performers AND equipment!). The music lives on!
Dan Marois
on 03/27/2009 		Wish I'd been there. Great article. This is what music is about; celebration.
Holly Surfer
on 03/23/2009 		It was a good show, in the 20 years I have gone I have seen better shows there. We still rocked and remembered. It was good to see Kevin Montgomery open the show, the Crickets and Bobby Vee are always a great addition. Too much hype for a mediocre show however, this show should have been swapped out with the Saturday night show.



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