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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One of the stars of the show was this handwired Tweed Twin that was shipped to the event directly from the Fender Custom Shop. According to Nate Westgor of Willie’s American Guitars in St. Paul, MN, who provided guitars and backline for the show, after soundcheck the guitarists were wrangling with each other to play one of the two Tweed Twins Fender had sent. This, despite the fact that Nate had a ’58 Tweed Super and two ’59 Bassmans on the stage.


Kevin Montgomery kicked the night off with his version of Buddy Holly’s “Wishing.” His father, Bob Montgomery, was close friends and teenage band mates with Buddy Holly. Here Montgomery plays a Gibson J-185.


Los Lonely Boys’ Henry Garza brought his customized MIM Strat, but also paid tribute to Valens by playing a few songs on this reissue Harmony Ritchie Valens Stratotone, given to him at the event by Harmony president Charlie Subecz. The company brought several and also gave one to Los Lobos, the Surf Ballroom and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.


Los Lonely Boys kicked the night into overdrive with their Texican blues that owes much to the road Ritchie Valens paved and Los Lobos widened. Here JoJo Garza plays his Hohner B Bass 6-string that allows him to play three and four note chords high on the neck to fill out the trio’s sound.

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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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