OK, I'm a huge music fan but admittedly have really never been that big on Buddy Holly. Anyway, we were in Mason City/Clear Lake this weekend for my nephew's wedding. The reception was at the Surf Ballroom and it got me thinking about the plane crash, etc.
We talked to the kids about BH, what happened, etc. and they really wanted to go to the crash site. So this morning before we headed home we went to find it. I guess I'm a little surprised/disappointed in the lack of any real attention this receives. It took 4 people at the MC airport to even tell me where it was and that was with a map to get to it. Once you get there, there really isn't anything. Pretty much a make-shift memorial.
Doesn't the death of these people who had a huge influence on R&R deserve more than a few ribbons on a fence post?
Is there an explanation? Why the lack of attention and real sense of honoring these folks?
OK, I'm a huge music fan but admittedly have really never been that big on Buddy Holly. Anyway, we were in Mason City/Clear Lake this weekend for my nephew's wedding. The reception was at the Surf Ballroom and it got me thinking about the plane crash, etc.
We talked to the kids about BH, what happened, etc. and they really wanted to go to the crash site. So this morning before we headed home we went to find it. I guess I'm a little surprised/disappointed in the lack of any real attention this receives. It took 4 people at the MC airport to even tell me where it was and that was with a map to get to it. Once you get there, there really isn't anything. Pretty much a make-shift memorial.
Doesn't the death of these people who had a huge influence on R&R deserve more than a few ribbons on a fence post?
Is there an explanation? Why the lack of attention and real sense of honoring these folks?
"Huge influence?" Not so sure about that. Their early death has had as big of an effect on their legacies as their music has.
I guess I don't know what you were expecting, or who would pay for a proper tribute. It's a remote area on private property, isn't it?
"What a horrible night to have a curse."
-Simon Belmont
"Please bury me with all my stuff, because you know it's mine..."
-Master Shake
"Passersby were amazed by the unusually large amounts of blood."
"Huge influence?" Not so sure about that. Their early death has had as big of an effect on their legacies as their music has.
I guess I don't know what you were expecting, or who would pay for a proper tribute. It's a remote area on private property, isn't it?
Not calling you out or diminishing the fact that his early demise had a profound effect on his legacy, but in my own selfish opinion he, Elvis, and Johnny Cash paved the way for R & R.
I think Holly was a major influence in early Rock and Roll. Who knows where Richie Valens could have ended up - he already had two hits and was only 17 or 18.
If it weren't for Buddy Holly, there wouldn't have been a Beatles, or countless other British invasion bands, imo.
Every band that tours through Lubbock plays one Buddy Holly song and many stop by his gravesite. His influence is probably bigger amongst musicians then we music fans know.
"Huge influence?" Not so sure about that. Their early death has had as big of an effect on their legacies as their music has.
I guess I don't know what you were expecting, or who would pay for a proper tribute. It's a remote area on private property, isn't it?
Actually, Huge Influence is spot on.
I recommend doing some research. Read some quotes about his influence from some 2nd generation rockers. Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Graham Nash, etc.
There's a great book about the Winter Dance Party Tour written by a guy from Des Moines. Full of Minutia (love the details!). Covers history of BBopper, RValens, and Buddy. I recommend it to anyone interested in some R&R/Iowa flavored history. I think it is called The Day the Music Died. I found my copy easily on Amazon.
No matter what, I could NEVER cheer for Dirt and Urine.
I noticed when I drove through Clear Lake for work that they also have a street named after Buddy Holly. IMO that is a pretty big dedication.
“I told you, I don’t care if you’re black or white. I don’t care if you’re rich or poor. I don’t care where you come from, whether it’s Texas, Florida, California, or right here in the state of Iowa, I don’t care about any of that… But what I did care about is moving forward from that day on, that we were one team." -Paul Rhoads
I noticed when I drove through Clear Lake for work that they also have a street named after Buddy Holly. IMO that is a pretty big dedication.
Agreed..plus the Surf Ballroom wouldnt still be there if it didnt have the Buddy Holly tie-in.
Neat little place but we all know its claim to fame.
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Excessive intake of alcohol, we all know, kills brain cells, but naturally it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. That's why you always feel smarter after a few beers.
We got to check out the room off-stage. Reportedly every band/singer who has ever played there has autographed that room. There are more autographs than you could count and they cover the walls, the ceiling, the sink, etc. Got a little chill when I saw the passage that Don Mclean wrote.
Buddy Holly had a big influence on rock and roll. Who knows how big of an impact Richie Valens could have had on the hispanic rock and roll scene...I'll stop watch La Bamba whenever it is on TV, solid movie
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Originally Posted by Wx4Cy 
No matter what, I could NEVER cheer for Dirt and Urine.
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