I got a chance to play a legendary gig this past weekend.
My band backed up Dale Hawkins, (Suzie Q) a rock-n-roll
Hall of Famer, and The Fireballs (Bottle of Wine, Sugar Shack),
and the Cleftones (Heart and Soul). We played at the Surf
Ballroom in Clear Lake Iowa for the big Rock Reunion/Anniversary
of the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P.
Richardson "The Big Bopper". The Surf was the last place these
artists ever played. It was a little eerie being on the same stage
on the 48th anniversary of that night.
It's an annual event that's been going on since 1979. Other performers
this year included Barbara Lewis, Bobby Vee, and The Crickets.
I actually got my picture taken with Tommy Allsup (Buddy Holly's
guitarist and Grammy Winner) and Jimmy Gilmer of the Fireballs.
I stood next to Bobby Vee, but didn't talk to him. His three sons
were playing with him this weekend and they were nice guys and
wow could they play!
Here's the Cleftones on stage:
And here's a rehearsal Friday night with the Fireballs:
Anyway, I'll have some more pictures later but I just thought I'd share.
