This year’s Winter Dance Party celebrating the life of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper was fantastic. I was invited to play on the same night at Jerry Lee Lewis. I was afraid he would be a no show. He made it……and rocked.
The Surf Ballroom will forever be etched in history as the last place Buddy Holly, and those guys played. They walked out of the backstage door straight into a car that took them to the Mason City Airport. Their plane crashed minutes after takeoff.
The fans that come to this event every year in Feb celebrate their lives………as well as mark the spot that saw the last performance of these rock ‘n’ roll legends.
I go there to honor my father, and his childhood friend and musical co-hort, Buddy Holly. They asked me to sing “Wishing” this year. I was honored.
Here is a video of the night………complete with Jerry Lee Lewis performing “Great Balls of Fire”…..he is getting up there, but he still managed to rock. We were all a little worried after his band came on and played four or five songs without him. He finally appeared and the excitement was palpable…………
Right after I posted this…..I found this video of my dad, Bob Montgomery……with Buddy Holly, J.I. Allison, and Joe B. Mauldin in an old home movie……totally cool. He is the kid that walks up dressed in a suit near the end. I love youtube!
Some photos from the weekend at the Surf……………
Me and Gary Jenkins outside the Surf
The crowd at The Surf Ballroom
Backstage with Jerry Lee Lewis' band-great guys!
Gary Jenkins at backstage door at The Surf
Jerry Lee Lewis onstage at The Surf
Ritchie Valen's sweet sister and friend
The stunningly beautiful Surf Ballroom.
