The Surf Ballroom & Buddy Holly Crash Site - The Day the Music Died

[@jillgross3968]

My Mom was there that night. She talked about it every year on her birthday, which was February 8th. She was there with her 2 sisters who were older. They had driven from a small farming community called Traer, Ia. They heard the news of the crash on the morning radio, preparing to do farm chores. Mom never forgot! She always had a bit of sadness she carried with her on the days prior to her birthday. Then her birthday was celebrated by family and friends and she put away her sadness for another year. Last year was the 10th anniversary of her passing. I'd like to think she hears them now whenever she wants too.

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

Fascinating story, thanks for sharing. She must have had all kinds of stories from that event at the Surf!

[@jillgross3968]

@@GetmeouttahereErik She did indeed!

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

@@davidniehaus4217 First, thank you for your humble remarks I try to bring unique takes to each filming location. Second, I played alto saxophone in hs marching band so would love to pay respects to Mr. John Philip Sousa if I'm out that direction.

[@johnmcleod210]

She does. As does my father.

[@leanoynomousdotcom]

No she don't hear them,the word of GOD IS REAL

[@johnhudak3829]

Pretty cool video, brother! Thank you so much for taking the TIME to share this with everyone. Very cool and your efforts are much appreciated. Can't wait to show this to my dad.

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

Thanks, i’m a music lover & history nerd. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

@@ZenYoda Thank you 🙏. I’m fascinated by history, more similar videos planned some tragic but also like to focus on optimistic events and perhaps highlight the good that can sprout from the bad.

[@armandobenitez1744]

Hi friend, my name is Armando, I'm from Mexico 🇲🇽 I'm 23 years old, I really love music from 50s and 60s Doo Woop style, I love Richie's history and Buddy Holly's history, I really enjoyed watching your documentary, it's amazing 😊👏🏼 thank you for sharing this, it's sad that I can't be there to enjoy historical places Greetings from Mexico, Jehovah bless you

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

Gracias mi amigo! I hope you can travel someday and visit these places. Mi novia es de Guanajuato, so I plan to visit and film in Mexico pronto! I will be in El Paso, TX next week y might visit Cuidad Juarez.

[@jamesduffy9946]

Great tour well done 😎👍

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

Thanks!

[@Gman-qm6bv]

Great tour and video, thank you!

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@OscarInsuaJumpin]

Thanks by the video, a jewel. hugs and many thnaks from the north of spain, Santiago De Compostela,Galicia

[@tarasmith7859]

You have a great personality and seem grateful with all you do. Thank you for covering this story. Since I was a kid and saw the movie, La Bamba, I have been very interested in what happened on that fateful night. I am a new subscriber. Keep up the good work!

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@maryclark1049]

Thanks for this great video👍🏻 Just subbed👍🏻😊

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

Glad you liked it

[@maryclark1049]

@@GetmeouttahereErik I've been reading and watching all I can about Buddy Holly and the crash. I had no idea of all the details and that he had died so young. I had no clue Ritchie Valens was only 17. So very sad.

[@2015Zoe]

Was up there bout a yr ago . You did real well taking the video inside and crash side. I live her in des Moines .Be 70 this yr was 1st time up there. Thank you for the Tour.

[@JustJim772]

Hi Erik, nice job on this video. i've never been to this crash site but i've always been interested in this story. so sad though. Rock on forever RIP.

[@rjwalker4153]

Those sinks at 14:17 are the same type I have in my bathroom. (I have an older home). I always thought they must date 1950's or before, but now I know it. Living in Minnesota, I never knew my state had a Buddy Holly connection until years later when I found out his last tour went through Minnesota and he gave performances here in late January, 1959. I was a baby then so don't remember any of it though.

[@elvisfan6475]

This is incredible. A great video. Awesome coverage. Many thanks. Keep the great videos coming.

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

Thank you!

[@jeanieruter7416]

I enjoyed your documentary. Thank you for this. In case you haven't heard, there are two conflicting stories on the infamous coin toss. Dion Dimucci has a different story to tell, so if you haven't checked it out yet, it's on KZbin. (I believe Dion). After watching several different videos on this subject, The Surf Ballroom and memorial at the crash site are now on my bucket list of places to visit. You have a delightful personality. Thanks again for the interesting tour.

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

Thank you, definitely visit! The Surf is so well preserved, feels like you step back in time. As for the coin toss I heard there was a different story told by Dion, I tend to go with the Tommy Allsup and Waylon Jennings version but hard to say for sure 🤷‍♂️

[@marytormey4522]

Hi rock fans ,must have been amazing to see this historic location ,thanks for sharing ,

[@BeautifulFlower62]

Thank you! great job - i got ghoosebumps! There were 5 pieces of identification. Buddy Holly had Tommy Allsup’s wallet too so he could pick up a package at the post office , so they felt there were 5 people in the plane. Pretty wild! The sunset was amazing. Thinking of making a trip there soon! I have subscribed to your channel. Again, fantastic job! ⭐️

[@paluceash]

Buddy 😭😭🙏🏼🎸🎸

[@genniferkelly]

Hi Erik.. it's been a while since I been on here.. Wow you must be having a wonderful time there.. February 2 , 1959 Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper passed away from a tragic plane crash, so heartbreaking 💔😢🙏 very sad. THE DAY THE MUSIC 🎶🎶 DIED

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

Sad yet the music lives on

[@JustJim772]

Hello Gennifer, your post comment caught my attention because you look so young to even know who these Entertainers were, thats impressive cause most young people dont know who they were😣

[@jillgross3968]

@@JustJim772 not so fast. My young 26 year old son knows and appreciates their music. Although he loves Patsy Cline and Elvis, so maybe he's uncommon. However, just because your young plays no bearing on who or what you may like or know!

[@JustJim772]

@@jillgross3968 don't get me wrong i think thats wonderful because today's music just doesn't have the staying power of music from the 50's, 60's and 70's🤗

[@randallg961]

Great video. Amazing documentation of that night.

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

Thank you

[@Steve-td9ji]

This is an interesting video. Thanks for making it.

[@yvanfournier24700]

Richi Vallon Buddy Holly I Signe is songs thé best for m’y True love Hé Way .D’Anna .

[@darren6687]

A very interesting tragic sad heartbreaking story

[@robertjohnm.gunabe6481]

I watched the movie La Bamba(1987) starring Lou Diamond Phillips...

[@yvanfournier24700]

I love Buddy Holly and Richie VallonThe big Bopper ISing is songs on you tub mémorise yvan fournier thank for your documentaire 🌹

[@prestonkey9005]

A year late but great video

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

Thank you

[@lashany2626]

great video

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

Thank you

[@lashany2626]

@@GetmeouttahereErik Your welcome

[@jukedar]

there is no doubt Buddy Hollys , Ritchie Valens and the Big Boppers ghost haunt that very place at night, Scary imagine being in there late at night after closing and then hearing helllllllllllllooooooo baaaaaaaby

[@chiasanzes9770]

I would be honored to catch up their spirits there not scared at all but then again I am not an American.

[@OliveGreen0516]

I doubt it. They probably want nothing to do with that place.

[@jamesdobson9622]

This is so sad

[@tammynoble3057]

What a sad and great lose to music 🎶 and to the world to think what he and the othere would have done in life and wirh there music it just such a sad lost the only good thing left is think god for the great music they were able to give to the world before they had to go .

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

Couldn’t have said it better.

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

KZbin still processing, HD & 4K options soon.

[@judyteeple8329]

Rage on, it's a crazy feeling

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

Rave on classic!

[@marytormey4522]

Hi fans ,it must have been an amazing experience ,wonder if it's haunted ,you might not see anything but I'm sure the building is full of energy from that last night ,the music lives on ,thanks for sharing ,

[@johnmcleod210]

Erik , do recall an interview with Doug McLeod??? He saw Buddy in Ft. Dodge Iowa 1/30/59. He recently passed and im trying to find that interview. Any help would be appreciated.

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

I do not, however keep me updated because I'd love to watch it if you find it. I was short on time when I filmed that day, but was very close to driving to Fort Dodge to see the old theater where they played.

[@johnmcleod210]

@@GetmeouttahereErik I recently visited The Laramar Ballroom. Many photos were taken of Buddy that night.

[@johnmcleod210]

Your enthusiasm is awesome. I have much information about 1/30/59

[@rickkanski4505]

Can you visit the surf ballroom anytime,also how far of a drive is it from ballroom to the crash site?

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

Visit their website surfballroom.com for visiting hours, they're open most days til 4pm. It's only about a 10 min drive to the crash site. Keep in mind they are gravel roads.

[@rickkanski4505]

@@GetmeouttahereErik OK thanks,this definitely is on my bucket list.Been a Ritchie and Buddy fan for a long time and always wanted to visit the Ballroom and crash site.I am coming from Tennessee,do you know or recommend any other sites that I could stop at on the way there.

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

@@rickkanski4505 Definitely make a trip, well worth the visit especially if you're a Ritchie and Buddy fan. What time of year are you planning your trip?

[@patrickmonaghan9783]

I work at papa Everett’s

[@JOHNKUHNMUSIC]

VERY tastefully done! 😎Seen MANY docs since the 70s & ones similar to this here recently ,but your coverage /narration with your own personal vibe takes the cake by far! NEVER before SAW that newspaper clippin of those fateful words Waylon said to Buddy?...I always thought THAT cat came outta the bag LONG after? (wonder who leaked THAT?)😲 OH? .. yeah the PEE'er or PEE'ers'. Most likely were us ole BOOMERS with BPH. 🤕That walk woulda warranted ME going 2-3 times?😇🙃

[@CKDH-YT]

7:32 sadly the pineapple leaning up against the fence looks like the wreckage of the plane leaning on the fence

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

Interesting, never thought of that but is rather eerie.

[@nursesteve2004]

I have a unique idea for a short film about the crash. It starts out with the three arriving at the airport, paying their fares, and boarding the plane, all excited to be getting ahead long enough to rest and clean their clothes. Then the plane goes down with a huge crash...there is a moment of intense pain and then they are thrown clear. Buddy comes too, and picks himsaelf off the ground and sees Ritchie and pilot Roger Peterson, also getting up. "Wow, what the hell just happened guys?" Ritchie replies "I don't know, man, I just heard a big bang and boom, here we are." Roger says "Man I don't know.....the ground just appeared in front of us....we were supposed to be going up but somehow we went down instead." Buddy looked back at the wreckage and was shocked "man will you look at the plane? It's all rolled up! How did we get out of that?" Just then the Bopper comes over saying "Man what the hell happened? A big boom and here I am in some cornfield, and oh my Gawd, look at our plane! " Roger says "man we had beter think about how we are getting back to the airport, we got no way to call them and tell them what happened to us, and we got to get out of this cold." Just then, Ritchie calls out to them "Hey guys, you might want to come see this....I got a funny feeling." the four of them walk over to the side of the wreckage and in the dim light of the stars, they see two bodies. Buddy looks down closely and says "Uh.....guys, ....I don't know how to say this, but that looks kind like me. And this one next to it kinda looks like you, Ritchie." Bopper says "uh guys I'll be back in a second." A moment later, Bopper returned and said grimly "Guys....where I picked myself up from? There's a body over there....and it's me, and I got a strange feeling....how do you all feel? Because I feel fine, like I don't have a cold or flu anymore. I don't even feel cold, I feel kinda warm all over." Ritchie said "Yeah....I don't have my cold anymore, and I feel warm too, like it's not even cold out here, but it should be, just look at the snow. What does this all mean?" It was Roger who spoke the words they all feared... "Guys, I think I know why we survived.....because we didn't....those are your bodies there, and I think I know where I'm at..." walking over to the wreckage, he leaned over and peered into the wreckage and saw himself rolled up in the wrecked plane "yes....I'm in there.....and this means..." Buddy finished for him "we're all dead, that's why." Just then the night was split by a blinding light that appeared to beckon them. Bopper spoke for them "Guys.....I think we should go to the light." the four of them walked to the light and were submerged in its brightness. When the four of them were in the light, it winked out, and the night sky went dark again, the wreckage and bodies waiting to be discovered hours later in the daylight.

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

Bravo, great storytelling! I can picture the whole thing, the adventure continues I like it 👍

[@patrickcasey357]

Just to be clear Waylon Jennings is the one playing bass for Buddy.

[@elgato894]

sorry the grimmcollective was here 4/10/2022 i like his tour better.

[@Steve-td9ji]

Definitely vintage 50s. It's not that big but full of history.

[@gordonteats298]

The day the music exploded

[@PS-ru2ov]

I wonder if the coins they used are still in that payphone??????????

[@jaroslavmaly3333]

Buddy Holly is better than ELVIS -FOR ME -Jerry from the Czech Republic -born 1959

[@GetmeouttahereErik]

Me too, true king of Rock ‘n Roll.

[@leanoynomousdotcom]

The music didn't die at all

[@michaelhurley3171]

Has anyone seen their ghosts there? Is it haunted?