Surf Ballroom Launches Immersive Tribute to Buddy Holly, Valens, and The Big Bopper

A powerful new tribute to three of rock ‘n’ roll’s earliest legends is set to debut this September in the same venue where their final performance took place. The Surf Ballroom & Museum will officially launch Not Fade Away: The Immersive Surf Ballroom Experience, a permanent, interactive exhibit honoring the legacy of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson.

The grand opening will coincide with what would have been Buddy Holly’s 88th birthday. Opening events begin Thursday, September 4, with a book signing and special preview. A ribbon cutting and full unveiling of the exhibit will follow on Sunday, September 7.

More than just an exhibit, Not Fade Away is a multi-sensory journey through the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, housed in the newly constructed Music Enrichment Center (MEC) adjacent to the historic Surf Ballroom. Through immersive storytelling, rare audio, and never-before-seen memorabilia, visitors will experience firsthand how the music and artists of the 1950s forever transformed American culture.

“This is a moment years in the making,” said Brian Luallen, CEO of the Surf Ballroom & Museum. “We’ve combined cutting-edge technology with the soul of rock ‘n’ roll to tell a story that is as moving as it is unforgettable. Not Fade Away honors the legacy of the artists who helped define a generation—and reminds us why their music still matters today.”

Originally opened in 1933, the Surf Ballroom has played a central role in shaping the American music scene for over 90 years. Designated a National Historic Landmark, it is best known as the final venue where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper performed before their tragic plane crash in 1959. Operated by the North Iowa Cultural Center & Museum, the Surf continues to host concerts and educational programming throughout the year—and now adds this immersive experience to its offerings.

Clear Lake Mayor Nelson Crabb called the launch a meaningful investment in both the town’s past and future. “Not Fade Away reflects the power of public-private partnership and our shared commitment to preserving and promoting Clear Lake’s unique place in American music history. This project brings national attention, educational opportunity, and cultural significance to our community.”

Artifacts on display in the new Music Experience Center span both history and pop culture. Among them:

Les Paul innovations:

• One of only two existing prototypes for the “Log,” his 1937 solid body electric guitar
• Original handwritten plans for the first 8-track tape recorder
• His groundbreaking 8-track console
• A 1970 custom Gibson guitar played by Les Paul
• The rare “Paulverizer,” one of only three in existence

Celebrity musician memorabilia:

• Guitar signed by Buddy Holly during the 1959 Winter Dance Party Tour
• Les Paul guitars played by Slash and Warren Haynes
• Stratocaster signed by blues legend Buddy Guy
• BB King’s signed “Lucille” guitar, a Willie Nelson signed guitar, and Don McLean’s American Pie LP and guitar
• Accordion owned and played by Lawrence Welk
• Slash’s iconic leather top hat

Deeply personal artifacts of Holly, Valens, and Richardson:

• Microphone used by Buddy Holly at his final Surf Ballroom performance
• His red corduroy jacket from his last San Antonio show
• Ritchie Valens’ hand-tooled leather wallet, recovered from the crash site
• J.P. Richardson’s briefcase, also recovered
• Holly’s cufflinks and Valens’ original Del-Fi Gold Records for La Bamba and Donna
• Upright bass used during the final performance of Buddy Holly and the Crickets
• The camera that captured Pulitzer-nominated photographs of the 1959 crash

Jeff Nicholas, President of the board of the North Iowa Cultural Center & Museum, emphasized that the project carries emotional weight for those involved. “This isn’t just about music. It’s about memory, emotion, and the voices that continue to echo across generations. With Not Fade Away, we’re creating a space where history comes alive—and where our children and grandchildren can understand just how powerful one song, one show, or one moment can be.”

Multiple ticket tiers will be available, including VIP packages that offer access to the immersive gallery, the Surf Ballroom, and the historic Carl Fox House, the former residence of the venue’s founder. Discounts will be offered to local residents, military veterans, seniors, and children. A full schedule of opening week events is expected soon.

As one of only four music venues in the United States designated as a National Historic Landmark, the Surf Ballroom continues to be where the music lives—preserving its legacy not just in memory, but in sound, story, and experience.