Rock' n Roll stars, Buddy Holly, J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson and Ritchie Valens are remembered at Three Stars Plaza located ½ block west of the legendary Surf Ballroom. An original work of art representing a giant record player spindle stacked with three 45 rpm records is located in the center of Three Stars Plaza. The 15-foot art feature honors the stars' fateful final performance at Clear Lake’s Surf Ballroom in early February 1959. The trio, along with pilot Roger Peterson, died hours after their performance in a plane crash in a field north of Clear Lake. At night the three records are beautifully lit in blue neon.
Click here for map to Three Stars Plaza
PLANE CRASH SITE of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens & “The Big Bopper”
Click here for map to Plane Crash Site
Larger-than-life “Buddy Holly” glasses marks the entrance to the half-mile trail leading to the exact spot where the plane came to rest following their final concert. A stainless steel guitar and a set of three stainless steel records are located at the actual crash site. In 2009, a second monument was erected to honor their pilot, Roger Peterson. The memorials are located on private property and visitors are asked to respect their rights while visiting.
Click here to link to the Surf Ballroom & Museum.