DON McLEAN MARKS THE 55TH ANNIVERSARY OF “AMERICAN PIE” AS THE SURF BALLROOM ANNOUNCES A 2027 LIFE‑SIZE BRONZE STATUE HONORING THE ICONIC SINGER‑SONGWRITER

Statue will be installed at the legendary venue where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson played their final show CLEAR LAKE, Ia. (February 3, 2026) — Fifty‑five years after its release, Don McLean’s “American Pie” remains one of the most enduring anthems in American music — a sweeping, eight‑minute epic that captured a nation in transition and immortalized the phrase “the … Continue reading DON McLEAN MARKS THE 55TH ANNIVERSARY OF “AMERICAN PIE” AS THE SURF BALLROOM ANNOUNCES A 2027 LIFE‑SIZE BRONZE STATUE HONORING THE ICONIC SINGER‑SONGWRITER

musicmatters2018February 3, 2026Leave a comment

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SURF BALLROOM CELEBRATES OPENING OF NEW SURF MUSIC EXPERIENCE CENTER SEPTEMBER 5-7

SURF BALLROOM LAUNCHES GROUNDBREAKING ‘NOT FADE AWAY’ IMMERSIVE MUSIC EXPERIENCE ON BUDDY HOLLY’S BIRTHDAY A first-of-its-kind tribute to rock ‘n’ roll icons Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper CLEAR LAKE, Ia. – The public is invited to help celebrate the official opening of the Surf Music Experience Center beginning Friday, September 5th. Located next door to the legendary ballroom, the Music Experience Center (MEC) will be … Continue reading SURF BALLROOM CELEBRATES OPENING OF NEW SURF MUSIC EXPERIENCE CENTER SEPTEMBER 5-7

musicmatters2018September 2, 2025Leave a comment

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SURF BALLROOM LAUNCHES GROUND BREAKING ‘NOT FADE AWAY’ IMMERSIVE MUSIC EXPERIENCE ON BUDDY HOLLY’S BIRTHDAY

A first-of-its-kind tribute to rock ‘n’ roll icons Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper Clear Lake, Iowa – This September, the Surf Ballroom & Museum will unveil ‘Not Fade Away: The Immersive Surf Ballroom Experience’ – a permanent first-of-its-kind experience honoring the legacy of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson in Clear Lake, Iowa.Opening festivities kick off on Thursday, September … Continue reading SURF BALLROOM LAUNCHES GROUND BREAKING ‘NOT FADE AWAY’ IMMERSIVE MUSIC EXPERIENCE ON BUDDY HOLLY’S BIRTHDAY

musicmatters2018August 5, 2025Leave a comment

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Pete Drake To Make History As First Steel Guitarist Inducted Into The Country Music Hall of Fame

May 1 Gala Will Feature A Retrospective Of Drake’s Extraordinary Life As Musician, Producer, Publisher, Label Founder & Recording Artist Pete Drake will make history as the first steel guitarist to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Drake, who was once featured on 59 of the 75 songs on Billboard’s Top Country Hitschart, also enjoyed success as a producer, publisher, record label founder and recording artist. … Continue reading Pete Drake To Make History As First Steel Guitarist Inducted Into The Country Music Hall of Fame

musicmattersmagazineApril 6, 2022April 6, 2022Leave a comment

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Don McLean announces new tour with UK dates

Don McLean, one of America’s greatest singer-songwriters, will continue to bring his music to stages across the world stage in 2018 with the announcement of concerts in Ireland, United Kingdom, and, of course, the United States. In addition, McLean will soon announce the release of new music. Most recently McLean rereleased his classic ‘American Pie’ album in celebration of its 45th anniversary in both CD … Continue reading Don McLean announces new tour with UK dates

musicmattersmagazineNovember 17, 2017Leave a comment