CLUB SANDWICH 5

THE

GREEN BAY HOLLY PHOTOS

These photographs were taken by Larry Matti a tenor Charlie Bunch's absence. Their tour bus had broken When they first went backstage, there was a big man saxophonist who had travelled from Wausau to Green down after leaving Duluth, Minnesota. It had taken sitting there in a plaid shirt. None of them recognised Bay, Wisconsin on February 1, 1959 with four friends, some time to get help, and Charlie got frostbitten feet, him until everyone changed into their costumes. Then Bob Oeslreich, his brother Terry, Judy and Joan requiring hospitalization. The arrangement then, as there was no mistaking him - the Big Bopper with his Bender. During 1958, as a semi-professional Rock 'N Bob recalls, was to have Ritchie Valens play drums for long leopard skin jacket! Roll group they played week-end engagements in Dion and the Belmonts, one of the Belmonts played for Ritchie Valens is remembered as being very quiet and Wausau, Wisconsin and through previous meetings had the Big Bopper and Frankie Sardo, and Bob played for slaying out of most of the good nalured banter that met and played with Buddy Holly. Buddy. Waylon Jennings and Tommy'Allsup played for took place backstage. But that all seemed to disappear That night they arrived early, about 6.30 and got into all of the performers, as well as with Buddy. when he went onstage in his blue satin shirt and black the Riverside ballroom as the groups were setting up on .studded vest. It was like he lived for those moments stage. Bob asked Buddy if they could possibly stay onstage, and made the most of them when they came. backstage during their performances. Buddy approved, He seemed to really enjoy the added opportunity of and in fact asked Bob if he would help to fill in for playing the drums that night.

•ar

m Buddy backstage with Frankie Sardo (left) and Dion Buddy with twin sisters Joan and Judy Bender, a Buddy, onstage with Waylon Jennings (left), and (of (he Belmonts). Ritchie Valens was probably vocal group called the Jayettes who sang his song Tommy Allsup (right, behind Buddy). One of the onstage at this time as the Big Bopper is just visible in 'Peggy Sue' in those days. Belmonts is silting at the back of the stage, between the left side of the photo. Buddy and Waylon.

Believed to be (he last photo taken of Buddy Holly on (he night of his last concert at Green Bay, Wisconsin Club Sandwich £33 IdBO MPl. Commutilcalions Lid. Published by Wiujcs pun Club, P.O. UoxdUP, London Wl 4UP, as a special advcriisinii supplcmcnl lo Music Wct-k. Produced hy Sine/London. Printed by Pcnsord Press Ltd. Gwcnt.