The Surf Ballroom & Museum invites visitors to experience Not Fade Away: The Immersive Surf Ballroom Experience — a first-of-its-kind, permanent installation honoring the legacy of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson that opened in September 2025.

Housed in the Music Enrichment Center (MEC) adjacent to the historic Surf Ballroom, Not Fade Away is more than an exhibit, it’s a transformative, multi-sensory journey through the birth of rock ‘n’ roll and the timeless sound that changed American music forever. Through immersive digital storytelling, historic artifacts, restored audio, and original archival materials, guests walk in the footsteps of legends.

Voices Behind the Vision

“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,” said Clear Lake Mayor Nelson Crabb. “This project brings national attention, educational opportunity, and cultural significance to our community. It’s an investment not only in heritage, but in our future.”

“This is a moment years in the making,” added a representative 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.”

Highlights from the Collection

The Surf Music Experience Center features rare and never-before-seen artifacts, including:

Les Paul Innovations

  • Prototype of “The Log,” one of only two existing solid body electric guitars built by Les Paul (c. 1937)

  • Original handwritten plans for the first 8-track tape recording device

  • Les Paul’s original 8-track console, which revolutionized modern recording

  • A 1970 custom Gibson guitar owned and played by Les Paul

  • The “Paulverizer,” one of only three in existence

Celebrity Musician Artifacts

  • Guitar signed by Buddy Holly during the 1959 Winter Dance Party Tour

  • Les Paul guitars owned and played by Slash (Guns N’ Roses) and Warren Haynes (Allman Brothers)

  • Stratocaster signed by legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy

  • B.B. King–signed “Lucille” guitar

  • Willie Nelson–signed guitar

  • Don McLean–signed American Pie LP and guitar

  • Accordion owned and played by Lawrence Welk

  • Leather top hat worn by Slash

Personal Effects of Holly, Valens, and Richardson

  • Microphone used by Buddy Holly at his last Surf Ballroom performance in 1959

  • Red corduroy jacket worn by Holly during his final San Antonio performance

  • Original camera used to capture Pulitzer-nominated crash site photos from February 3, 1959

  • Hand-tooled leather wallet belonging to Ritchie Valens, recovered from the crash

  • Briefcase belonging to J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, recovered from the crash

  • Buddy Holly’s cufflinks, recovered from the crash

  • Ritchie Valens’ original Del-Fi Gold Record for La Bamba and Donna

  • Upright bass from Buddy Holly & The Crickets’ final performance

More Than Music

For the board of the North Iowa Cultural Center & Museum (NICCM), the nonprofit that owns and operates the Surf Ballroom, the project is about legacy.

“This isn’t just about music,” said Jeff Nicholas, President of NICCM’s Board of Directors. “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.”

Planning Your Visit

The immersive experience is offered year-round with multiple ticket tiers, including exclusive VIP packages that provide access to the Surf Ballroom, immersive gallery, and the historic Carl Fox House, once home to the Surf’s founder. Tickets start at $19, with group rates available. Discounts are offered for local residents, military veterans, seniors, and children.

For tickets and information, click here.