Buddy Holly Tribute For The Duluth Armory Coming In January

Did you know that one of Buddy Holly's last performances was right here in Duluth? Buddy Holly's 1959 Winter Dance Party Tour had a performance in Duluth, Minnesota at the National Guard Armory on January 31st, 1959. Two days later he, Richie Valens, and The Big Bopper would die in a plane crash in Iowa. It would become known as the "Day The Music Died."

Also at the Armory for Buddy Holly's performance was a young man known as Robert Zimmerman. He and a friend had hitchhiked from Hibbing to Duluth to see Buddy Holly perform.

It's said that this is when Zimmerman decided to pursue a life in music. He later became known as Bob Dylan. There's still a star on the armory floor marking where Dylan stood and watched.

The Duluth Armory has some big plans for bringing the venue back to life. Construction has begun, and they hope to finish by 2026. There's a lot of expensive work to do, but it's finally happening.

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The biggest annual fundraising event for the Duluth Armory is the event "A Tribute To Buddy Holly" which will take place at Clyde Iron Works on Sunday, January 26, 2025.

The tribute will also include songs from Richie Valens, Big Bopper, and Dion & The Delmonts.

Todd Eckart and his band will be performing the tribute. Opening for him will be the Mackie Brothers. The night will be hosted by comedian Danielle Thralow.

Tickets are available now on Eventbrite. Doors open at 5:15 pm. General Admission tickets are $25, and VIP seating are $60.