I used to think tribute artists (Elvis impersonators, Beatles impersonators, etc.) were not such a good idea, and that they should just do their own thing instead of copying someone else. I thought I would never want to see one perform, figuring if I couldn't see the original artist, I'd just make myself content with old records or CDs. Then one of my friends at work talked me into checking out John Mueller, Jay Richardson, and Ray Anthony in the current Winter Dance Party Tour. I relented, and it totally changed my outlook.

First of all, my particular situation was ideal, since I got to see the show at the historic Riverside Ballroom in Green Bay, WI, which was the site of the 2nd to last show of the ORIGINAL Winter Dance Party! So John Mueller stands on the same stage Buddy stood on, which is pretty cool. And last year, it was snowing as we waited to get in, so the emphasis on 'Winter' was huge!

Second, the crowd consisted largely of people in their 50s and 60s, and the enthusiasm they have for the music of their youth is absolutely infectious. (I'm 38, so I was one of the younger people there!) Several of the people around me in line were at Buddy's show in 1959.

Thirdly, the quality of the musicianship was outstanding. John Mueller does a fantastic job with Buddy's songs. Jay Richardson is the Big Bopper's son, so obviously his heart is in the right place. I haven't seen much footage of Ritchie performing, so I can't really compare Ray Anthony to Ritchie. I will say this, though - the guy is fantastic! The backing band is absolutely killer - drums, guitar (Mueller's brother), and a real showman on stand-up bass. He rides it, and balances on it...way better than Charles Martin Smith in the Buddy Holly Story. I can't imagine any way for a current-day show to replicate a 50's rock'n'roll show more closely than this one does.

The tour is running again this year, mostly here in the upper Midwest. The list of dates can be found at Mueller's website: http://www.yourbuddyjohn.com

Dude,

I like John Mueller, too.

He has German forefathers, his mother tried to send him to school wearing "Lederhosen" (leather trousers), but he refused. That's what he told me in one of the several mails he sent me.

More about John on my website.

A day to remember.

3rd of February, 2006. 47th anniversary of the day the music died.

Let's all pray for our Buddy up there in Teenage Heaven looking at all of us here on this ugly planet (I feel it this way).

From Dortmund in Germany

Snow and frost at the moment

Hans

Buddy's German buddy

Keeper of the flame in Germany

www.buddyhollylives.info

I saw John perform last night at the Winter Dance Party in Watsonville, Ca. last night. The show was amazing, and John was awesome as Buddy! It was also special seeing Jay Richardson performing as his father.

When the entertainer performing as Ritchie stared singing 'Donna', he announced a special guest in the audience, and it was Donna! He sang to her, she cried, it was very emotional.

Julie

Thanks for sharing Julie I wish I could have gone. I bet that was an awesome show.

Did you happen to get any pics last night?

quote:

Originally posted by Rhonda:

Did you happen to get any pics last night?

I was in the nosebleed section (aka balcony), but I did bring my camera and took one pic, only to discover it was the last pic on the roll. I had my digital, but it doesn't have zoom. I took one pic of John after the show with my digital, but he turned his head just as I snapped it. (I don't know why I didn't take more, too excited I guess)

They are playing again tonight, and I wish I could go.

Julie

Last pic on the roll? ooh I hate when that happens.

He sang to 'THE' Donna? Holy cow! I mean, how many iconic girls (now women) were immortalized like that? Not many! Peggy Sue, Donna, umm..., maybe Gloria? Boy I'll bet that was pretty darn cool.

Yeah, it was awesome. They put the spotlight on her when he announced that she was there. Everyone in the place got up out of their seats to see. Then when "Ritchie" sang to her, I don't think there was a dry eye in the place.