That coin toss he did with Ritchie Valens must have haunted him for years when he saw how close he came to being on that plane. Great interview. RIP Tommy.
well things happen who knew the plane was gonna crash , but the one which is sad was between Waylon Jennings & buddy Holly when they were talking about the plane ride & Waylon having to take the bus & the bus had no heat so jokingly Buddy told Waylon I hope you freeze & Waylon replied back Jokingly I hope your plane crashes , & the guilt Waylon felt for the rest of his life would be more than I could bear , so sad you joke with some like that & it comes true , so sad
Another really fascinating interview, thanks Joe. I had read his name many times without really knowing jot about him. Guys like these were the pioneers of electric guitar playing and it's great that you're not letting them be forgotten .
Yet another musician who escaped my notice but whom I'm thankful to have finally "discovered." These Vault Series interviews are like a graduate course in who's who of musicians and music industry greats. I'm so thankful to have discovered this. I can't wait for the day when the coronavirus pandemic is over and I can come visit the Musician's Hall of Fame in person.
I've watched a whole bunch of these interviews you've done, Joe, and this is one of the best - esp. cause the great Tommy Allsup , a player many folks are not that familiar with. Tommy is absolutely, totally down to earth - real deal West Texas country boy with so much natural talent and what a legacy of both live and studio work. Thanks SO MUCH for posting this one. You do such a great job with interviewing and editing. I've responded to you before and will keep looking for more of these.
Danny .... Thank you.... I met Tommy in Studio B CBS records... he had just played on a Johnny Paycheck session that was also the session that had the first song I ever had recorded. He was very kind to me. Spent time after the session giving me advice and encouragement. Best... Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum You know, man, bless your heart for founding the Musicians HOF & Museum. As a musician, songwriter and producer, you truly understand. What I love about the Musicians HOF oral interviews are all, as Jimmy Capps termed, "the men (and women) in back"...you focusing on studio players as well as men and women in ALL aspects of the Music Business, not just the big well-known headliner stars, although, yes, you have a few of those too - and they are also wonderful. So thanks again.
Another outstanding interview ! I'm amazed at the quality content of these interviews that seem to be done so casually and seemingly on the spot sometimes. They really stand out. Excellent work.
The thing is, the guys who got on the plane thought they were the winner’s of the coin toss. I have been in a similar position and you never forget nor forgive yourself. What a history Mr. Allsup has. Another instant classic, Joe.
Joe your video interviews are second to none. I am amazed how good these are put together along with your interview skills. However the best part is they lead me to visiting the Musicians Hall Of Fame. WOW what an unbelievable experiance. To anyone going to Nashville, it is a must see. I found it to be better than the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!
This generation of guys played on hundreds, thousands of dates. Me, I did local bars and didn't chart even once. Hard to chart when you only have 200 copies made lol.
Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum I’ve been fascinated with music history since one of my parents friends (who we both English professors at Berkeley when I was born in 1964) John Szwed -wrote “So What? The life and times of Miles Davis.” I grew up listening to the Mothers of Invention, Coltrane, Flatt and Scruggs, MJQ, Charlie Parker, and the Beatles (who John told my dad about when they were still “The Quarrymen” and he saw them play the Cavern Club in England. My parents got to see Miles at the Blackhawk in San Francisco, along with Charlie Parker, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan (when he was like 18) they were at the Monterey Pop Festival-- I felt I was born one generation too late! I got to see Zappa, Miles, Dylan--among many dozens of others in the late 70s and early 80s but I think what you are doing is extremely important for those of us just a tad too young to have seen some of the giants of music in their prime. God bless you for your work. It’s as, if not more, important than John’s work decades ago and will reach a much broader audience than his -since so many of the younger kids don’t READ anymore! Semper Fi. ❤️
Incredible. I've driven by Clear Lake about 100 times or more. Just can't bring myself to go to the site.......Maybe next time. Many Thanks for this. Buddy
These stories are amazing. I remember the story of Waylon giving up his seat, but I hadn't heard this one until now. Life is very strange at times. Thanks for another great interview.
“Some’s gotta win, some’s gotta lose.” I don’t know why but I got a shiver up my spine when he said that. It was real life and death he was talking about. Big Bopper, Richie Valens and Buddy Holly lost that day.
Excellent interview, and Tommy, what a story he has to tell, I could listen for hours, and he seems to be a genuine, down to earth man you'd love to have as a friend...What the hell's a capo, cracked me up, then, in 1968 Tommy runs into Chet when he moved to Nashville, Chet says, HEY, did ya ever get ya a capo. Good stuff right there ~
Thanks for this great series of great interviews, so many great insights. My wife likes her afternoon soaps. These video presentations are my new soap opera. So much truer to life.
Thanks Frank( my Dad’s name too) Glad you are enjoying them. I’ve spent much of this Corona down time watching every music documentary I can find. Best, Joe
A true pioneering musical genuis. I mean he played a strat in 54 and i believe his story on buddy he was in his band and later became a producer in the industry no reason for him to lie
Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, IA. Lots of the bands play or played gigs there. I guess even that is over now. Even before COVID-19, musicians had a dangerous job. Musicians are front line workers. Lots of people die from the traveling. Travel here, travel there, ride a bus across the country, fly to Japan.... It's just too much.
Great interview Joe, look forward to seeing Tommy’s Bass in the museum! I understand exactly how Waylon felt, I can’t imagine how I would deal with an identical situation! Tommy was another example of someone who knew where their life was destined from a young age! I just finished listening to Roll On, Tommy’s Bass was synchronized with the drummer throughout the song, what talent!💫
Oh wow, I lived in Lawton, Oklahoma but that was decades after Tommy played there. Another reason Waylon felt so bad about the accident was because before they parted ways Buddy was kidding around and he told Waylon that he hoped the bus broke down, and Waylon replied, "Yeah, well I hope your plane crashes." That haunted Waylon. R.I.P. Tommy and all the other legends that have gone before him. Thanks Joe for another informative interview. I always learn so much about these awesome musicians.
When I started playing guitar one of the first songs my guitar teacher taught me was It's so easy I absolutely loved the solo, now I know who played it.
It's funny, Joe... I couldn't hear your questions very well, but it didn't matter, cos everything came clear through Mr Allsups answers. That means you know who you are interviewing, and that your interest is genuine. Good stuff. I like it a lot.
Thanks Arne... Again that was when I wasn’t wearing a mic as I never intended to be heard. They were only meant for use inside the museum..., but then here comes RUclips::) Thanks again.. Joe
Crazy good story. There was an Allsup who played lead guitar with Three Dog Night. Mike ? Related ? Guess I should look him up (old GP's are in a box).
I had heard a story about Waylon giving up his seat because the Big Bopper wasn’t feeling well. But Tommy winning a coin flip with Richie? Unbelievable. Thank you, Joe, for the rich musical history that you extract from your guests and share with us each week. It’s truly priceless. -Clay-
Thanks Widdat... well actually Tommy lost the coin flip but losing saved his life. ...... yes Buddy kidded Waylon saying “I hope your ole bus breaks down “ and Waylon kiddingly replied “Well I hope your ole plane crashes”. To my understanding Waylon had a hard time getting over saying that even though he was just kidding back with Buddy. Thanks again... Joe
Hi Buzz.... yes Tommy was as laid back as they come. I first met him in CBS Studio B after a session he played on. I had just moved to Nashville to be a songwriter and Tommy stayed after the session talking to me giving me encouragement and advice... great guy. Best, Joe
@@chrissflesher According to Dion he gave his seat up to Richie Valens because Valens , who was only 17, was suffering terribly from the cold (Valens was a Californian) and Dion, who was from a poor family and still thought that way thought $36 was too much for a short plane trip. Holly chartered the plane, he wanted Dion, Richie and The Bopper to go with him but there was only room for the pilot and three others. Valens lost the coin toss with Dion but Dion gave him his seat for the reasons stated above. Waylon Jennings and Tommy Alsup were backing musicians, only the headliners were able to spend $36.
Waylon said the tour continued after the plane crash. They changed the keys as needed for Waylon to sing. I wonder if Tommy sang on a few too? The promoters felt the show had to go on. Tommys description of playing tic-tac bass is interesting. Is that basically the same as chicken picken on a guitar?
Ritchie Valens today is more famous than anyone else. why? i mean he was the youngest and the less famous of these 3 but his legacy is maybe much more interesting for the public. well he swore to never fly.. and he won th toin coss ...what a dramatic story to die
Terrific interview Joe! Yet another self taught, humble & very talented musician. I guess that Tommy was right when he said "someones got to win & someones got to lose". Thanks for these videos Joe........ 👍👍🎸🎸
Niki left the band before then. It was just the three of them... Joe B., J.I and Buddy for a while. Then they split and Buddy started a new band and left the Crickets name with J.I and Joe B. to perform under. Thanks for watching............Joe
According to DION (Dion DiMucci) who was also a headliner on that tour, it was he who was part of the coin toss and it was he who gave up his seat to Richie Valens. He said most people don't know about it because nobody ever asked him for his side of the story. He said the plane was rented specifically for 3 of the 4 main headliners, so the other band members wouldn't have had anything to do with it. That story seems to make sense to me.
@@billgreen6263 Yes, the research says otherwise, but Dion said the people who have written about it over the years never got his side of the story. Dion was literally there as one of the headliners and Dion said he was the one who participated in the coin toss and eventually gave his seat to Ritchie.
@@JukeboxJoeB I'm a Dion fan but he bullshits a lot. I guess to make himself more relevant. Many times in interviews he claimed to have written " The Wanderer" and "Abraham Martin and John", but he didn't. He never mentioned the "Coin Toss" in his 1988 book "The Wanderer"
From Wikipedia: In 1979, he started a club named Tommy's Heads Up Saloon in Fort Worth.[8] The club was named for Allsup's coin toss with Valens 20 years beforehand
I believe Dion version of the story. 4 seats total on plane. Pilot had one, Buddy who booked the plane had #2 that left two seats. Dion said the other three headliners where offered the two remaining seats. Dion, Richie & Big Bopper at $32 a person hence the coin flip. The whole story according to Dion took over a hour to tell the whole journey of the tour up to the crash. A great story non the less.
From Wikipedia: In 1979, he started a club named Tommy's Heads Up Saloon in Fort Worth.[8] The club was named for Allsup's coin toss with Valens 20 years beforehand
It makes more sense that Buddy would give the seats to his band. There were 3 seats but 4 headliners, leaving one out could cause bad feelings. Also it's more likely that there's only one liar (Dion) than two (Allsup and Waylon).
That coin toss he did with Ritchie Valens must have haunted him for years when he saw how close he came to being on that plane. Great interview. RIP Tommy.
well things happen who knew the plane was gonna crash , but the one which is sad was between Waylon Jennings & buddy Holly when they were talking about the plane ride & Waylon having to take the bus & the bus had no heat so jokingly Buddy told Waylon I hope you freeze & Waylon replied back Jokingly I hope your plane crashes , & the guilt Waylon felt for the rest of his life would be more than I could bear , so sad you joke with some like that & it comes true , so sad
Another really fascinating interview, thanks Joe. I had read his name many times without really knowing jot about him. Guys like these were the pioneers of electric guitar playing and it's great that you're not letting them be forgotten .
Thanks Shaun.... Joe
Yet another musician who escaped my notice but whom I'm thankful to have finally "discovered." These Vault Series interviews are like a graduate course in who's who of musicians and music industry greats. I'm so thankful to have discovered this. I can't wait for the day when the coronavirus pandemic is over and I can come visit the Musician's Hall of Fame in person.
Thanks Willam... Joe
I've watched a whole bunch of these interviews you've done, Joe, and this is one of the best - esp. cause the great Tommy Allsup , a player many folks are not that familiar with. Tommy is absolutely, totally down to earth - real deal West Texas country boy with so much natural talent and what a legacy of both live and studio work. Thanks SO MUCH for posting this one. You do such a great job with interviewing and editing. I've responded to you before and will keep looking for more of these.
Danny .... Thank you.... I met Tommy in Studio B CBS records... he had just played on a Johnny Paycheck session that was also the session that had the first song I ever had recorded. He was very kind to me. Spent time after the session giving me advice and encouragement.
Best... Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum You know, man, bless your heart for founding the Musicians HOF & Museum. As a musician, songwriter and producer, you truly understand. What I love about the Musicians HOF oral interviews are all, as Jimmy Capps termed, "the men (and women) in back"...you focusing on studio players as well as men and women in ALL aspects of the Music Business, not just the big well-known headliner stars, although, yes, you have a few of those too - and they are also wonderful. So thanks again.
Love how you interview these greats, Joe! You ask great questions and give them a chance to respond without interrupting. Thank you!
Thanks again Sawlon... Joe
Thanks Joe for another quality upload .. looking forward to you hitting 100K subs :)
Thanks a2.... Joe
Another outstanding interview !
I'm amazed at the quality content of these interviews that seem to be done so casually and seemingly on the spot sometimes.
They really stand out.
Excellent work.
Thanks 65... Joe
Seems like he was a down to earth sweetheart of a guy. He left us on my 50th birthday. RIP Tommy.
"He'd cut live..." Those days are long over. Great interview!
Thanks Mike... Joe
What are you talking about? Nowadays, I get my sequencer set up, pitch corrector on 10 and hit play on my drum machine... We are recording live baby!
This guy's a straight shooter and don't bullshit around... when asked a question he waste no time answering it.
The thing is, the guys who got on the plane thought they were the winner’s of the coin toss. I have been in a similar position and you never forget nor forgive yourself. What a history Mr. Allsup has. Another instant classic, Joe.
Thanks Clayton... Joe
Great interview! Tommy very humble guy wish more guys were like him.
Thanks John....Joe
I went to Lubbock and you can feel holly there, like elvis he was a teenager with dreams who got somewhere
I've always wanted to go, but have yet to make it.
Thanks for getting the vaults posted Joe 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks for watching Thomas... Joe
Joe your video interviews are second to none. I am amazed how good these are put together along with your interview skills. However the best part is they lead me to visiting the Musicians Hall Of Fame. WOW what an unbelievable experiance. To anyone going to Nashville, it is a must see. I found it to be better than the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!
Thanks Ed for making my month..... best.... Joe.... ( really I mean it:)
Another great story! And big thanks to the talented folk dropping in all those informative pix and such. Definitely adds to the tale. Thank you!
Thanks Caine... Joe
This generation of guys played on hundreds, thousands of dates. Me, I did local bars and didn't chart even once. Hard to chart when you only have 200 copies made lol.
With a name like that, how could you go wrong?
@@rosskstar are you suggesting that Engle should change his given Christian given name?.. and then slap his mother?
Anybody who's picked up a guitar owes something to guys like Tommy
Love your channel. Great little pearls of history! Semper Fi. ❤️👍
Thanks Greg... Joe
Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum I’ve been fascinated with music history since one of my parents friends (who we both English professors at Berkeley when I was born in 1964) John Szwed -wrote “So What? The life and times of Miles Davis.” I grew up listening to the Mothers of Invention, Coltrane, Flatt and Scruggs, MJQ, Charlie Parker, and the Beatles (who John told my dad about when they were still “The Quarrymen” and he saw them play the Cavern Club in England. My parents got to see Miles at the Blackhawk in San Francisco, along with Charlie Parker, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan (when he was like 18) they were at the Monterey Pop Festival-- I felt I was born one generation too late! I got to see Zappa, Miles, Dylan--among many dozens of others in the late 70s and early 80s but I think what you are doing is extremely important for those of us just a tad too young to have seen some of the giants of music in their prime. God bless you for your work. It’s as, if not more, important than John’s work decades ago and will reach a much broader audience than his -since so many of the younger kids don’t READ anymore! Semper Fi. ❤️
Incredible. I've driven by Clear Lake about 100 times or more. Just can't bring myself to go to the site.......Maybe next time. Many Thanks for this. Buddy
Thanks Buddy... Joe
Joe your videos are all so rich.
Thanks for all the work bringing
Them to us.They should all have a million views.
Thank you 9876........ Best, Joe
Thanks Joe for your awesome presentation...greatly appreciated.
Thank you Ivan... Joe
These stories are amazing. I remember the story of Waylon giving up his seat, but I hadn't heard this one until now. Life is very strange at times. Thanks for another great interview.
Thanks Jimmy... Joe
And Dion has another story ...
Thanks Joe, God bless you!! Happy New Year!!
Thanks 909…. Best, Joe
Sometimes losing in bet or facing rejection in life could become a great blessing in life or prevent one person from the peril of life.
“Some’s gotta win, some’s gotta lose.” I don’t know why but I got a shiver up my spine when he said that. It was real life and death he was talking about. Big Bopper, Richie Valens and Buddy Holly lost that day.
Thanks for watching Zippy..... Joe
it was there destiny to die
Thanks Joe, your interviews are just great
Thank you David.... Joe
Excellent interview, and Tommy, what a story he has to tell, I could listen for hours, and he seems to be a genuine, down to earth man you'd love to have as a friend...What the hell's a capo, cracked me up, then, in 1968 Tommy runs into Chet when he moved to Nashville, Chet says, HEY, did ya ever get ya a capo. Good stuff right there ~
Hi Randy, thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it... Thanks for sharing your thoughts too... best, Joe
A humble and decent fellow for sure, to watch this and hear this history is so great, Thank you Joe and all the folks at MHFM
Thank you too Sea... Joe
Thanks for this great series of great interviews, so many great insights. My wife likes her afternoon soaps. These video presentations are my new soap opera. So much truer to life.
Thanks Frank( my Dad’s name too) Glad you are enjoying them. I’ve spent much of this Corona down time watching every music documentary I can find. Best, Joe
What a fantastic interview and he seems so down-to-earth!
Yes he was Nashville... joe
A true pioneering musical genuis. I mean he played a strat in 54 and i believe his story on buddy he was in his band and later became a producer in the industry no reason for him to lie
Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, IA. Lots of the bands play or played gigs there. I guess even that is over now. Even before COVID-19, musicians had a dangerous job. Musicians are front line workers. Lots of people die from the traveling. Travel here, travel there, ride a bus across the country, fly to Japan.... It's just too much.
Great interview Joe, look forward to seeing Tommy’s Bass in the museum! I understand exactly how Waylon felt, I can’t imagine how I would deal with an identical situation! Tommy was another example of someone who knew where their life was destined from a young age! I just finished listening to Roll On, Tommy’s Bass was synchronized with the drummer throughout the song, what talent!💫
Thanks Larry.. Joe
Oh wow, I lived in Lawton, Oklahoma but that was decades after Tommy played there.
Another reason Waylon felt so bad about the accident was because before they parted
ways Buddy was kidding around and he told Waylon that he hoped the bus broke down,
and Waylon replied, "Yeah, well I hope your plane crashes." That haunted Waylon. R.I.P.
Tommy and all the other legends that have gone before him. Thanks Joe for another
informative interview. I always learn so much about these awesome musicians.
Thanks again Kathykay..... joe
Another great Interview Joe. Asham all these good old boys are leaving us... talk about the greatest generation. ty
Thanks Cannibal... Joe
When I started playing guitar one of the first songs my guitar teacher taught me was It's so easy I absolutely loved the solo, now I know who played it.
Thanks for watching Dookie... Joe
It's funny, Joe... I couldn't hear your questions very well, but it didn't matter, cos everything came clear through Mr Allsups answers. That means you know who you are interviewing, and that your interest is genuine. Good stuff. I like it a lot.
Thanks Arne... Again that was when I wasn’t wearing a mic as I never intended to be heard. They were only meant for use inside the museum..., but then here comes RUclips::) Thanks again.. Joe
This one's a bit outside my wheelhouse (which is rare for these vault interviews), and it's one of more enjoyable ones I've seen lately.
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts David.... Joe
If all the people who should have been on that plane turned up at the Airport, they would barely fit on a jumbo jet !
Crazy good story.
There was an Allsup who played lead guitar with Three Dog Night. Mike ? Related ? Guess I should look him up (old GP's are in a box).
I had heard a story about Waylon giving up his seat because the Big Bopper wasn’t feeling well. But Tommy winning a coin flip with Richie? Unbelievable.
Thank you, Joe, for the rich musical history that you extract from your guests and share with us each week. It’s truly priceless. -Clay-
Thanks Widdat... well actually Tommy lost the coin flip but losing saved his life. ...... yes Buddy kidded Waylon saying “I hope your ole bus breaks down “ and Waylon kiddingly replied “Well I hope your ole plane crashes”. To my understanding Waylon had a hard time getting over saying that even though he was just kidding back with Buddy. Thanks again... Joe
Seems like he was a real down to earth guy.
I enjoyed.
Hi Buzz.... yes Tommy was as laid back as they come. I first met him in CBS Studio B after a session he played on. I had just moved to Nashville to be a songwriter and Tommy stayed after the session talking to me giving me encouragement and advice... great guy.
Best, Joe
Imagine flipping a coin and the other guy dies in the crash. Wow! Great story's as usual.
Thanks Playpen.. .... Joe
If everybody who said they were going to be on that plane were then they would needed a 747... Dion DiMucci... Thanks Joe..
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU DION! I KNOW IT WAS YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! RON ROMAN
I think if you were in Buddy Holly's band, you can probably say, with some authority, that you might have been on that plane.
@@chrissflesher According to Dion he gave his seat up to Richie Valens because Valens , who was only 17, was suffering terribly from the cold (Valens was a Californian) and Dion, who was from a poor family and still thought that way thought $36 was too much for a short plane trip. Holly chartered the plane, he wanted Dion, Richie and The Bopper to go with him but there was only room for the pilot and three others. Valens lost the coin toss with Dion but Dion gave him his seat for the reasons stated above. Waylon Jennings and Tommy Alsup were backing musicians, only the headliners were able to spend $36.
@@johnpollock3246 absolutely. Why would Buddy ask back up musicians to fly with him. Naturally it would have been, Valens big bopper and Dion
@@chrissflesher you would want just the headliners on the plane. They pulled in the crowd. Certainly not the backup band.
Great interview 🎸
Thanks Riffs... Joe
Teaches himself to play guitar. Plays with anybody who wanted him. Sounds like good advice
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Ben... Joe
Thank you, Joe and the gang. +++++++++++++++++
Thanks Al... Joe
I Sure Would Like To Talk With You Joe Chamber . I've Worked in the S.F. Bay Area Music Scene for About 50+ years
RIP Tommy
You rock Joe!
Thanks Tom... Joe
Waylon said the tour continued after the plane crash. They changed the keys as needed for Waylon to sing. I wonder if Tommy sang on a few too? The promoters felt the show had to go on.
Tommys description of playing tic-tac bass is interesting. Is that basically the same as chicken picken on a guitar?
hes cool
The session players are more than often over looked.
Thanks 😊 Joe for letting them Tell their story.
Thank you Greg too for watching... Joe
Ritchie Valens today is more famous than anyone else. why? i mean he was the youngest and the less famous of these 3 but his legacy is maybe much more interesting for the public. well he swore to never fly.. and he won th toin coss ...what a dramatic story to die
Terrific interview Joe! Yet another self taught, humble & very talented musician. I guess that Tommy was right when he said "someones got to win & someones got to lose". Thanks for these videos Joe........ 👍👍🎸🎸
Thanks Steve... Joe
This is almost as fascinating as JFK. So, there was a second coin toss!
Why have a second coin toss when the seats were already filled with Richie and JP? Sounds like my kids losing a toss and wanting to do a “do over.”
So basically Tommy Allsup took Nikki Sullivan's former spot on that summer tour?
Niki left the band before then. It was just the three of them... Joe B., J.I and Buddy for a while. Then they split and Buddy started a new band and left the Crickets name with J.I and Joe B. to perform under. Thanks for watching............Joe
Somebody got a win, someone gotta loose... Damn
Thanks Joe 👍
Thanks Mac... Joe
It's LOSE brainiac
Yupiambob the Creator's Network
Tommy, Dion, Waylon......who's telling the truth?
Tommy and Waylon
Sorry I'm referring to the Johnny Cash story.
No worries...
If Tommy had won the coin flip, the plane may have left one minute sooner or one minute later and as a result may not have crashed as a result.
You never know how close we’ve all come to very good or bad circumstances by a split second either way Whitney…. Best, Joe
I thought Merle Haggard gave up his seat?
Hi Fab... thanks for watching... no ... not Merle... best, Joe
According to DION (Dion DiMucci) who was also a headliner on that tour, it was he who was part of the coin toss and it was he who gave up his seat to Richie Valens. He said most people don't know about it because nobody ever asked him for his side of the story. He said the plane was rented specifically for 3 of the 4 main headliners, so the other band members wouldn't have had anything to do with it. That story seems to make sense to me.
Nope.Do the research.
@@billgreen6263 Yes, the research says otherwise, but Dion said the people who have written about it over the years never got his side of the story. Dion was literally there as one of the headliners and Dion said he was the one who participated in the coin toss and eventually gave his seat to Ritchie.
@@JukeboxJoeB I'm a Dion fan but he bullshits a lot. I guess to make himself more relevant. Many times in interviews he claimed to have written " The Wanderer" and "Abraham Martin and John", but he didn't. He never mentioned the "Coin Toss" in his 1988 book "The Wanderer"
From Wikipedia: In 1979, he started a club named Tommy's Heads Up Saloon in Fort Worth.[8] The club was named for Allsup's coin toss with Valens 20 years beforehand
I believe Dion version of the story. 4 seats total on plane. Pilot had one, Buddy who booked the plane had #2 that left two seats. Dion said the other three headliners where offered the two remaining seats. Dion, Richie & Big Bopper at $32 a person hence the coin flip. The whole story according to Dion took over a hour to tell the whole journey of the tour up to the crash. A great story non the less.
Nope. Research the facts.
From Wikipedia: In 1979, he started a club named Tommy's Heads Up Saloon in Fort Worth.[8] The club was named for Allsup's coin toss with Valens 20 years beforehand
see my reply to kellykempkilroy above .....Tommy's story is true no doubt at all
It makes more sense that Buddy would give the seats to his band. There were 3 seats but 4 headliners, leaving one out could cause bad feelings. Also it's more likely that there's only one liar (Dion) than two (Allsup and Waylon).