Holly, Bopper and Valens' last venue to become a US landmark

The Iowa venue where Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens performed

their final shows is to be designated an official US rock and roll landmark.

The trio performed at the Surf Ballroom & Museum in Clear Lake on February 2, 1959, hours before boarding a plane bound for North Dakota. The aircraft crashed, killing the three celebrities onboard.

And, to mark the 50th anniversary of the tragedy - immortalised in Don McLean's 'American Pie' anthem as the day the music died - officials at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and the Surf Ballroom & Museum have organised a week of shows leading up to the historic landmark unveiling next year.

The Big Bopper's son, The Crickets, Chris Montez and Bobby Vee are among those who will pay tribute to the ill-fated stars.

President and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Terry Stewart said: "For one week we will focus on the extraordinary lives and legacies of three pioneering men who forever left their mark on rock and roll history and American society.

"It will be a poignant and memorable experience honouring this pivotal watershed cultural event."