CLEAR LAKE, IA-There are many stories coming out of the Surf Ballroom during the Winter Dance Party, including Tommy Allsup's.
It's been 53 years since he lost a coin toss that would save his life.
Allsup was part Buddy Holly's band when they took the stage on that fateful night in Clear Lake.
He said he remembers the day like it was yesterday.
After the performance, Allsup flipped Ritchie Valens for a seat on the plane that crashed and killed four people.
Allsup said he regrets they way the night ended but adds that hinsight is twenty twenty.
