This classic picture of Buffalo Springfield pretty much describes the group. Close together, but each member looking in a different direction...When organizers for the Bonnaroo Music Festival announced the 2011 lineup of performers it seemed exceptionally good this year. There was also one announced exclusive festival performance by a band that some youngsters may think "who in the world?" but to an old timer like myself, the idea of it can almost bring me to my knees....the reunited Buffalo Springfield featuring Richie Furray, Steven Stills, and Neil Young and with the addition of Rick Rossas and Joe Vitale to fill in for deceased and missing members. This band originally formed in 1966 and after only two years of great music, numerous member shakeups, and high band dysfunction, they disbanded, but not without its members springboarding into mega musical fame on their own. In a recent interview with Stills and Young, Stills says " it was one of those marvelous accidents of fate. What it did for us as artists we can never repay. It was just glorious." They were never a big commercial success but were one of the most influential bands of the 60's and the music is still more than good. They were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Their biggest commercial success was Steven Still's For What It's Worth which was an anthem of sorts for the Man versus the People. Their "one of the best rock and roll songs ever" was Young's Mr. Soul, and their "magic" was Bluebird.
I saw Buffalo Springfield in 1968 right before they broke up. They were touring with The Beach Boys and Strawberry Alarm Clock. I was 14 years old and I still remember what I wore...a fetching white corduroy mini skirt and matching vest that that my mother made for me by request. My sister and I, along with a few friends ventured outside after their performance where we met and talked to band members for over an hour. Neil Young was rather rude and snippy (but we totally understand and love you anyway, Neil), Steven Stills sat alone, detached, playing with his camera, and Jim Messina was friendly and ultra sweet, winning our teenage hearts by telling us that he didn't like girls in makeup. Less destracted by fame, Dewey Martin payed attention to us, entertaining us with humorous antics. When he died a few years ago, I said a silent thank-you for the attention he gave so unselfishly. We missed the Beach Boys, lounging outside with Buffalo Springfield instead, and to borrow Still's words, "it was just glorious."
So youngsters, if you are going to Bonnaroo, listen to Buffalo Springfield's 45 year old music before you go and I suspect you may just listen to it afterwards as well.
This was the lineup when we met in 1968. They disbanded only a month or so later. Jim Messina (Loggins and Messina) is second from left. Dewey Martin is to his right and Young, Furray and Stills to his left.
It never would have happened had it not been for Mort. Mort (Mortimer Hearseberg) was Neil Young's 1953 Pontiac Hearse. Steven Stills had moved to the west coast working as a studio musician. He was stranded in traffic on Sunset Blvd. with Richie Furray when Neil Young (who they had met previously, but lost touch) whizzes by going the opposite direction. Furray and Stills recognize him because he is driving Mort and they make an illegal U-turn, giving chase and flagging him down. And it all began.
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