*In no particular order some of my favourite musical moments. No45 For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield.
A Counterculture classic, For What It’s Worth was released two days before Christmas in 1966.
Reaching a dizzy No.7 on the Billboard Hot 100, it’s as iconic an emblem of the protest movement as Jimi Hendrix’s incendiary deconstruction of The Star-Spangled Banner at Woodstock in 1969.
Featuring three Canadians and two Americans, Buffalo Springfield boasted the songwriting talents of Neil Young and Stephen Stills.
They got their name from a steamroller parked near their home.
Leading exponents of folk rock, they quickly expanded their sound to incorporate elements of psychedelia and hard rock.
But, perhaps because of their connection to the protest movement, the group frequently fell foul of law enforcement.
While often regarded as an anti-war anthem, For What It’s Worth was actually penned by Stills in response to riots in Sunset Strip in November 1966.
A rally in protest against the forced closure of the Pandora’s Box nightclub, ignited simmering tensions and erupted into violence.
Celebrity activists, including Jack Nicholson and Peter Fonda were present – Fonda ending up in handcuffs.
The clashes resulted in a draconian response from the authorities, including the demolition of the Pandora’s Box.
Characterised by its instantly recognisable lilting riff and call to action chorus, For What It’s Worth, became cinematic shorthand for the late ’60s protest movement.
The song gained a new significance in 2020 when Billy Porter, backed by Stills on guitar, performed it at the Democratic National Convention.
Porter’s rendition came against a backdrop of unrest, following the killing of George Floyd.
Hampered by drug busts and police raids, Buffalo Springfield disbanded in 1968, although various incarnations of the band would go on to tour and stage reunions.
Surviving members Young, Stills and Richie Furay reunited in 2011 for a benefit concert and subsequent tour, but since then there’s been nothing happenin’ here.
*Got a Great Musical Moment you’d like to share? Send me your suggestion via the contact form and if I like it, I’ll feature it and give you a mention. Looking forward to hearing from you.
