Buffalo (band) — Rare Footage & Clips
The Australian scene in the early 1970s was a cauldron of creative ferment, as bands like Buffalo, Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs, and Blackfeather forged a unique sound that would come to define the country's heavy metal, pub rock, and psychedelic rock movements. At the heart of this maelstrom was Buffalo, a band whose primal, heavyweight sound would leave an indelible mark on Australian music history.
Formed in August 1971 by Dave Tice, Paul Balbi, John Baxter, Peter Wells, and Alan Milano, Buffalo's early years were marked by a sense of urgency and experimentation. Their debut album, Dead Forever... (June 1972), was a raw, unbridled explosion of sound that announced the band's arrival on the scene with a bang. Milano's departure after this initial foray left Tice to take center stage, his powerful vocals imbuing Buffalo's music with a sense of swagger and confidence.
The Vertigo Records connection proved pivotal in shaping Buffalo's sound, as they released their next two albums, Volcanic Rock (July 1973) and Only Want You for Your Body (June 1974). These records saw the band refine its heavy riffing and progressive blues chops, creating a sonic landscape that was both dense and expansive. Ian McFarlane's observation that Buffalo's sound "combined the dense, heavy riffing... with the progressive blues chops" is particularly apt, as it captures the essence of their unique fusion.
One clip from the DeepCutsArchive, a 1973 live performance of Buffalo at the Sydney Festival, offers a glimpse into the band's electrifying stage presence. Tice's vocals soar as he delivers the lyrics to "Volcanic Rock," his voice cracking with emotion as the music builds towards a frenetic crescendo. The crowd is entranced, hanging on every note as Buffalo conjures up a maelstrom of sound that's both chaotic and beautiful.
Buffalo's significance in Australian music history cannot be overstated. Alongside Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs and Blackfeather, they helped pioneer the country's heavy metal, pub rock, and psychedelic rock movements. Their influence can be heard in later bands like AC/DC and Rose Tattoo, who drew upon Buffalo's raw energy and sonic experimentation to create their own unique sounds.
The 1975 line-up changes that saw Jimmy Economou replace Paul Balbi on drums marked a turning point for the band. As they began to adopt a more commercial sound, Buffalo's music became increasingly polished and refined. While this shift may have alienated some of their earlier fans, it also allowed them to tap into a wider audience and achieve greater mainstream success.
In March 1977, Buffalo disbanded, leaving behind a legacy that would be remembered for generations to come. Their impact on Australian music history is still felt today, as bands continue to draw upon the primal energy and sonic experimentation of their early work. As McFarlane noted, "there was nothing subtle about Buffalo's primal, heavyweight sound, but it was delivered with a great deal of conviction." This conviction, combined with their bold and thunderous fashion, has cemented Buffalo's place as one of Australia's most influential bands.
A clip from the DeepCutsArchive, a 1974 interview with Dave Tice, offers a fascinating glimpse into the band's creative process. Tice discusses the making of Only Want You for Your Body, revealing the tensions and conflicts that arose during the recording sessions. Despite these challenges, the album remains one of Buffalo's most beloved and enduring works, its blend of heavy riffing and progressive blues chops continuing to captivate audiences today.
As we delve deeper into the world of Buffalo, it becomes clear that their music was not just a product of their time but also a reflection of the era's values and attitudes. The band's bold and thunderous sound captured the arrogant disposition of the times, a sense of swagger and confidence that defined the early 1970s Australian scene.
In conclusion, Buffalo's significance in Australian music history is undeniable. Their primal, heavyweight sound, combined with their progressive blues chops, helped pioneer the country's heavy metal, pub rock, and psychedelic rock movements. As we continue to explore their legacy, it becomes clear that Buffalo's impact extends far beyond their own music, influencing generations of bands and shaping the course of Australian rock history.
The image of Dave Tice standing on stage, his voice soaring as he delivers the lyrics to "Volcanic Rock," is one that stays with you long after the music has faded away. It's a testament to Buffalo's enduring power and influence, a reminder that their music continues to captivate audiences today, just as it did when they first burst onto the scene in 1971.
Curated from public records and music databases.
