The final 2 Buffalo albums have long been unjustly underrated when compared to the 1,2,3 punch of dead forever…,Volcanic Rock and Only Want You For Your Body. Management’s decision to sack “uncontrollable” original guitarist John Baxter and pursue a more commercial direction was also borne of the frustration of the constant grind of the road, declining record sales and no support from radio or TV. It was probably a mistake; Buffalo never really recovered from the change in dynamic, and the next 2 years saw a revolving door of replacement guitarists. However, to write this period off is also a mistake. Both albums contain terrific tracks that can sit proudly amongst any of Buffalo ’s earlier classics.

New guitarist Chris Turner: "My brief from the management was to sort ‘em out and make a commercial record.. The first thing the band did was to record ‘Rollin’’ and ‘Hotel Ladies’ as a single. The A-side in particular was an enticing effort, a loping slice of country-soul replete with Tice’s heavily echoed vocals, a sing-a-long chorus, hand-claps and female backing vocals: perfectly suited for radio airplay. There are no two ways about it, Buffalo was a commercial entity by then yet the radio networks still refused to give their singles a spin!

‘Hotel Ladies’ on the flipside, with its slow-burning build up and rousing, guitar-heavy climax, held promise for an interesting album to come. Colin Stead Joined as second guitarist, but left mid-way through his first tour. Pete Wells, frustrated by the new direction, leaves to form Rose Tattoo and is replaced by Ross Sims.

Soon after, Buffalo broke up – a sad end to one of Australia’s greatest ever bands, but one whose legend has grown over the years.

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