Buffalo (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1 August 1971 in Sydney, Australia |
| Founder | Dave Tice, Paul Balbi, John Baxter, Peter Wells, Alan Milano |
| Defunct | 1 March 1977 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Music albums, singles, extended plays |
Buffalo was a rock band from Australia, established in Sydney in August 1971. The group was formed by lead singer Dave Tice, formerly of Head, alongside Paul Balbi on drums, John Baxter on guitar, and Peter Wells handling bass duties—all ex-members of Head—as well as vocalist Alan Milano, who had previously been with Mandala. Following the release of their first album, Dead Forever... (June 1972), Milano departed, and Jimmy Economou took over the drums from Balbi. Their subsequent albums, Volcanic Rock (July 1973) and Only Want You for Your Body (June 1974), were both issued under Vertigo Records. After lineup shifts in 1975 led to a more mainstream sound, Buffalo disbanded in March 1977. Music historian Ian McFarlane described their style as a "primal, heavyweight sound" that fused dense guitar riffs with progressive blues elements, capturing the bold spirit of the time. Together with acts like Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs and Blackfeather, Buffalo played a foundational role in shaping Australia's heavy metal, pub rock, and psychedelic rock scenes. Peter Wells passed away on 27 March 2006 at age 58.
History
Buffalo originated in Sydney in August 1971, evolving out of the Brisbane-based blues-rock outfit Head. The founding lineup featured Dave Tice on vocals, Paul Balbi on drums, John Baxter wielding guitar, and Peter Wells on bass. Tice and Wells had previously collaborated since 1966 in groups such as The Odd Colours and Strange Brew before forming Head in 1968. When Head moved to Sydney in 1970, they added vocalist Alan Milano and shifted their musical direction, adopting the name Buffalo to avoid negative associations linked to 'Head'. Alongside contemporaries like Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs and Blackfeather, Buffalo helped pioneer Australia's heavy metal, pub rock, and alternative rock movements. They were the first Australian band to sign with Vertigo Records but largely remained an underground phenomenon.
In May 1972, Buffalo released their debut single "Suzie Sunshine," followed by their album Dead Forever..., produced by Spencer Lee. Despite being blacklisted from commercial radio stations and receiving minimal airplay, the album managed sales around 25,000 copies. Its provocative cover art depicted a bloodied face visible through a skull’s eye socket. Shortly after this release, Milano exited the band while Balbi was replaced by drummer Jimmy Economou. In January 1973, Buffalo supported Black Sabbath during their Australian tour dates. Music journalist Ed Nimmervoll recognized Buffalo as a central figure in Australian heavy rock alongside Billy Thorpe’s Aztecs.
The lineup consisting of Baxter, Economou, Tice, and Wells recorded the albums Volcanic Rock (July 1973) and Only Want You For Your Body (June 1974), both produced by Spencer Lee. These records continued to showcase a raw heavy metal sound with concentrated songwriting efforts. The band was managed by Sebastian Chase during this period. Their album covers remained controversial: Volcanic Rock featured an erupting volcano emitting menstrual blood; Only Want You For Your Body portrayed an obese woman restrained on a torture rack—causing some retailers to refuse stocking these releases. By mid-1974 Norm Roue joined on slide guitar; later that year Baxter was dismissed which reduced the band's distinctiveness.
In 1975 Karl Taylor came aboard as guitarist while Buffalo transitioned towards a more commercially accessible hard rock style aimed at radio audiences; this shift culminated with the release of Mother's Choice in March 1976. Critics noted a move toward conventional song structures but offered mixed evaluations regarding execution. Subsequent personnel changes saw Roue and Taylor replaced by Chris Turner and briefly Chris Stead on guitars. Peter Wells departed late in 1976 to establish hard rock band Rose Tattoo, which developed its signature boogie-blues sound and image.
Buffalo officially disbanded in March 1977 when Dave Tice relocated to London to join The Count Bishops alongside former drummer Paul Balbi. Before parting ways, they recorded Average Rock 'n' Roller (July 1977), which received lukewarm reviews for lacking cohesive direction despite its assertive title.
McFarlane highlighted Buffalo’s uncompromising heavy sound delivered with intensity—melding occult-inspired riffs with blues influences that epitomized the era’s attitude. Buffalo preceded other Australian hard rock trailblazers such as Coloured Balls (1972), AC/DC (1973), The Angels (1974), and Rose Tattoo (1976). Like many early heavy metal acts, Buffalo incorporated elements of blues-rock and psychedelia while extensively touring across Australia—from intimate halls to large outdoor venues. Heavy Planet regards them as forerunners of doom metal and stoner rock genres.
Breakup and later endeavors
Following Buffalo's dissolution, the band members embarked on different musical ventures. Peter Wells went on to establish Rose Tattoo, contributing as a slide and bass guitarist, and continued his solo work until his passing on 27 March 2006 at the age of 58. Dave Tice became part of the UK group The Count Bishops alongside Paul Balbi before returning to Australia, where he pursued solo projects and collaborated with The Headhunters. By July 2005, Tice was performing in a duo with former AC/DC bassist Mark Evans under the name Tice & Evans.
Members
- Paul Balbi – drums (1971–1972)
- John Baxter – guitar (1971–1974)
- Alan Milano – co-lead vocals (1971–1972)
- Dave Tice – lead vocals (1971–1977)
- Peter Wells – bass guitar (1971–1976)
- Jimmy Economou – drums (1972–1977)
- Norm Roue – slide guitar (1974–1976)
- Karl Taylor – guitar (1975–1976)
- Colin Stead – guitar (1976)
- Chris Turner – guitar (1976–1977)
- Ross Sims – bass guitar (1976–1977)
Studio albums
| Title | Album information | AUS |
|---|---|---|
| Dead Forever... | * Released: June 1972
|
47 |
| Volcanic Rock | * Released: July 1973
|
33 |
| Only Want You for Your Body | * Released: November 1974
|
61 |
| Mother's Choice | * Released: February 1976
|
96 |
| Average Rock 'n' Roller | * Released: June 1977
|
92 |
Compilation albums
- Rock Legends: Buffalo (1980) Vertigo Records (6479 325)
- Skirt Lifters: Highlights & Oversights 1972-1976 (1989) Raven Records (RVLP-37)
Extended plays
- Buffalo (June 1974) Vertigo Records (6237 001)
Singles
- "Suzie Sunshine" (1972)
- "Just a Little Rock 'n' Roll" (1973)
- "Sunrise (Come My Way)" (1973)
- "What's Going On" (1974)
- "Little Queenie" (1975)
- "Lucky" (1975)
- "Sweet Little Sixteen" (1976)
- "Rollin'" (1976)
- "Sailor" (1977)
References
- General
- Note: Archived online version has limited functionality.
- Specific