McGuinn, Clark & Hillman

McGuinn, Clark & Hillman
Company type	Musical group
Industry	Music
Founded	1977
Founder	Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Chris Hillman
Defunct	1981
Headquarters	Los Angeles, United States
Products	Studio albums, live albums, singles

McGuinn, Clark & Hillman was a rock ensemble from the United States, established in 1977 by former members of the Byrds: Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, and Chris Hillman. Their style was influenced by groups such as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and the Eagles. Their first album garnered commercial acclaim, peaking at number 39 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart, while the single "Don't You Write Her Off" climbed to number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Clark exited the band in late 1979 due to escalating struggles with substance abuse and mental health challenges, limiting his participation to two albums. The third album, released toward the end of 1980, was credited solely to McGuinn & Hillman. The partnership dissolved in early 1981.

Background

The Byrds originated in 1964 with founding members including lead guitarist Roger McGuinn, bassist Chris Hillman, and principal songwriter Gene Clark. They played a pivotal role in developing folk rock through their rendition of Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man", which became a transatlantic chart-topper in 1965. This success was followed by albums such as Mr. Tambourine Man and Turn! Turn! Turn!, featuring hits like "All I Really Want to Do" and "Turn! Turn! Turn!".

In early 1966, Clark departed due to anxiety, feelings of alienation within the group, and aviophobia conflicting with touring demands. Additionally, tension arose over Clark's songwriting royalties, which made him the highest-earning member. After his departure, the Byrds became pioneers in psychedelic rock and country rock, although their mainstream appeal diminished. Nevertheless, they remained influential as precursors to late 1960s underground rock movements.

Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, personnel shifts continued; Hillman left in late 1968, leaving McGuinn as the only consistent member. The band ultimately disbanded in mid-1973 following a reunion of the original lineup.

From 1973 to 1977, McGuinn embarked on a solo career, releasing several albums and participating in Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue. Hillman joined groups such as the Flying Burrito Brothers, Manassas, and the Souther–Hillman–Furay Band, while also producing solo records Slippin' Away (1976) and Clear Sailin' (1977). Clark pursued a critically praised but commercially limited solo path with releases including No Other (1974) and Two Sides to Every Story (1977).

Live performances (1977)

In March 1977, Clark, Hillman, and McGuinn announced a European tour spanning twenty-one dates as individual artists. Although media speculated about a reunion onstage, each performed with separate backing bands. Nonetheless, contractual obligations mandated a brief Byrds reunion at each concert's conclusion—an occurrence that happened only once.

The tour commenced on April 27 in Dublin featuring Clark's KC Southern Band, Hillman's Chris Hillman Band, and McGuinn's Thunderbyrd. The tour encountered sound difficulties and logistical setbacks; notably, a Birmingham show was canceled due to customs complications. Relations among the trio backstage were tense.

On April 30 at London's Hammersmith Odeon, McGuinn invited Clark and Hillman to join him for a reunion performance of Byrds classics including "So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star" and "Mr. Tambourine Man". The BBC recorded these concerts and later aired selected segments. In 1997, these performances were issued as a double CD titled 3 Byrds Land in London. No additional reunions occurred during subsequent shows; Hillman departed after the Leeds performance citing contract violations. McGuinn and Clark completed one last concert before canceling the remainder of the tour.

Media responses were mixed—some UK outlets provided thorough coverage while others criticized both performance quality and solo material. Biographer Johnny Rogan observed ambivalence amid punk’s rising influence in 1977.

Becoming a trio (1977–1978)

Despite backstage discord and tour cancellation, the experience reignited their interest in collaboration. In October 1977, McGuinn and Clark toured acoustically together presenting solo songs, Dylan covers, and Byrds material such as "Chestnut Mare". Plans quickly developed to incorporate Hillman by year-end, forming a permanent trio named McGuinn, Clark & Hillman—modeled after Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and the Eagles.

On December 7 in San Francisco, former Byrd David Crosby joined them onstage for Byrds numbers. By early 1978, Hillman had officially joined; the trio opened for Eric Clapton during his Canadian Slowhand tour segment. Another Crosby guest appearance at San Francisco was bootlegged under the title Doin' Alright for Old People. Although rumors circulated about a full Byrds reunion, McGuinn, Clark & Hillman aimed to establish their own identity despite performing Byrds songs.

The group toured Japan, New Zealand, and Australia mid-1978. Several labels including Asylum, Arista, and Columbia expressed interest; ultimately they secured a six-album contract with Capitol Records.

Studio recording (1978–1980)

Recording sessions for their debut album began in November 1978 at Miami’s Criteria Studios, with producers Ron and Howard Albert—known for work with Stephen Stills and Crosby, Stills & Nash—to craft a contemporary sound. The album marked a stylistic shift from McGuinn’s trademark jangly twelve-string guitar toward disco-influenced late-70s pop while maintaining rich harmonies enhanced by session vocalists.

Tensions mounted during production; members viewed the band more as a business venture than close friends. Released by Capitol Records in February 1979, McGuinn, Clark & Hillman peaked at number 39 on Billboard—a higher chart position than any member’s solo efforts. The lead single "Don't You Write Her Off" reached number 33 on Billboard Hot 100; subsequent singles did not chart.

At release time critics were largely unfavorable; they noted McGuinn’s limited songwriting input despite an appealing overall sound. Later assessments recognized quality craftsmanship but highlighted difficulties adjusting to evolving market trends.

Clark’s mental health deteriorated amid sessions for their second album City, leading to erratic conduct and withdrawal from live appearances due to substance problems. These strains culminated in his departure during late-1979 recording sessions.

Issued in January 1980 under "Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman featuring Gene Clark", City reached number 136 on Billboard but received poor critical reception. Singles "One More Chance" and "City" failed commercially. The album represented a return to rock ’n’ roll with Rickenbacker-driven guitar favored by McGuinn and Hillman.

After Clark left, McGuinn and Hillman continued as a duo recording their third album with R&B producers Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett aiming for commercial hits. Original concept plans were mostly abandoned in favor of externally sourced material; released as McGuinn/Hillman in September 1980 it suffered poor sales and reviews despite featuring two singles written by them.

Breakup and aftermath (1981)

Following low-profile shows supported by drummer Tom Mooney and pedal steel guitarist Sneaky Pete Kleinow, tensions escalated when Hillman physically confronted a Capitol Records executive backstage at New York’s The Bottom Line venue in February 1981. This altercation prompted Capitol to drop McGuinn & Hillman; McGuinn subsequently vowed never to collaborate with Hillman again.

After disbanding, McGuinn concentrated on solo acoustic performances before staging a successful comeback with Back from Rio (1991). Hillman returned to his bluegrass/country roots forming a gospel supergroup that released two albums prior to founding the Desert Rose Band, which achieved notable country rock success. Clark relocated to Hawaii battling addiction; his later works received limited attention except for moderate success with So Rebellious a Lover (1987).

Despite earlier declarations otherwise, McGuinn reunited with Hillman and David Crosby for Byrds concerts in January 1989; they recorded four new songs for The Byrds box set released in 1990. On January 16, 1991 Clark appeared with them during their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction performance. He passed away May 24, 1991 from heart failure linked to substance abuse.

As of 20Template:CURRENTYEARYY, both McGuinn and Hillman continue active musical careers.

Members

Roger McGuinn – lead guitar, rhythm guitar, vocals (1977–1981)
Gene Clark – rhythm guitar, vocals (1977–1979; died 1991)
Chris Hillman – bass guitar, rhythm guitar, vocals (1977–1981)

Discography

Studio albums

McGuinn, Clark & Hillman (1979) – US No. 39, AUS No. 32
City (1980) - US No. 136
McGuinn/Hillman (1980) — Album by Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman

Live album

3 Byrds Land in London (1997) — Live concert recordings from 1977

Compilations

Return Flight (1992)
Return Flight II (1993)
The Capitol Collection (2007)

Singles

"Don't You Write Her Off"/"Sad Boy" (1979) – US No. 33, AC #17; Canada #52; AUS No. 61
"Surrender to Me"/"Little Mama" (1979)
"Backstage Pass"/"Bye Bye Baby" (1979)
"One More Chance"/"Street Talk" (1980)
"City"/"Deeper In" (1980)
"Turn Your Radio On"/"Making Movies" (1980)
"King for a Night"/"Love Me Tonight" (1981)

External links