From Canada to LA: The Journey of Neil Young and Bruce Palmer in Mort the Hearse
In April 1966, the newly formed Buffalo Springfield made their debut at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. The band members, including Richie Furay, Stephen Stills, Dewey Martin, Neil Young, and Bruce Palmer, had all settled in Los Angeles, with Young and Palmer driving from Canada in an old hearse to get there. Young and Stills had met earlier in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where Young performed as a solo act. Young's hearse, named Mort, was his vehicle of choice at the time.
Young later joined the Mynah Birds, an R&B band from Toronto, but the band disbanded due to Rick James' arrest. Palmer, who was also in the Mynah Birds, and Young decided to move to Los Angeles in a black 1953 Pontiac hearse after selling off band equipment. The journey from Toronto to Los Angeles was eventful, with frequent stops by curious highway patrolmen.
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Young and Palmer reunited with Stills, who was putting together a band with Furay. The chance encounter led to the formation of Buffalo Springfield. The hearse, which had traveled over 2,000 miles, broke down soon after their arrival in Los Angeles, marking the end of its journey.
Despite its demise, Young fondly remembered the hearse for its unique features and functionality. Stills also praised the hearse for its ability to transport the band and their equipment in style. The hearse played a significant role in the band's early days and left a lasting impression on its members.
In conclusion, the journey of Neil Young and Bruce Palmer from Canada to Los Angeles in a hearse marked the beginning of Buffalo Springfield and their musical journey. The hearse, fondly named Mort, served as a symbol of their adventurous spirit and laid the foundation for their future collaborations in the band.