Stephen Stills, Crosby, Nash, Palmer, and Tom Petty Unite for ‘For What It’s Worth

Buffalo Springfield’s 1997 entry into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame included a performance of “For What It’s Worth” featuring two founding members: songwriter Stephen Stills and bassist Bruce Palmer. David Crosby, Graham Nash, and Tom Petty rounded out the five-person lineup.

The number was both an all-star tribute and a partial reunion, rather than a return of the complete band. Although Neil Young, Richie Furay, and Dewey Martin were among those inducted, none received an official performance credit for the song. Stills appeared alongside Palmer and his colleagues from Crosby, Stills & Nash.

The ceremony was held at Cleveland’s Renaissance Hotel on May 6, 1997. The Hall honored the group’s central five members—Stills, Young, Furay, Palmer, and Martin. Petty delivered Buffalo Springfield’s induction remarks before joining the musicians onstage.

According to the Hall, Stills composed “For What It’s Worth” late in 1966 after seeing tensions intensify along the Sunset Strip. The conflict involved area clubs and restrictive curfews, as well as confrontations in Los Angeles between police officers and young club patrons.

The song subsequently became associated with protest on a broader scale, but it arose from that localized dispute. Its understated rhythm and warnings that were not confined to one event helped the recording connect with listeners beyond the Strip.

Watch the full performance on page two