His heavy mutton chops, dark denim jacket, bell bottom jeans and neckerchief were his trademark, along with his mega-octave range that complimented and harmonized with Grace Slicks middle eastern influenced vocal style. Keeping with his reputation for fighting for his free rights as a human being and artist/musician, Balin was knocked unconscious during an infamous festival at the Altamont in 1969 for protecting a fan that was being beaten down by the Hell's Angels who acted as security. This started a chain reaction of violent outrage by fans and bikers alike, ending in the deaths of 4 fans, one in particular who was murdered on camera by a Hell's Angels member. In 1968, Marty Balin and Grace Slick led their band to play "House at Pooneil Corners" on the roof of a New York City apartment building. They locked the doors so police wouldn't be able to force them to stop playing. The song, know for it's heavy, hard hitting riffs rocked the entire building and grabbed the attention of anyone who resided within 4 blocks in all directions of the building and could be heard for miles. Marty Balin was and always will be a symbol of the late 60's and his impact one music and the American culture will be felt for many more years.
....And for those of you who are curious about the previously mentioned gig on top of an NYC apartment building, here's a link to the video. Enjoy House at Pooneil Corners !!!
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