In October 1967, David Crosby was dismissed from The Byrds after tensions with Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman had become irreconcilable. The split mattered because Crosby’s distinctive harmonies and songwriting had helped define the group, while his departure cleared the path towards Crosby, Stills & Nash and a major new chapter in late-1960s rock.

The article attributes the breakdown to several disputes: Crosby’s controversial speeches at the Monterey Pop Festival, his decision to perform with Buffalo Springfield, and arguments over which songs The Byrds should record. His song ‘Triad’ was rejected, while disagreements over recording the Goffin–King song ‘Goin’ Back’ added to the friction; McGuinn and Hillman reportedly drove to Crosby’s Beverly Glen home to fire him.