Watch Buddy Miles Front High-Octane ‘Them Changes’ On ‘Midnight Special’ In 1973

Over 100 amazing performances from The Midnight Special‘s 1973 – 1981 run were shared on the late-night musical variety show’s official YouTube channel in 2023 and it appears music fans can expect more of the same in 2024. Out today is Buddy Miles‘ mesmerizing version of “Them Changes” from an episode that aired on August 31, 1973.

Multi-instrumentalist Buddy Miles toured with Wilson Pickett in 1966 and Mike Bloomfield in 1967 ahead of striking out on his own to forming the Buddy Miles Express in 1968. The following year Jimi Hendrix recruited Miles on drums and bassist Bill Cox for his powerhouse Band Of Gypsys trio. Buddy Miles wrote and intially recorded “Changes” with Band Of Gypsys. He then released the song as “Them Changes” with his own outfit as the title track to his June 1970 album.

“Them Changes” quickly became Buddy Miles’ signature song and he played it was a variety of projects over the years before his death at age 60 on February 26, 2008. Miles brought his quartet and the song to The Midnight Special‘s first season in 1973.

Hosted by Billy Preston with Wolfman Jack serving as announcer, the 32nd episode of The Midnight Special also featured Bo Diddley, Ned Doheny, Gladstone, Maureen McGovern and Steely Dan. Buddy Miles performed the Jim Messina-penned “Thinking Of You” and teamed with Billy Preston on George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” in addition to “Them Changes.”

Buddy Miles’ band on The Midnight Special saw him on drums and vocals joined by guitarist Steve Busfield, keyboardist Donny Beck and bassist Roland Robinson. Miles played and sang with an unparalled intensity as he bashed away on an ornate drum kit decorated like the U.S. flag.

Check out Buddy Miles’ “Them Changes” performance from the August 31, 1973 episode of The Midnight Special below: