Classic Rock Throwback Thursday – Eight Miles High [VIDEO]

'Eight Miles High.' Was this 'Byrds' tune about getting high or something completely different?

When it was released in March of 1966, some radio stations around the country refused to play it because they assumed it contained drug references. Of course the band denied that charge, and the song rose the US singles chart, peaking at number 14. In the UK, it topped out at 24.

If it didn't contain any references about drugs, then what was this psychedelic type tune referring to? The band said it was about one of their flights to London in 1965, although commercial airplanes don't fly more than 6 or 7 miles high. Some of the band members did admit in later years that their drug use played a bit part in the song creation, but that was it.

Whatever you choose to believe, the fact is, it's an awesome tune, and worthy of being our choice for this week's Classic Rock Throwback Thursday. Take a moment and enjoy this extended version of 'Eight Miles High' from The Byrds at The Filmore East in 1970.