 Following completion of the album recording sessions , Crosby persuaded McGuinn to dissolve the Columbia version of the Byrds , who were still touring at that time . Crosby had long been vocal regarding his displeasure over McGuinn 's decision to recruit new band members following his dismissal from the group in 1967 , and had stated in a number of interviews that in his opinion " there were only ever five Byrds . " In keeping with the new spirit of reconciliation that the reunion fostered , McGuinn permanently disbanded the Columbia line @-@ up of the group in February 1973 . 
