Photo: Daniel Quesada
Since playing their first ever gig at Woodstock in 1969, folk icons Crosby, Stills, and Nash have become one of the most influential and sustained successes in the history of contemporary music.
They have five other musicians backing them this evening, but they grab the spotlight - unsurprising, given that they’re living legends. Together, they bring disparate yet complimentary elements to the table. The charismatic Crosby, who is adorned with a bold grey moustache, sums it up well: "Stills writes really great rock 'n' roll, Nash writes songs the whole world wants to sing, and I write the weird shit."
Crosby goes on to prove his claim with his new cut ‘What Makes It So’, and other prog-influenced pieces that evoke the likes of Yes and Pink Floyd. Meanwhile, Graham Nash, who is on stage with bare feet, double denim and a full mop of grey hair, plays pop gold rivalling any Beatles classic in the form of 'Teach Your Children' and 'Marrakesh Express'.
Stills’ strat solos substantiate his position as one of the greatest lead guitar players of all time. As a songwriter he's not to be overlooked either; the aforementioned 'For What It's Worth' has us pinching ourselves - it’s so perfect, it feels like a dream to be hearing it live.
This anti-war anthem may have been written in '66, but their political edge hasn’t been blunted over the years. The '77 track ‘Cathedral’ takes aim at Christianity, whilst the 2013 cut ‘Burning For The Buddha’ protests Chinese occupation of Tibet. There’s something truly special about this band, who can write effortlessly beautiful music, but also have something to say with such powerful lyrics.
As such, it’s not a bad thing the venue leave the seats on the dancefloor for us. The set is spread over three hours, and it's mind-blowing enough to not need to dance to encourage enjoyment - although there is a standing ovation at the end of every song. Right at the end, though, the crowd dance to ‘Judy Blue Eyes’ - giving a rapturous send-off to one of the best bands to have ever formed.
