CityLife

Crosby and Nash

HONOURED: Graham Nash receiving his Salford University honorary doctorate

Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

October 3, 2011

“God, we’re old,” said Graham Nash to his long-time collaborator David Crosby and the world in general.

Indeed they are old, entitled now, surely, to concessionary fares on that Marrakesh Express of which Crosby, Stills and Nash first sang over 40 years ago.

Now Salford-raised Nash, aged 69 – ex of The Hollies – and 70-year-old Crosby – ex of The Byrds – resemble the counter culture’s answer to Waldorf and Statler of Muppet Show fame, exchanging caustic yet affectionate jibes, usually on the topic of Crosby’s ailing memory.

So can these old retainers of hippiedom still entertain? And how! The vocal harmonies of Nash and Crosby remain one of the primary colours of popular music.

The pair were on great form, fresh from the ceremony at which Nash received an honorary doctorate at Salford University. With those soaring harmonies you get a side order of worthy principles.

So there were songs which were anti-war, anti-whaling, anti-nukes, anti-religious fundamentalism, anti-corporate greed.

Great songs were everywhere to be found in this set – Eight Miles High, Long Time Gone, Marrakesh Express, Teach Your Children. There was even a hastily-arranged version of The Hollies’ Bus Stop, dedicated to Nash’s sister Elaine.

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