Crosby Stills Nash

Rock legends have a tendency to come out to play these days, touring being the means to income as opposed to album sales – how times have changed. CSN have been around for some time and I fell for their irresistible sounds as a teenager when I saw their Woodstock performance on film. That was them in 1969 and now, 46 years on and with Neil Young no longer playing, they are touring with a set that includes the classics that we all wanted to hear and new songs, songs which prove that for the most part there is life in the old dogs yet.
In the first set of the evening they were a little shaky top start, but as the gig progressed they gained in both confidence and stature. David Crosby is the wit in this line-up, his rapport with the audience was great – but above all the voice is still there, kicking ass in his solos and blending seamlessly in their distinctive close harmonies. Graham Nash is the story teller and he too can still sing, the voice again perfect in the harmonies and excellent in his solo work. Stephen Stills, well Stills no longer has a voice to speak of, fragile at times, still characterful but nothing more sadly. It did not matter though when he hit those guitars, proving that Stills still has it when it comes to rock.
In an evening of highs and lows, a weak Marrakech Express and some tiresome hippy stuff, to some truly memorable musical moments, in particular new songs from Crosby and Nash, it became obvious that these guys really are worthy of the title Rock Legends.
19 September
Brighton Centre
Andrew Kay
4 stars