On Saturday, August 18th Crosby, Stills, and Nash played to one of the most appreciative audiences I’ve ever seen at ACL Live at the Moody Theater.
Obviously, the crowd skewed a little older than shows I normally attend and it was so great to watch their excitement. They clapped, sang, and danced in their seats…and a majority of the audience gave a standing ovation after every song. And I couldn’t help but chuckle at the dozens of people in the balcony (where I was) who desperately waved every time Crosby, Stills, or Nash looked their way. Needless to say, it was a great show.
http://youtu.be/3yHQz6Q_ppM
I grew up listening to Crosby, Stills, and Nash (though mostly in the form of The Byrds, The Hollies, and Buffalo Springfield) and have always admired their precise harmonies. To get myself amped for the show I listened to the recently released CSN 2012, their first live video (and accompanying album) in over 20 years. While it’s a solid album filled with all the hits, it made me a little nervous for the show because the harmonies I love so much sounded a little flat. Turns out that was just the constraints of recording, because they sounded full and fantastic live. David Crosby and Graham Nash sounded especially strong and full of energy. Only Stephen Stills’ voice has deteriorated, but he let the guitar do the wailing for him. And the audience loved it.
Though all the members hover around age 70, they played for over 2 hours. The setlist covered all the hits, including “Love The One You’re With”, “Marrakesh Express”, “Our House”, “Helplessly Hoping”, “Wooden Ships”, “Teach Your Children Well” as well as solo songs from each of the members. The show ended with a beautiful, striped down version of “Suite: Judy Blues Eyes” complete with “do do do do doos” from the enthusiastic crowd.
It was an amazing night and I feel lucky to be able to cross Crosby, Stills, and Nash off my “Legends To See” list. What’s even better is that I’ll be “completing the CSN&Y set”‘ by seeing Neil Young at this year’s Austin City Limits Music Festival!
– Submitted by Jessica Reed, Social Media