Graham Nash on David Crosby: He tore the heart out of CSNY 

This interview is really heartbreaking. You can see the guy's anger, pain, and disappointment.

Nash has every right to feel the way he does about Crosby. It's been Nash and Nash alone who's kept these guys going for so many years. He's been the peace maker, the instigator behind their reunions, and even the archivist and producer of their career spanning box sets! He must be friggin' exhausted. To have to sort through the destruction that addicts and ego cases cause eventually takes its toll. God bless you, Graham.

Graham Nash is a super nice guy who used to give free guitar lessons to underprivileged kids in the South Bay area of LA...He's pure class..

I recently watched a documentary about David Crosby, filmed quite recently. He said himself towards the end of it that no one that he has played music with over his long career now speaks to him. That kind of says it all doesn't it?

From what I've seen, Graham Nash is an extremely warm and genuine person. Probably very forgiving etc. So when someone pisses him off that bad, there really has to be something to it.

What a great guy Graham Nash is! Hearing him speak so honestly and openly is refreshing. What a talent though! He has had a fabulous life and created incredible music. I wonder if he has received the recognition, I think he deserves?

He looked more than angry, he looked betrayed. That's the face of a guy who hit the wall and just can't defend Crosby anymore. You'd like to think that after all this time at least the friendship would survive, but that doesn't appear to be the case. You can only blame so much of this on the drugs before it becomes obvious it's also the man.

I met Crosby at a backstage cafe when I was in the radio biz. I spoke to him, and while cordial to me, I could see everything Graham says; Graham was a pure gentleman.

Approximately fifteen years ago, a very good friend of mine won two tickets on a phone in contest to KLOS radio out here in LA to attend a taping of Bob Coburn's "Rockline" radio show. The guest for this show were, Graham Nash, David Crosby and this keyboard player, that apparently was Crosby's biological son that had been put-up for adoption many years prior and had just somewhat recently united with and was developing a relationship Crosby. It was quite a memorable experience. But, by far, the two coolest people in the studio that we met that night were, Bob Coburn and Mr Graham Nash. Graham actually stood at the door and as we walked in he greeted each one of us individually, shook our hand, asked us our name and said "Hello, I'm Graham and your name?" "Steve" "Well Steve, it's a great pleasure to meet you, thank you so much for being here this evening" There were 10 - 12 people in the audience there that night and he welcomed each one of us with this very warm greeting. Truly a class act...

Here, I admire Nash’s strength of mind. He’s given it all he can and now has decided enough is enough and has made his mind up and is sticking with it. Fair dues and good for him.

What an incredible answer by Graham Nash about David Crosby. To me it shows so much class, so much heartache, so much love and soooo much spirit that most men don't show that often.

I've still never met Graham Nash, but had occasion to phone him long ago and he did me a very nice favor that he wasn't at all obliged to do. A fine person. I'm grateful and would believe whatever he says.

Wow...At least Nash has enough class not to go into detail. I appreciate his honesty.

In 1978 or 1979, I’m not sure which, I took my live recording truck on the road with CSN for a couple weeks to track a live record for them. I was particularly excited to meet David as the Byrds had been my biggest inspiration as a young musician. When I felt the time was right, I introduced myself and mentioned the special role he had played in my musical life. His response was simply “fuck you”. I never spoke with him again. Stephen and Graham were unfailingly kind and generous with their time during those two weeks and every time I encountered them after. 40+ years later, I have not forgotten how crushed I felt.

They had a Perfect sound that no other came close to. They could have been the number one band for decades ,but…. I can still remember when they first came out and that sound was so harmonious it just took hold of your heart.

I was fortunate enough to have worked with Graham Nash. He is a kind, generous human being. The epitome of an English gentleman. I’ve never seen him this upset about anything. Crosby must have done something really stupid.

I went to see C&N at SIU campus if I remember correctly in '72. They started out playing some nice mellow stuff, but this big obviously blacked out drunk with a huge black beard kept yelling "ROCK AND ROLL" over and over. I don't know if there was security or not but this continued for several minutes. At one point between songs C&S tried to shut him up explaining they would do some up tempo stuff later, The guy carried on as if nothing had been said. I had always wanted to see any form, or combo of CSNY and this rude guy was beginning to irritate me because he was yelling over the performance. No person around the guy was trying to resolve the situation in any way. I finally had had enough. I went back to the guy and tried talk to him but all I got was a blank stare and "ROCK AND ROLL"! All the sudden even though I was trying to talk to the drunk in hushed tones I realized that it was DEAD SILENT. I glanced around and every eye was on me. C&N were motionless on stage looking at me like YES PLEASE. Not knowing what to do I grabbed a hand full of the tender beard whiskers on his neck and gave a good firm steady pull and drunk followed placidly going "OW OW OW" all the way to a door marked with an EXIT sign. When the quickly sobering man and I were about ten feet from the door C&N said something over the sound system like "We appreciate that, we really do. Thank you! Danged if I didn't get HUGE applause!" Anyway, I got the guy through the door and he was docile the whole way out until I let go of his beard. I thought we were going to go at it for awhile but he eventually reeled away. I tried to get back in the door that had I come out of but it was locked. I tried to get back in by the main entrance but was not allowed in. Well I am now about to turn 65 and I never did get to see any of their performances. LOL

I love Graham, his loyalty to the USA his sensitivity in his lyrics and music, and his sincerity. Yes, CSNY's music is poetry💕💕💕. He does indeed look betrayed.

I was a hippie living next door to Neil's Broken Arrow and we'd come over respectfully and listen to the CSNY rehearsals and Graham Nash was so great and warm, he'd come over and talk to us Funny Valley Farmers huddled nearby under the redwoods, quite possibly tripping our brains out, and share a moment of life.

I've known people who knew Graham Nash, and people who've worked for Graham Nash. They will all tell you that he's one of the nicest, understanding and mellow, people that you could ever meet in this lifetime. Assuming it's all true...and I have no reason to doubt my friends... Then exactly how big of an asshole does a person have to be to get this kind of response from someone who's known them for 50 years?

Graham Nash is an incredible talent, a kind and gentle soul, and you can see he's been deceived, betrayed and heartbroken by that dumpster fire Crosby. we love you Graham thanks for all you've given us.

Graham is one of the kindest and gentlest men I have ever met. He is a true gentle man!

I met Graham Nash once for a few seconds. Extra kind you could tell he was a very good person

I really admire Graham Nash for being honest here , you can just tell he has a lot of integrity . I hope he can be happy in whatever he now chooses to do. 🌠💕

Graham has been my favorite voice since the Hollies. He's always been honest and true to himself which, in turn, was his gift to us.

Graham always was my favorite, his songs pulled me in the most.

Nash is 74 here. Looks amazing.

If you know the history you know Graham went through a LOT of David's drug issues and stuck by him. I'm not surprised that after 50 years of it he's finally had enough. And you would too.

Crosby is a guy that lives like he's never had his ass kicked real good.

CSNY may have their troubles & demons they fought but together they were one of the best bands that ever got together & left their songs & music to the ppl who will NEVER forget their sacrifice of some of the greatest music ever written & performed. I had the privilege of seeing them perform live a couple times. They will continue to be one of the finest bands in the world to me. I am sorry for the heartbreak you guys had to endure but you left a legacy that will NEVER be forgotten. For that I thank you guys from the bottom of my ❤!

So sad to see Graham Nash’s heart broken so badly by a friend that he stood by for so long.

CSNY ….Songs for Beginners gave me hope as a 12 yr old in a very bleak childhood….Graham you are a true human….thank you❤️🙏

I highly recommend Nash's autobiography. I can tell by his emotional response that he was dealing with a malignant narcissist in Crosby. And those types of people are energy vampires and very destructive individuals. I felt the immensity of loss when Crosby left the planet but now he knows the truth of who he is. I actually mean the beauty he possesses that came out in artistic self-expression. Narcs loathe themselves and pick on those with Light.

David Crosby had a talent for making people dislike him.

I rewatched this, today, as David Crosby has passed at 81. Heartbreaking interview

I for one really appreciate his candor here and thank him for sharing his honest feelings with the fans.

Had the good fortune of golfing in a mixed foursome with a guy that was a promoter in San Francisco for years with Bill Graham. Guy had great stories about Jefferson Airplane, the Dead, Tower of Power, Santana and even later groups like Journey. I asked him about CSN&Y and he waxed poetically one everyone but David. I then asked, what about David Crosby and his answer was, "dick". That was it. No explanation just. . . ."dick". After seeing this and hearing how nice of a guy Graham is I kinda believe him.

I owned a video production studio in RI during the early 2000's. I was hired by the then president of Millennium Pharmaceuticals to document the couple's 25th wedding anniversary party held at their Grey Craig Estate in Middletown, RI. An affirmation of their wedding vows, there were 850 guests, a football field size tent, Disney authorized characters (for entertaining the children), culminating in a private hour long concert by CSN, his favorite band. (the couple wanted Neil Young as well, but he requested a 25K PA (personal appearance) fee on top of the performance fee, something CSN did not require...the couple said 3 out of 4 was just fine) CSN was flown into TF Green airport, then ferried via helicopter to the gig. I hired a crew of five shooters to patrol the property, documenting the event. I was tasked with getting backstage footage at the talent trailer of CSN preparing for the gig. Stephen Stills was incredibly gracious and kind. Graham Nash the same but also was SO personable, carrying on a conversation with me when i told him my older sister flashed her boobs at Woodstock while they played! Nash joked tongue-in-cheek, "those boobs made quite the impression...i have never forgotten them!". We both had a laugh. David Cosby was a complete douchnozzle. Sat in the corner of the trailer, pissy look on his face, poking on a joint. I had met many celebs and rockers during my production days...NONE more unpleasant than David Crosby. We had to sign an NDA including the provision we NOT shoot the first three songs in the set, as there was no warm-up and they hadn't played together in a bit. I instructed my cameramen to record from the moment they hit the stage, but make sure they turned their tally lights off and didn't operate their cameras. I still have the backstage footage as well as the raw and edited concert.

Grahms first solo album is a masterpiece. I still go back to it. It still sounds amazing

Tell it like it is Mr. Nash. You’re right... it was awesome and we miss it, but we have our memories, and let me tell you sir, they are awesome memories. CSN and CSNY defined my generation. Thank you for that.

I will NEVER forget their first performance at Woodstock! It was electrifying.

Get together with Stills and Young and put your music out there. It’s needed more than ever.

Look, Nash was always the peacemaker of the group -- which was never easy considering the massive egos these guys have. Nash often spoke up for Crosby and defended him. So you KNOW it must've taken quite a lot for Nash to finally turn his back on Crosby like he has.

It has been well known what a class gentlemen Graham is and has been. It is also a fact that he is the reason CSNY and the Hollies became great. R.I.P. David Crosby.

I so agree with Graham when he said, he believes in the Hippies and their belief in love, no hate, no war, making peace. His song, "Myself At Last," Wow! In listen to his interview here, I love his heart, and that he respects himself in manners of who he is.

So sorry to hear that after all the love you've shown, all the times you kept him away from the pipe long enough to lay down a track that he decided to bite one of the hand's propping him up. I watched a friend go through addiction in the 80's and sometimes the best thing you can do is walk away. Carry on, brother *hugs*

When Nash speaks it truly comes from his heart. Spoken also by a true Brit. Had a friend from Clayton,Manchester England who passed several yrs ago. Looking at his direct eyes into the camera is like hearing & seeing the way she got her point across! Miss her dearly. Crosby ? Please!

Had the same problem with a live long friend. It was all one sided so after 60 years had to move on to better friends. The hard part was such fantastic memories and at the same time such a waist. A really great friend is like having two harts.

Was lucky to have seen them perform at the Royal Albert in London in 2015. Grahams solo album 'Songs for beginners ' from the early seventies, is still one of my favourite albums.

Mr graham nash Thank you so much for being the light and unfailingly carrying the torch. You have worked hard for everything you have and I have loved your music all of my life, and the songs are always in my heart. It’s the heart based songs that stay the course through all the madness. Well done, sir. I love three part harmony as well. Mayhaps the three of you will have a blast now after the battles. Be well! Enjoy your life 🙏🥰 you earned it

Reading all their different accounts it is quite clear that CSNY was never a band that was going to hold; more like a galaxy where sometimes the stars all aligned.

So sad, yet I totally get where Graham is coming from. I've grown up, and yes even come of age with their songs. I truly hope they find peace, wisdom, and the knowledge that their songs and the stories within, have truly touched the hearts and minds of their many fans. May Peace Be With You All, CSN and CSNY. Long May You Run.

Mr. Nash, thank you for singing "Our House" to us at the start of the COVID plague. It's a song that never left me and I love it more now.

I have so much admiration for Graham Nash. A great guy. Loved him from his Hollies days. I was puzzled when he left the Hollies - what did I know! As I come to understand his actions, from simply listening to his interviews, my respect for him has soared.

Graham Nash says they made music that touches peoples hearts and changes their minds. I was listening at the Bus Stop just the other day...What a fine gentleman you are, Graham! I love you, sir.

I really like Graham Nash. He is honest up front and doesn't mince words. Drugs ruin lives friendships some times after you do all you can do it's time to step away. How many times can you get hurt. And eventually it starts destroying every one associated . Including the ones trying to help.

I have read that he was the major reason why Gene Clark left the Byrds. Crosby has left a lot of damage in his wake.

CSN & CSNY were always my favourite band back in the day. Still are, they and the Beatles. Have never stopped listening to them and never will. The music is great and endures but its the memories they invoke of times now long past.

1:30 amen brother, your woodstock 69 set did that to me when I watched it at the age of 14 in 1998

Generational music groups have a life of about 5 to 6 years before they begin to express yesterday's emotions and start to become one of that bittersweet of all social phenomena -- pop nostalgia. More, the newness and spontaneity it represented becomes a job. It is youth expressed for just its moment in time. Then youth transforms and must make way. Saw CSNY 3 days in one week in 1969 in an evening outdoor venue with Joni Mitchell opening. It felt so right for then: a cherished memory.

Wow. Crosby must have pulled some serious crap for Nash to be that genuinely angry at him. I thought they were best friends.

I feel for Crosby and Nash I’ve stood by a lot of friends who got hard into drugs and booze or just did and said bad shit sometimes enough is enough it’s not that you don’t love them it’s just hard to stand by a person like that forever especially as you get older

The interviewer did a good job here, to coax out a more full response.

Graham Nash I will miss you so much. You seemed to be the heart of the group and I really mean that. Good luck to you and bless you and your family.

CSNY was one of the best things that happened to me in my youth.....

It's interesting seeing the comments here. I've followed these guys since Stills took over for Bloomfield in Al Kooper's super sessions. (He roomed with Hendrix by the way early on). before I had even knew Nash was in the Hollies. I had the rare chance to meet all three after a concert for Gore. Bottom line - Stills was and is the prima donna who can pretty well back it up, lovely to meet in person though, very charming. Nash was "abrasive" as some have said but only initially. He then warmed and talked to me a good 5-10 minutes with 2 guys from Chicago and me. I was blown away by the depth of the guy. He takes music seriously! Crosby, spacey, distant, sober and clean but not particularly "there" and didn't give a shit who knew. That's how I see him over the course of this group. I have the highest regard for Nash's professionalism and activism. Stills would have a beer with anybody and be cool. Crosby stays in his own ether. Just an old guy's observations over the years.

Love Graham Nash, Learned more about him in these interviews than I ever knew, Great Talent and a Decent human being

Saw CSN at the Spectrum in 1982. Easily in my top 20 shows out of over 200 since 1978 Springsteen. During the encore, Nash stepped back from the microphone and let the crowd sing the last chorus to Teach Your Children. That’s the loudest crowd I’ve ever heard from any audience at ANY event. His reaction was priceless. He just smiled and soaked it in for minutes on end.

Don't let past,remind us of what we are not now. ... It 's a stuggle growing old. Arthritis,Cancer,past drug add. ,drinking. Thank you for you guys for 50 years.

Re-join the Hollies. Come back home Graham. Jennifer Eccles is waiting for you with a glint in her eye!

Graham Nash was my favorite in the band. I'm not saying the others were not talented, but Graham is a great person, which means a lot to me.

Graham is the greatest! love his voice to death. He is the sound of all things folk rock.

I have always admired Graham Nash as a person. Incredible artist. He seems like the type of guy that if he is your friend, you can count on him 100% being there for you. I will be buying his music until he quits making it.

What a loss, so sorry for Davids passing, but even more sorry for the loss of such beautiful music. Bands are hard things to keep together, full marks to graham for doing his best over the years. It was veeeery good music. Thanks!

Graham, I have always enjoyed your music and your groups style of vocals, unique. Sad that being famous with the wealth can corrupt and distort our basic human personality. Thank you for your candid introspection in this interview, takes courage. I wish you peace in your life.

Producer Terry Melcher said that the most 'difficult' person he ever worked with in his career was David Crosby. In second place was Charles Manson!

I listen to wind on the water all the time. Some of the best music to come out of the 70s. Side story in 89 before I got saved I was hanging with one of David’s dealers said hi to him on the phone .lol

I really love and admire Graham, an immense talent and underrated. I'd love to just sit down with him, strum guitars and sing over a beer or two.

Love Graham Nash. Own a solo LP of his that was great.

Such a tragedy. Graham , Neil and Steven all gave from their hearts to help David stay alive. David displayed his gratitude by "spitting" on the three best friends he had in the entire world. Crosby burned bridges that could not be repaired. A lifetime of respect was destroyed by David's mouth. He crushed Graham and the other two will never forgive him for that.. Words cut deep.

Usually, if you throw shade at an entertainment legend, the shade will come back upon you. This is not happening to Graham Nash. This means something.

Graham get the hollies back together I’d rather hear them Call Allen ......call Tony.

David Crosby continued to make incredible, beautiful music with ALL sorts of interesting musicians, many of them much younger, including his talented son, right up until he died. Leland Sklar has a very moving you tube video about him, made soon after he died, and I would recommend to anyone who is interested to listen to that and listen to what a vital, vibrant and adventurous musician David Crosby was til the very end--his voice was still such a gorgeous instrument. Time did not diminish his sound at all. He was a great and gifted musician who kept the spark of creativity alive his entire life. David Crosby in several interviews also seemed to be admittedly very brash and outspoken but he also seemed very honest and able to take responsibility for who he was and what he did and said. He might have stepped over the line and called his former band mates out about stuff that maybe wasn’t his business but they might also have had their own issues and jealousy about how creative and productive a musician he continued to be--without them.

If only there were more people in the world like Graham Nash

This interview reminds me of Spinal Tap,David St. Hubbins saying he won't work with Nigel Tufnel again.

I have heard many nasty things about Crosby. He has to live with himself and I am dam glad I am not him.

Wow. I love Graham Nash…such a gentle soul…NEVER heard him talk this way. Whatever Crosby did must’ve been horrific. Unfortunately…not surprising. What a shame.

It's really sad that CSN and CSNY ended this way. I saw Crosby and Nash perform twice in the Indianapolis area: in 1989 as a duet at The Vogue and about two years later with Stills at Deer Creek - up north of Indy. The duo concert was an intimate setting, and they seemed so happy to be touring together. Graham forgot the words to Our House, starting the first verse again when it should've been 2nd verse, and Crosby picked up a rose from the stage floor that had been thrown up there by a woman earlier, and Crosby threw it at Nash in jest immediately after the error, mid-song, and the crowd went into an uproarious laughter. Great memory of two friends having fun making music in Fall, 1989.

Every interview I've seen with Graham Nash, he comes off as an interesting & impressive human being with a lot of integrity. Easy to see what Joni saw, easy to see how they worked so well together for a time as a couple.

What a damn shame, heartbreaking to hear, tough to watch. Their music will live on forever thankfully.

U have to care a lot about someone to be this angry. He obvious has love for him but he hasn’t forgiven him.

I really appreciate the honestly displayed by Graham Nash. I have a lot of respect for him.

The man is giving Crosby more respect than he ever deserved....

Nash saw Crosby when he was in the depths of hell and saw him at his worst, and you know it cost him personally and financially and spiritually, but I have never seen him get that mad before.

First time to visit your site. How interesting! I’ll definitely be back.

Watching Nash like this is difficult. It’s like Ghandi saying “I hate that guy!” It’s so out of character for his temperament.

Crosby broke the unwritten rule between guys. He called out Nash and Young for trading in their old jalopies for newer rides.

The 2 of them together played so well. Enjoy it while its there. Now I wish I went and saw the band together. Too late now. At least I saw their solo performances. Crosby and Nash have a lot of talent. worth catching their shows if there are ever any more of them.

There is a reason why the Byrds kicked him out.

Wow, this brings tears to my eyes 😥 music was a healer but it could also be a destroyer among the hearts and souls of these famous artists and legends ♡