We are losing far too many music icons. A week or so ago it was Jeff Beck and yesterday came news that David Crosby has died.
Crosby was a handful. If you read Graham Nash's autobiography you will come to realise what a difficult s of a b Crosby could be. But when it came to harmonising there was few better.
I have always pondered on why the music groups that make the sweetest sounds are also by and large the hellraisers. The Beach Boys; The Eagles; Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young; Cream and many many more.
I have always split CSNY into two parts - one of which I really like and the other which I can take or leave. Thus Graham Nash and Neil Young have always been favourites of mine whilst Stills and Crosby have taken something of a back seat in my listening pleasure.
But there is no doubt that David Crosby has left his mark on music. His character has divided people and Stephen Stills' tribute piece seemed to be a bit mixed. Probably the best tribute came from folk icon Joan Baez who said that Crosby was always around when she needed a friend and support.
I have often thought that it was a miracle that Crosby has survived as long as he has, taking into account the number of substances he ingested over many years. Whatever I think of Crosby and his output, he was certainly a key figure in the history of rock/folk music.
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Sometimes you meet the most interesting people in unexpected places. We got chatting in a hotel bar/coffee lounge to a lady who originally comes from New Zealand. We talked about the NHS (for which she works) and various other political bits and pieces.
I asked her how she viewed the impending resignation of New Zealand premier Jacinda Adern. She said it was a tragedy as she had done so much for New Zealand and carried herself so well during major national events such as the Christchurch earthquake and the COVID pandemic.
On the other hand I have a friend with close family connections with New Zealand who was out celebrating that she has resigned. He feels she has done nothing for her country. I guess that when it comes to politics you pays your money and you takes your choice.