"Forever
Young Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young take fans on a great trip back in time"
By JANE STEVENSON
Toronto Sun
Air Canada Centre, Toronto
Thursday, March 30, 2000
TORONTO -- Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young -- touring together as a foursome for
the first time in more than a quarter-century -- brought their secret weapon with them to
the Air Canada Centre last night.
Of course, Neil Young can hardly be thought of as secret in his own home town, which,
incidentally, honoured him with plaque on Canada's Walk Of Fame yesterday.
But, like CSNY's Detroit tour launch on Jan. 24, Young proved to be the fire in the
belly of the legendary folk-rock band, who first made waves in California three decades
ago with their heavenly harmonies, sweet melodies and politically- and socially-conscious
lyrics.
David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash and Neil Young, now all in their mid- to
late-fifties, have aged well -- in terms of sheer musicianship, if not entirely strength
of voice (Stills was the most ragged-sounding) -- alongside their classic songs.
Tunes from the latest CSNY album, Looking Forward -- particularly Young's Slowpoke and
Stills' Faith In Me -- were also received well by the crowd of 20,000, which was a bit of
surprise given that the album has hardly flown out of record stores. But no matter.
Last night it seemed CSNY had transported the boomer-heavy crowd back to a time when
first-week record sales didn't matter, but a couple of acoustic guitars and some good weed
did.
The foursome, backed by bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn and drummer Jim Keltner,
initially strode on to their candlelit, Indian-carpet-adorned stage with little fanfare.
Nash, God love him, was barefoot.
And like their tour launch, they kicked off the evening with Carry On -- the first song
on their seminal 1970 debut Deja Vu -- and the fiery Southern Man.
Young, naturally, was a hometown favourite as he energetically bobbed and weaved around
the stage, skillfully playing both acoustic and electric guitar opposite musical sparring
partner Stills. Crosby and Nash, meanwhile, were in splendid singing voice for most
of the night and even hugged each other after a good run through Marrakesh Express during
the opening electric set.
But it was Crosby's solo turn on the anti-establishment anthem Almost Cut My Hair that
really ignited the crowd, particularly after Young and Stills cut loose on inspired guitar
solos.
That song was followed by Young's equally spirited Cinnamon Girl, but the momentum was
disrupted by a 20 minute break.
Fortunately, CSNY returned for an equally pleasing acoustic set that saw them play
seated on four stools at the front of the stage.
The powerful triple punch of Helplessly Hoping, Our House and Helpless was palpable as
the crowd sang along and cheered. Those songs were only topped by Young's own After The
Gold Rush, which he performed simply on an organ and harmonica while Crosby and Nash sang
glorious backup harmony.
Not surprisingly, last night's show sold out in a mere 24 hours and a second concert
was added tonight -- limited tickets are still available.
The "CSNY2K" tour, as it's being billed, is scheduled to wrap up on April 19
in St. Louis. But given the genuinely great time the four musicians seemed to be
having last night -- could they really be the same famously fractious foursome? -- I
wouldn't be surprised if they put in more road time after a summer break.
If not, they can look back on the last few months together with real pride.
A Music Insight review
Air Canada Centre
March 30, 2000
CSNY came to town, and put on a fiery, epic show to an incredulous audience at
Toronto's Air Canada Centre. 30 songs, three and a half hours, no duds. It's easy to
dismiss Crosby, Stills Nash and Young; they haven't sold so well lately, they've had some
harrowing personal problems along the way, and they're... old. But not too old to rock and
roll, as the lucky ticketholders for Thursday's concert found out. The show was extremely
long and diverse, and delivered quite a few surprises. The band strolled onstage at eight,
and began the show with "Carry On". Their voices were strong and it was easy to
believe them when they sang "rejoice, rejoice, we have no choice but to carry
on". And carry on they did. Next up was a sizzling version of "Southern
Man", which was the first sign that the evening wasn't going to be all harmonies and
acoustic guitars. The next seven songs were a mixed bag, featuring strong vocal
performances by Steven Stills and David Crosby. The band seemed to hit their stride as
Graham Nash started "Marrakesh Express", and the vocals became stronger and
clearer still . "Almost Cut My Hair" was a stunner.
Crosby's vocal was heartfelt and extremely powerful, taking the band into an extended,
incandescent three-guitar jam. This was followed by a satisfyingly crunchy "Cinnamon
Girl", and then by a twenty minute intermission.
When the band returned, they launched into an acoustic set featuring "Helplessly
Hoping", "Our House" and a creaky pipe-organ version of Neil Young's
"After The Goldrush". Then came a crystal-clear "Guinnevere"
featuring, you guessed it, an outstanding vocal performance by Crosby and Nash. Steven
Stills returned and began a nimble and showy solo acoustic guitar number which led into
"Suite: Judy Blue Eyes". The audience showered them with applause. It seemed
like a rousing end to a great show. Except for one thing. The band kept playing, and
playing, and playing... An impeccable yet warm version of "Teach Your Children"
was followed by a pumped-up, electrified "Woodstock". Members of the audience
slowly began making their way to the exits. Neil Young had other plans, however, and
started into "Down By The River", which prompted Young and Stills to begin yet
another all-out pyrotechnic lead guitar wailfest. "Ohio" was equally chilling,
even if it has been about 28 years since the shootings at Kent State. Steven Stills led
the band through Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth", followed by
"Love The One Your With" and the show closed with a feedback blowout version of
Young's "Rocking In The Free World". CSNY left the stage and the audience made
as much noise as was humanly possible, hoping to get the band back for another song, while
wondering if there were any left to play. The guys finally did return, with yet another
tune that gave a capsule description of the history of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young,
"Long May You Run". A great finish to a surprisingly vibrant and relevant
