Newcastle Civic Theatre
Wednesday 20 March 2024
Reviewer / Photographer : Kevin Bull
Prior to tonight’s visit to Newcastle, I mentioned to the two ladies at work that I was seeing Graham Nash live. Though the name was not instantly familiar (which was unfortunate), The Hollies and Crosby, Stills Nash & Young certainly were. The great man’s contribution to some of the most memorable and influential music in history is undeniable, and this is the main reason why we are here tonight at the Civic Theatre.
Casually walking on stage not long after 7.30pm, Nash presents himself as an approachable man, regularly chatting to his audience about the songs he performed tonight. His charm begins with complimenting Newcastle for its trees and greenery prior to opening with ‘Wasted on the Way’, a cut from the Crosby, Stills & Nash 1982 album, Daylight Again.
The setlist tonight covered Nash’s 60 years in the industry, stretching way back to the 1966 Graham Gouldman (10cc) penned and The Hollies first US Top 10 hit, ‘Bus Stop’, all the way to ‘A Better Life’, a cut from Nash’s 2023 album Now. As one would expect, music produced alongside David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Neil Young featured prominently, and there were regular nods to his supergroup band mates. Apart from the Nash penned ‘Marrakesh Express’, ‘Teach Your Children’ and ‘Our House’, Stills’ ‘4 + 20’ and ‘Love The One You’re With’, Crosby’s ‘Critical Mass’ and Young’s ‘Ohio’ all made an appearance. Six of Nash’s 1971 debut solo album, Songs for Beginners, were also performed tonight, with ‘Military madness’ being warmly welcomed.
Production tonight was possibly the most stripped back that I have seen in recent years, with simple white spots illuminating the four musicians, leaving the strength of the music and musicianship to shine. Volume, though amplified, was appropriate for the style of music and the strength of Nash’s 82 year old voice. Placing this within the ornate interior of the Newcastle Civic Theatre ensured that the audience received what was a most enjoyable and uplifting night of live music. Graham Nash is one of modern music’s living treasures.
