David Crosby wasn’t your typical rockstar. Sure, the stories were there – the kind that make headlines and fuel legends.
But in 2007, when Classic Rock magazine got the 65-year-old Crosby talking, a different picture emerged. Gone were the days of reckless abandon. Here sat a man weathered by experience, a survivor with a sharp wit and a whole lot to say.
Classic Rock knew exactly what they were getting into. They tossed out names and topics, prodding Crosby’s memory with the sharp stick of his own eventful life. Drugs, accidents, even a liver transplant – Crosby had seen it all.
Yet, through it all, his passion for music and his willingness to speak his mind remained undimmed. Up ahead is David Crosby unfiltered, the man once hilariously introduced on stage as “The Sperminator”.
The 80s: A Rough Ride
“The 80s is a great place to start [for a tell-all],” Crosby said. But according to him, the decade was a wasteland. He criticizes the music, calling the dance music “real bad”. More importantly, it was a dark time for Crosby personally. He admitted to heavy drug use – cocaine and heroin – blaming the 70s and 80s for its rise. The impact was devastating: “A lot of people going down the tubes. A lot of people dying. And disco,” Crosby added with a touch of sarcasm.
Age: Embracing The Unexpected Years
David Crosby laughs at the absurdity of aging. He never expected to reach 65, let alone find joy in it. Back in his youth, the thought of that age conjured images of a grumpy, defeated man. But a brush with death eleven years prior to the interview flipped the script. Now, he cherishes every moment, especially the gift of fatherhood to his son Django and the blessings of his blended family with Melissa Etheridge and Julie Cypher.
Graham Nash: A Brother In Song
David Crosby showers praise on his musical partner, Graham Nash. He calls him “a wonderful man, a true renaissance man” who defied the odds. Nash, Crosby explains, rose from the roughness of Manchester to become “a world-class authority on art and photography,” all while establishing himself as “one of the best singer-songwriters there is.” But Crosby goes beyond talent, highlighting Nash’s unique voice, calling him “arguably the finest harmony singer in the world.” Above all, Crosby cherishes Nash’s integrity. “He’s an honorable man, which is rare, very rare,” Crosby emphasizes.
Monterey Pop: A Revelation In Rock And Roll
The Monterey Pop Festival stands out in Crosby’s memory for the sheer shock it induced. Witnessing Jimi Hendrix’s pyrotechnics and The Who’s destructive energy, Crosby remembers musicians yelling in disbelief: “‘You can’t break up a drum set!’ ‘He’s breaking that guitar!’ ‘He lit it on fire!’” Hendrix’s talent and stage presence were a revelation, while The Who’s chaotic performance pushed the boundaries of what rock and roll could be.
The 90s: A Decade of Highs And Lows
The 90s were a mixed bag for Crosby. Musically, he admits there weren’t many highlights. However, a personal bombshell came in 1994 when the IRS seized his house due to an accountant’s embezzlement. This financial struggle coincided with another blow – a doctor’s diagnosis revealing terminal liver disease. Yet, amidst the darkness, there was light. His wife became pregnant with their son Django, and miraculously, Crosby received a life-saving liver transplant.
Being A Sperm Donor: Fatherhood Is A Gift Of Love
Becoming a sperm donor was an eye-opening experience for Crosby. What resonated most was his wife Jan’s incredible kindness. He saw her generosity firsthand when Melissa and Julie, their friends, expressed a desire to have a child. While Crosby was initially surprised by Jan’s suggestion, he recognized the abundance of love involved and readily agreed to help them build their family.
Heroin: A Dangerous Escape
Crosby describes heroin as a deceptive drug, offering a false sense of well-being. He compares it to an “everything’s okay” pill that numbs users to problems like a broken leg or a burning house. While it seemed to soothe emotional pain initially, he admits it merely suppressed the issues, causing them to fester. Crosby deeply regrets his heroin use, acknowledging the destructive nature of the drug and his fortunate recovery, a reality many addicts never achieve.
George W. Bush: “I Think He’s An Idiot”
The musician has some strong opinions about former U.S. President George W. Bush. He humorously suggested that perhaps there should be a prerequisite for handling nuclear weapons: the ability to correctly pronounce the word “nuclear”. As for Bush himself, Crosby minced no words. He labeled the 43rd president as an “idiot” and criticized his intelligence. Crosby also accused Bush of being dishonest and blamed him for getting the nation into significant trouble. The fact that Bush had never traveled abroad until assuming the presidency didn’t sit well with Crosby either.
Stephen Stills: A Complex Bond
David Crosby acknowledges a complicated relationship with Stephen Stills. Despite frequent disagreements and clashes, Crosby respects Stills’ musical talent, admitting his songwriting is some of the best in American music. Their shared history and love of music create a bond, allowing them to focus on what unites them despite their contrasting personalities.
Sailing: Solace On The Open Seas
Crosby hails sailing as his constant refuge. He emphasizes its grounding nature, a place far removed from fame. Sailing has been his passion for over five decades, and despite his age, he longs for more adventures at sea. He sees the ocean as a teacher, demanding respect and self-reliance. His ultimate goal is to share this passion with his son, Django, who already enjoys the sea life.
Guns: A Complex View
Crosby’s perspective on guns is nuanced. He acknowledges a shift from responsible gun ownership in his youth to the dangers of modern firearms. While admitting his own mistake of illegally carrying a gun, he believes in the right to gun ownership, but stresses the immense responsibility of gun owners to educate their children about gun safety.
The Byrds: A Bittersweet Legacy
Crosby expresses a mix of pride and frustration regarding The Byrds. He acknowledges their groundbreaking music and lasting impact. However, a desire to reunite with bandmates Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman for a Byrds revival tour remains unfulfilled, likely due to personal friction with McGuinn. Crosby feels this is a missed opportunity, especially considering his ownership of the band’s name, which holds him back from pursuing a solo Byrds project.
The 70s: A Creative Boom Before The Storm
The legendary musician reflects fondly on the 1970s, viewing them as an extension of the idealistic 60s. He highlights the era’s vibrant creative energy and flourishing music scene. While acknowledging the growing presence of cocaine in the industry, he emphasizes that the negative effects hadn’t yet fully taken hold. Overall, Crosby cherishes the 70s as a period of artistic exploration and accomplishment.
America: Love And Disillusionment
Crosby expresses a complex love for America. He deeply admires the nation’s founding ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. However, he sees corporate greed eroding these principles and fears recent events have significantly damaged American freedoms. Despite his disillusionment, Crosby’s patriotism remains strong. He believes America is worth fighting for and expresses his unwavering faith in the possibility of renewal.
Liver Transplant: A Second Chance
Crosby sheds light on the life-saving, yet unequal realities of liver transplants He describes the procedure as complex and emphasizes the crucial role of organ donation. Having benefitted from a transplant himself, Crosby acknowledges the limitations of access for those without insurance. He concludes with a powerful plea for organ donation to save countless lives.
Women: A Flippant Reflection
David Crosby’s comments on women are lighthearted and focus on his past romantic experiences. He acknowledges enjoying numerous long-term relationships during a period when birth control was available but AIDS wasn’t a concern. Interestingly, he highlights having more female friends than male, expressing a general fondness for women’s company. While his perspective is light, it avoids going into any depth about the women themselves.
9/11: A Sobering View
David Crosby views the 9/11 attacks as a wake-up call, a foreseeable consequence of US foreign policy. He suggests the US government’s world view may have been misplaced, and fears even greater events loom on the horizon.
Freebase Cocaine: The Most Dangerous Substance On The Planet
David Crosby pulls no punches when discussing freebase cocaine. He condemns it as the most dangerous and addictive substance, a one-way ticket to destruction. His words serve as a stark warning, urging people to avoid this drug to protect themselves, their families, and their entire lives.
Prison: A Hard-Earned Awakening
Crosby describes his prison stint as a brutal but ultimately transformative experience. While acknowledging the horrors of prison life and the lack of proper rehabilitation, he reveals an unexpected benefit. Forced cold turkey from drugs in a harsh environment led to a moment of clarity, a chance to break free from addiction. Despite the trauma, Crosby recognizes this as a turning point, a reminder to stay far away from the path that led him there.
The 60s: A Paradox Of Innocence And Turmoil
David Crosby presents a complex picture of the 1960s. He acknowledges a sense of youthful idealism, despite the simmering civil rights struggle and the growing shadow of the Vietnam War. This era of social conflict, he argues, surprisingly coexisted with a flourishing music scene, fueled in part by the groundbreaking work of The Beatles.
Neil Young: A Powerful Presence
Crosby describes Neil Young as a powerful creative force, comparing his energy to the elements themselves. He acknowledges Young’s intense dedication to music and family, with little room for anything else. Despite the demanding nature of being Young’s bandmate, Crosby expresses deep respect and admiration for his friend’s relentless pursuit of musical excellence.
Regret: Learning From The Past
Crosby acknowledges dwelling on past mistakes, but emphasizes the importance of not letting them become burdens. He advocates for self-reflection to understand the root causes of regret, like his wasted time due to addiction. Through introspection, Crosby sees an opportunity for growth. His solution: confront the past, learn from it, and let go in order to move forward with a clean slate.
Jimi Hendrix: A Quiet Genius
David Crosby hails Jimi Hendrix as the greatest guitarist ever, acknowledging the talent of Stevie Ray Vaughan but placing Hendrix above all. He playfully speculates about an undiscovered prodigy waiting to emerge. Beyond his musical prowess, Crosby sheds light on Hendrix’s lesser-known quiet and reserved personality offstage, contrasting it with his electrifying stage presence.
Religion: Skeptical but Searching
Crosby finds religion a complex topic. While acknowledging its potential comfort and the allure of a spiritual life, he expresses strong reservations about organized religion. He criticizes their manipulative tactics and feels they often stray from genuine help. However, figures like the Dalai Lama inspire him with their spiritual teachings and detachment from worldly concerns. Crosby ultimately seeks a personal connection to a spiritual dimension, independent of organized religion.
David Crosby: Self-Acceptance at Last
David Crosby, acknowledging his flaws and past struggles, finds himself in a place of self-acceptance. Despite his physical limitations, he cherishes his family and career. Driven by a desire to contribute positivity to the world, he plans to keep creating music until he can no longer. This newfound peace marks a significant shift from past struggles, underscoring that Crosby has finally made peace with himself.