Photo by Wikimedia Commons/Ralph_PH
In Concert • July 29 • Bijou Theatre
By Randy Patterson, Boomerocity.com
More than six decades into a career that helped shape the soundtrack of multiple generations, Graham Nash remains exactly what he’s always been: an artist driven by curiosity, conviction, and creativity. When Nash returns to Knoxville’s Bijou Theatre on July 29, audiences won’t simply be seeing a legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Famer performing beloved classics. They’ll be witnessing an artist who continues to create and engage with the world around him.
Speaking with Boomerocity recently, Nash reflected on everything from his latest projects and photography to his friendships, music, and the lessons he’s learned throughout this remarkable journey. One of those projects is a new photography book, Life and Light. Following the success of his 2021 acclaimed photo collection, A Life in Focus: The Photography of Graham Nash, he is assembling another volume featuring approximately 180 new images.
Unlike photographers who focus on traditional scenic subjects, Nash’s eye gravitates more toward the unusual and unpredictable. “I know what I don’t take pictures of,” said Nash. “I don’t take pictures of kittens with balls of wool. I don’t take pictures to match my couch. I don’t take pictures of sunsets.” Instead, he finds inspiration in abstract moments and surreal images that appear unexpectedly during everyday life. Armed with his camera – or increasingly his iPhone – Nash captures visual moments that many people simply walk past. “I take surreal moments that happen in front of me almost daily,” he explained.
Photography isn’t the only storytelling medium Nash continues to embrace. His autobiography, Wild Tales: A Rock & Roll Life, remains popular, particularly in audiobook form, which Nash personally narrated – a decision that has proved meaningful for listeners. “People that have enjoyed that book really enjoy listening to me read that book in my own voice,” said Nash. “It’s a much more personal happening.” To him, hearing the stories directly from the person who lived them creates a deeper connection.
That personal connection remains at the heart of Nash’s relationship with his fans, many of whom have followed his career from The Hollies through Crosby, Stills & Nash, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and on to his solo work.
Yet one of the most moving moments of the conversation came when Nash reflected on his late friend and musical partner, David Crosby. Years before Crosby’s passing in 2023, the two endured a painful estrangement. However, Nash revealed that the pair had begun reconnecting shortly before Crosby died. Nash said, “He’s in my thoughts every single day.” He describes Crosby as his best friend for 50 years and admitted that one of the greatest losses was not simply the friendship, but the music they created together. “Our songwriting matched each other’s, and I miss David terribly.”
Asked what lessons others might learn from such fractured relationships, Nash’s answer was heartfelt and direct. “You must treasure the relationship,” he said. “You have to cherish that relationship.” He acknowledged that disagreements are inevitable but shouldn’t outweigh years of friendship and shared experiences. “Sometimes we agree and sometimes we don’t agree. And it’s okay to do that because that’s what a relationship is.”
Those themes of connection, reflection, and understanding continue to surface in Nash’s music as well. When fans attend his upcoming concerts, they’ll hear familiar songs that remain remarkably relevant decades after they were written. Among them, the classics such as “Chicago,” “Military Madness,” “Immigration Man,” and “Teach Your Children.” The latter continues to surprise Nash with its reach and longevity. “Music is magic like that,” he said. “It reaches places that you never thought it would.”
For Nash, that’s part of music’s enduring power. Songs become woven into people’s lives, carrying memories, emotions, and lessons across generations. “You always remember the first time you ever kissed somebody and a piece of music was playing,” he observed. “When that music comes on again, you go immediately back to that moment.” That belief in music’s power remains central to his performances today.
As for what audiences can expect on this tour, Nash promises a blend of beloved songs, new material, and thoughtful conversation. In a world he describes as “increasingly chaotic,” he hopes his concerts provide something many people are seeking. “If you come and see me, you can expect a couple of hours of relative peace,” he said.
It’s a simple promise from a man whose music has offered comfort, inspiration, and reflection for generations of listeners. At 84, Graham Nash could easily spend his days looking backward. Instead, he continues to look forward – writing and playing songs, capturing moments in photographs, engaging his audiences, and searching for the next meaningful moment.
To watch or listen to this full interview, search for “Boomerocity” on YouTube or on wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also visit Boomerocity.com.