Graham Nash isn’t slowing down. At 81, the legendary singer-songwriter has just released Now, an album he calls the most personal of his career. Given his six decades of writing, that’s saying something.
“There are more tracks on this album that reflect my true feelings,” Nash tells me. “I’ve always been able to write about anything, but at this age, I really want to talk to people.”
The album opens with a gut-punch of a line: “I used to think I’d never love again.” It sets the stage for a deeply introspective record, one that reflects on loss, resilience, and finding new love when you least expect it.
Loss and Reflection: The Passing of David Crosby
This past year brought painful losses for Nash, most notably the passing of his longtime bandmate and sometime adversary, David Crosby.
“I think the truth is, we expected David to pass 20 years ago,” Nash admits. “The fact that he made it to 81 was astonishing.”
Though their relationship had been strained in recent years, Nash is grateful they were reconnecting before Crosby’s death.
“It was kind of like an earthquake—you get the initial shock, and then the aftershocks keep coming,” he says. “I’m very pleased that David and I were getting closer towards the end.”
Crosby’s sudden passing came as a shock to everyone. “None of us knew,” Nash says. “He was rehearsing for a show in L.A. with a full band. After three days of rehearsals, he felt a little sick. He’d already had COVID, and he got it again. He went home, took a nap, and never woke up.”
A Personal and Political Album
Despite its personal nature, Now also takes aim at the political chaos of today. Songs like Golden Idol and Stars and Stripes directly confront the state of America, particularly the lingering presence of Donald Trump and his enablers.
“I saw a picture of Trump as a golden idol,” Nash explains. “And I thought, it’s not just him. He needs help to be this awful. I wanted to make sure people understood—he’s not the only Golden Idol.”
As for Stars and Stripes, Nash tackles the concept of “alternative facts” head-on.
“A truth is a fact, period,” he says. “There are no alternative truths. If we lose the truth, we’re really screwed.”
Even with these weighty themes, the album remains hopeful. Songs like Better Life show Nash’s enduring belief in love, resilience, and the possibility of change.
The Hollies, CSNY, and Looking Back
This year marks the 60th anniversary of The Hollies, the band that started it all for Nash. But he doesn’t mince words about its current state.
“For me, The Hollies aren’t The Hollies without me and Allan Clarke,” he says. “We started in December 1962. Without us, it’s not really The Hollies.”
As for the possibility of any new Stills, Nash & Young collaborations, he’s blunt: “We have to really love each other to make music like that. And when we do, it’s fantastic. When we don’t, it’s really awful.”
That said, Nash remains open to music with Stephen Stills or Neil Young. “If Stephen wrote a song that broke my heart, I’d be right there,” he says. “If Neil calls and sends me something, I’m in. I’m a musician. I love good songs.”
Keeping the Spirit of Buddy Holly Alive
One of the most joyful moments on Now comes with Buddy’s Back, a tribute to Buddy Holly. The song perfectly captures Holly’s spirit, and that’s no accident.
“I wanted to remind people just how influential Buddy Holly was,” Nash says. “The man only recorded for 15 months. He was dead at 22, and yet his music shaped everything.”
The song also brings Nash full circle—The Hollies, after all, named themselves in tribute to Holly.
What’s Next? A Thriving Tour and a Love for the Present
Nash isn’t just releasing music—he’s taking it on the road, and the response has been overwhelming.
“I start my tour in April, and the business has been ridiculous,” he says. “In Philadelphia, we put a thousand seats on sale, and they sold out in two hours. We added another date, and that one sold out in two hours too.”
After 60 years in music, Nash is still chasing what he loves most—great songs and honest conversations. And with Now, he’s given us both.
Watch the interview above and then check out the video below.
