David Crosby’s recent passing flooded social platforms with tribute messages coming all over the rock community, but who might be better to say a few words about Crosby than his fellow rockers and former bandmates? From the Pink Floyd icon David Gilmour to former bandmates Graham Nash and Stephen Stills, many rock legends paid homage to the late artist with emotional messages.
“We sang together, we played together, and had great times together,” wrote Gilmour as he shared a picture of him and Crosby on Instagram alongside his note expressing how much he’ll miss him. “I’ll miss the Croz more than words can say. Sail on.”
Then Graham Nash, usually regarded as a rival of David’s, also penned a message to bid farewell to his late friend. Nash said, “It is with a deep and profound sadness that I learned that my friend David Crosby has passed. I know people tend to focus on how volatile our relationship has been at times, but what has always mattered to David and me more than anything was the pure joy of the music we created together.”
Nash continued, “The sound we discovered with one another, and the deep friendship we shared over all these many long years. David was fearless in life and in music. He leaves behind a tremendous void as far as sheer personality and talent in this world. He spoke his mind, his heart, and his passion through his beautiful music and leaves an incredible legacy.”
The singer then sent his thoughts to Crosby’s family and anyone he might have influenced over the years. Graham noted, “These are the things that matter most. My heart is truly with his wife, Jan, his son, Django, and all of the people he has touched in this world.”
Another former bandmate, Stephen Stills, also paid tribute by sharing an old photo of him and Crosby. He said, “I read a quote in this morning’s paper attributed to composer Gustav Mahler that stopped me for a moment, ‘Death has, on placid cat’s paws, entered the room.’ I should’ve known something was up.”
Stephen further explained, “David and I butted heads a lot over time, but they were mostly glancing blows, yet still left us numb skulls. I was happy to be at peace with him. He was, without question, a giant of a musician, and his harmonic sensibilities were nothing short of genius. The glue that held us together as our vocals soared, like Icarus, towards the sun. I am deeply saddened at his passing and shall miss him beyond measure.”
So, even though Crosby had butted heads with Graham and Stephen from time to time, in the end, their friendship and joint work mattered the most for the artists. There was no bad blood or regrets between the former bandmates as they bid farewell to their friend. And even though he was not the late musician’s bandmate, Gilmour also appreciated his time with Crosby, stating it was great to have played with him.
