Legendary US musician David Crosby has died aged 81.
A representative confirmed the news on Thursday (January 19), with the singer and guitarist's widow telling Variety that he died "after a long illness" while surrounded by family. In a statement, she said:
"It is with great sadness after a long illness, that our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and soulmate Jan and son Django.
"Although he is no longer here with us, his humanity and kind soul will continue to guide and inspire us. His legacy will continue to live on through his legendary music.
"Peace, love, and harmony to all who knew David and those he touched.
"We will miss him dearly. At this time, we respectfully and kindly ask for privacy as we grieve and try to deal with our profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers."
Crosby was born in Los Angeles in 1941, the son of Oscar-winning cinematographer Floyd Crosby. The two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee helped set up two hugely influential bands in the 1960s: The Byrds, and Crosby, Stills and Nash. They were later joined by Canadian artist Neil Young, becoming Crosby, Stills, Nash And Young, and disbanded in 2016 after years of rivalry and tension.
He underwent a liver transplant in 1994 after decades of struggling with substance abuse, and survived diabetes, hepatitis C and heart surgery in his 70s. An advocate for cannabis throughout his career, he also had multiple encounters with US law enforcement, including an arrest in 1982 on drug and weapons charges.
Known for his guitar playing and vocal harmonies, along with his countercultural politics, his six decade-long career culminated with his final studio album, 'For Free', in 2021. In December 2022, BMG released 'David Crosby & The Lighthouse Band: Live at the Capitol Theatre', which was recorded in 2018.
Former bandmates saluted Crosby's talents, with Stephen Stills and Graham Nash among the first to pay tribute to the artist.
"It is with a deep and profound sadness that I learned that my friend David Crosby has passed," Nash wrote on social media. "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, the sound we discovered with one another, and the deep friendship we shared over all these many long years."
He added: "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. 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."
Stills said in a statement to Deadline: "I read a quote in this morning’s paper attributed to compose [sic] Gustav Mahler that stopped me for a moment: ‘Death has, on placid cat’s paws, entered the room.’
"I shoulda known something was up. David and I butted heads a lot over time, but they were mostly glancing blows, yet still left us numb skulls," he continued. "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."
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
