It’s not every day I get excited about an announcement for a new show at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, but on March 19, the legendary folk-rock group Crosby, Stills & Nash announced they would be embarking on an extensive U.S. tour this summer with a stop in Tuscaloosa on July 11.
For those unfamiliar, Crosby, Stills & Nash are living legends. Each member has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (once as a vocal group). CSN formed in 1968 as a super-group of sorts, merging the creative minds of David Crosby, formerly of The Byrds, Stephen Stills of Buffalo Springfield, and Graham Nash of The Hollies.
Throughout the course of their long and peculiar history, the group created a massive, lasting impact on the world of rock and roll through both their music and political activism. Often collaborating with songwriting giant Neil Young to round out their Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young lineup, the group made a name for themselves with their famously intricate vocal harmonies and poignant political songwriting.
The band became one of the biggest voices for the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 70s. Many of their songs take on subjects such as the Vietnam War and oppression, usually in unsubtle manners. One of their most famous songs, “Ohio,” written by Neil Young, reflects on the Kent State Massacre — a clash between anti-war protestors and the National Guard that left four students dead, nine wounded and calls out then-President Richard Nixon by name, a bold statement for their time.
For fans wondering if they’re still any good, rest easy. The group still sounds as great as ever. Their voices have barely aged a bit, they’re still competent musicians and, of course, their music is timeless. So if you’re pondering whether shelling out the money for these tickets is a good idea or not, be certain your dollar is being well spent. I definitely recommend catching these lynchpins of modern music history as they roll through the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater on July 11.
Tickets go on sale through Ticketmaster at 10 a.m., on April 6 at tiered prices of $32.25, $52.25 and $72.25. The band states that $1 from every ticket sale will go to charity.
