Celtic Connections Honors David Crosby with Tribute Concert

GLASGOW, Scotland — A tribute concert celebrating the music of David Crosby, the legendary singer-songwriter who passed away in 2023, took center stage at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall as part of the Celtic Connections festival. The event, originally commissioned for the Llais Festival in Cardiff, recreated Crosby’s 1971 debut solo album, If I Could Only Remember My Name, alongside highlights from his storied career.

The concert, led by composer and producer Kate St John, featured an impressive lineup of musicians, including The Staves, Robbie McIntosh, Kris Drever, and Liam O’Maonlai. The evening showcased Crosby’s enduring influence, blending impeccable musicianship with lush harmonies that highlighted his songwriting prowess.

Crosby’s debut album, recorded during a tumultuous period in his life, was initially met with mixed reviews but has since gained critical acclaim. “I was an immature person, stoned out of my mind, hit with something I absolutely couldn’t handle,” Crosby told Rolling Stone years later. “It’s amazing I managed to get into the studio at all.”

The tribute opened with the album’s first track, Music Is Love, performed by The Staves, setting the tone for a night of sonic precision. However, the absence of introductions or context during the first half lent the performance a solemn air. Liam O’Maonlai’s rendition of Traction in the Rain and Ed Harcourt’s fiery take on Cowboy Movie stood out, though the atmosphere remained reserved.

The second half of the concert, featuring highlights from Crosby’s broader catalog, brought a more relaxed and celebratory vibe. Margo Buchanan delivered a bluesy Long Time Gone, while The Staves’ harmonies on The Byrds’ classic Why underscored Crosby’s pop sensibilities. Michelle Willis, who collaborated with Crosby in his later years, shared personal anecdotes, offering a glimpse into the man behind the music.

The evening culminated in a standout duet between Willis and Kris Drever on Things We Do For Love, described as a “smoky, whisky-flavoured delight.” By the end, the affection and respect for Crosby’s legacy were palpable, leaving the audience with a renewed appreciation for his contributions to music.