Graham Nash Interview Ahead Of July Gig In Halifax

Graham Nash has had a lengthy career that has included being a member of The Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash. A new album, Over the Years will be released to accompany his forthcoming European tour.

Over two CD's the first disc features 15 well known studio singles and album tracks and 15 studio demos on the second disc, opening with the rejected 1968 demo of Marrakesh Express.

Ahead of the tour I asked Graham about the new album and forthcoming tour.

The new album spans the whole of your career.

That's right. There has never been a Greatest hits album before that included the Hollies tracks and the Crosby Stills and Nash ones. We came across the original demos of the songs which are included on the second CD.

There are two versions of Marrakesh Express on the album.

There is the demo I did with The Hollies which we did at Abbey Road studios which is not very good, The Hollies version is lifeless to me. I always thought it was a good song though and you can hear such a difference on the finished version of the track.

What can we expect on the tour?

Value for money! The people in the north of England work very hard for their money and we want to give them their money's worth. I haven't done my job if the audience are not leaving the theatre with a smile on their face. It will be a good night out.

You are coming to Halifax, have you been there before?

I know Halifax well, I have just started watching the new TV series Gentleman Jack which was filmed in the town. It is a true story about Anne Lister set in the 1800's. She is a strong woman who can take care of herself, though she likes women better than men. You say it was filmed at Shibden Hall in Halifax, it looks very historic. I am going to dedicate the Halifax show to her.

Do you miss the north of England now you live in America?

Those people came through two wars and I admire their resilience. I must admit I do not miss the weather though.

Do you listen to any current music?

To a certain extent but to be honest I have been so involved with our music and getting this new album together.

Do you still enjoy playing live gigs?

I do, I love the live shows. I am 77 years old now and I do not have to do this but I love to do it. We are playing small venues on this tour, it is more intimate when you can see the whites of the eyes of the audience.

I saw Elton John at Madison Square Gardens a few weeks back and he did a 3 hour set without a break. I got to see The Who too at the same venue and they had an orchestra with them and they worked so well together. We might all be getting older but our voices are still as good as ever.

Where are your favourite places to visit?

Manhattan definitely and in Europe Florence in Italy is one of my favourites, I love the place. We are going there on this tour but I will not have time to see the sites. With the cost of touring these days you have to play as many dates back to back as you can, we might do Rome but I will only be there for a few hours then it is back travelling to the next show. I really only get to see these places properly when I go on vacation.

Graham Nash plays Halifax Victoria Theatre on Wednesday 17 July

https://www.victoriatheatre.co.uk/whats-on/graham-nash-intimate-evening-songs-and-stories