Graham Nash
Musician
Friday, October 12, 2007; 1:00 PM
Graham Nash-- best known for his work with
Nash will be online Friday, Oct. 12, at 1 p.m. ET to answer questions about the event, its genesis and his legendary career.
The transcript follows.
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Graham Nash: Good afternoon everyone... beautiful day isn't it?
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Falls Church, Va.:
The prayer service is terrific. Never underestimate the power of prayer. Is this open to the public or invitation only?
What do you say to us who strongly support the current administration's effort to bring peace and stability to Iraq? Even the Iraqi people are conflicted about this. They want us out, but they want us to eliminate terror, lawlessness, and tyranny too.
PS: I enjoyed the CSN performance at Wolf Trap in Aug of 2005.
Graham Nash: I believe that the United States went into Iraq for the oil not to bring democracy to that country... I believe that we are going to be in the Middle East for decades....
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Anaheim, Calif.: The mission for peace in Nepal transcends religions. What can be done, in your opinion, to help bring a final peace between China and Nepal?
Graham Nash: I don't believe that I have enough information to answer this question...
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Boston, Mass.: Paul McCartney played in Moscow. Would you ever play in Beijing and under what circumstances? Can music encourage openness in a still closed society like China?
Graham Nash: I would love to play and share music in China.....we can change the world...
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Ashburn, Va.: Have enjoyed your musical contributions throughout the years. Thank you. In your opinion, what is God's view toward sin? How does God deal with sin?
Graham Nash: I'm not certain about the existance of 'God".. I'm a Pantheist.. everything is 'God' to me....
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Baltimore, Md.: Hey, what's this I hear about the Supreme Court voting to give George Bush the Nobel Peace Prize?
Graham Nash: I don't believe that the Supreme Court has any say over who gets in prize... and btw... Gore won it...
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Gaithersburg, Md.: Graham - just wanted to say "Thank You" for all the great music over the years.
Graham Nash: Many thanks....
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Boston, Mass.: What is your reaction to the open letter to Christian leaders by Muslim clerics calling for reconciliation and understanding between the two major faiths? Is that possible in a world of fundamentalism and extremism?
Graham Nash: It has to be possible... if not....yikes...
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The Fabulous Fourtones: Even though there's a Fourtones page on the AOL Music website, it seems to be empty! No songs, no video ... nothing.
What gives?
Graham Nash: So long ago eh! I was just given a video of 'home' movies of the Fourtones... very interesting to see myself so young..
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Towson, Md. (just outside Baltimore): graham: shalom! what a remarkable career you've had! from "bus stop" to "teach your children", i've followed you all the way. as a parent of teens, i perceive a prevailing sense complacency bordering on apathy in the youth of today. would you care to address this issue, and how you believe we can "teach our children" to care, and act accordingly?
many thanks, mommish
Graham Nash: As I said before I believe that we have to start by taking care of ourselves, our families and our friends... let's set our own lives straight before we tell other people how to live....
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Herndon, Va: First of all - thank you for the music! In an interview David Crosby did in connection with last years CSNY "Living with War" tour, he mentioned the possibility of touring during the 2008 presidential campaign. Any plans to do that?
Graham Nash: Neil is working on the CSNY movie... very interesting... we plan to put it out to try to effect the election....
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Woodbridge, Va.: Graham,
Interesting you're going to pray for peace. Isn't religion the basis of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars? Fanatic Muslums killing other Muslims, Christians, Americans and anyone else who they feel are heathens? Neil Young said it best in "Rockin in the Free World" when he said:
"There's a lot of people sayin'
we'd be better off dead
Don't feel like Satan,
but I am to them
So I try to forget it,
any way I can."
My question is: isn't religion the problem in dealing with the Middle East, how do we get around that issue?
Graham Nash: Unfortunately I think that religion and it's extremists have caused a great many of the wars that have been fought... we are trying our best to change this...we have to start somewhere right?
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Tyson's Corner, Va.: Mr. Nash: Do you think there's any olive branch you can throw a conservative like myself? Or do I have to believe that the U.S. is mostly a force for evil in the world (of course only when Republicans are in the White House) before you'd want me praying for peace too?
Graham Nash: We need everyone... no labels... just human beings
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Winnipeg, Canada: I saw you for the first time a year ago when you came to our city as part of the CSNY tour. Your contribution in Neil Young's former home town was outstanding. The concert stands out as one of the best I have ever attended, and as my wife said, it was the biggest, most fun anti-war rally ever.
Still, a letter to the editor later complained about the strong peace message, and the writer said he preferred CSN to CSNY for that reason. How can you explain, given the record the three original members have in social issues, that the Y part of the group seems to get all the press for being the political one? I'm not just talking about the Living With War album, because I distinctly remember commentary when Ohio came out about how the group was now political. It was as if no one had heard Find the Cost of Freedom.
Graham Nash: Who really cares about who gets what credit... we're all in this together... you and me..
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Washington, D.C.: Do you think that musicians and celebrities should always try to use their fame to advance social causes? Does it ever come off as disingenuous?
Graham Nash: I'm a Human being, husband, father and friend... I have an opinion about my world and I happen to be a musician...
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Allen, Tex.: Do you think CSN&Y will ever go on tour and just play just an acoustic show?
How's your box set coming along?
Graham Nash: Who knows what's in store for CSNY..... the box set is coming along nicely.... 65 pieces of music..
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Boston, Mass.: What's the relationship between religion and reason?
Graham Nash: Reason is what you know.. maybe religion is what you hope
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Free Speech Zone, USA:"Military madness is killing my country
So much sadness creeps over me."
"Well your brother's bound and gagged,
and they've chained him to a chair.
Won't you please come to Chicago, just to sing.
In a land that's known as freedom, how can such a thing be fair?"
After what went down forty years ago, how did we as a society let it happen again?
Can we still change the world?
Graham Nash: Of course we can change the world... everything you do matters and it is important to speak your mind...
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Washington, D.C.: What musicians of today's generation do you admire, both musically and socially?
Graham Nash: There are lot's of people to admire... Beck, Prince, Ani DeFranco,The Beastie Boys, Peter Gabriel... Check out all the songs on Neils "Living with war' page...
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Juneau, Alaska: What was the inspiration for the album Songs for Beginners?'
Graham Nash: I neede to get certain things off my chest as they say....
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Anonymous: I was reflecting on your album songs for beginners and the influence it had on me. How long do you think it will take mankind to rid itself of war?
Graham Nash: Unless we somehow were able to isolate a 'greed' or 'violence' gene and remove them I don't see a great deal of hope...
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Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.:
What is your realistic goals to achieve with this event?
ps- Simple Man is one of my favorite songs!
Graham Nash: To bring awareness of the problems we are facing because of our inability to communicate properly...Surely it is most 'un-religious' to kill people in the name of God...
Graham Nash: Don't you agree?
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TJA in SS: Hi Graham,
35 years ago you sang about military madness and, sadly, it's a song you could write today. As a member of the Woodstock generation's house band, can you see why things haven't changed?
Thanks for all of the great music over the years (I hope you're still proud of your work with the Hollies; Eloise/King Midas in Reverse is a masterpiece).
Graham Nash: One of the reasons that you don't see the outrage amongst the public is that there is no 'draft'... kids aren't dying by the thousands... It is a sad state of affairs when songs written 35 years ago are still having to be sung today...
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Whitefish, Montana: Mr Nash,
I last saw you in concert in 92, where you spoke sternly about still having to play the song "military madness." What popular songs of today do you think convey this message? And do you feel there are more or less people listening today as opposed to when you first wrote this song?
Thanks for years of hard work.
Graham Nash: One of the reasons that you don't see the outrage amongst the public is thatthere is no 'draft'... kids aren't dying by the thousands... It is a sad state of affairs when songs written 35 years ago are still sung today...
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Arlington, Va.: How long will you be in D.C.? How do you plan to spend the rest of your time besides the concert?
Graham Nash: So many things to take care of... I'm going to be a busy lad...
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Potomac, Md.: What an exciting project and so relevant in today's world. Where did this idea come from and who else is involved?
Graham Nash: It came about from a converstaion that the Bishop and Crosby and I were having.... I asked the Bishop where the religious response was to the killing of human beings in the name of God... a simple question.. and the answer will be at the Cathedral....
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Vienna, Va.: It is wonderful indeed that people of diverse religious faiths are coming together to pray for peace, and the respect for human life. But I wonder if there's not a danger of seeing things through a rose-colored moral equivalency glass. Is it wrong to ask tougher questions and require more from the faith leaders who have adherents who strap explosives onto themselves and children and send them into crowded marketplaces, killing innocents?
Graham Nash: Or is it wrong to ask tough questions of our own administration who sends troops over there killing many innocent people?
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Washington, D.C.: Re: the photos -- yours is done by the sister of Bruce Springsteen, correct? What's she like to work with?
Graham Nash: Pamela Springsteen is a fine photographer... she handled the 3 of us very well..
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Columbus, Ohio: How can live music performances throughout the world be leveraged to assist causes or movements such as the Pray for Peace initiative that you are involved in?
Graham Nash: I believe you must act from a place of peace within yourself..
I do my best, everyday, to make the world a better place...I use my music as my 'voice'...
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Omaha, Neb.: Will this concert be televised?
Graham Nash: I don't think so....
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Rockville, Md.: Who could ever be against peace? But why is the only acceptable peace that which comes from surrender? And if that is so, why not let both sides surrender?
Otherwise it looks just like more rhetoric against the USA.
Graham Nash: It's one of the reasons that David and I and Bishop John Chane are putting this prayer/concert on.... I don't know of a religion that doesn't pray... pray for peace, for food and education for their children.. for a better life..
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Reading, Pa.: Hi Graham, Most of the people who attend concerts by CS&N are older fans, baby boomers. Why is it that more younger people do not appear to be into the music? Do you think it's the fault of radio stations who play almost nothing that isn't programmed for them in advance?
Graham Nash: The people who own the worlds media can probably be counted on two hands... They don't want to see or hear 'protest' music in their newspapers or on their T.V.'s...... They would just love us all to be like sheep.. controllable and exploitable...Every generation has it's 'music'... there will always be good and bad...
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Anaheim, Calif..: Are you in touch with Neil Young? If so, what is he doing and did you consider inviting him to this concert?
Graham Nash: Neil, of course, has written a new album and will be on his own tour...
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Laurel, Md.: After close to 40 amazing years since the sixties and Woodstock, here you are, in an event promoting global peace. Do you feel as if your career has made a full circle back to it original roots?
Graham Nash: I've been going in circles for years... this journey is a familiar one...
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Rockville, Md.: Mr. Nash,
When people look back 60 years from now, 100 years after you started creating your public musical personna, what do you think your legacy shall be? For me, you are a singular representation of a beautiful soul, creative spirit, and ethereal voice that will transcend time. Of course, the fact that you complimented me on my guitars, and guitar playing a few years ago backstage at Merriweather Post has nothing to do with my love and admiration of you and your work.
Still, how do you want to be remembered?
Graham Nash: If I'm remembered at all, I would like to be seen as someone who cared... cared for myself and my family and friends...
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Juneau, Alaska: Thank you for all your efforts. Are you endorsing a candidate for US President? Who is the most qualified to implement peace? Do you have plans to campaign for this candidate?
Graham Nash: As long as our political system is 'bought and paid for' everyone starts to look the same... but I believe that Obama is my choice for president but I worry that this country, in it's present state, might not be ready for a black president or a woman president.... Obama has a great heart and Hillary is a very smart woman..
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San Carlos, Calif.: Hi Graham, I have been a fan since Songs for Beginners (e.g., Military Madness was killing my country.) and of course your excellent work with CS & sometimes Y. My question is -- I know we want to abolish war, but can you commission some group to develop a policy paper that identifies if/when there are times when war is unfortunately necessary and just and outline what those times or criteria are? Of course it is very likely one such paper exists, can you work to educate us about what the paper says, you know get it out on the airways to us like you did with so much of your beautiful heart, soul and music. Thank you.
Graham Nash: I'm certain that such studies do exist... it's a very good question and I will attempt to find out more..
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Wheaton, Md.: Aside from "praying," do you have any other real ideas on how to bring about peace and combat Islamic terrorism?
Graham Nash: Perhaps we should start with 'ourselves'.... if we can take care of ourselves, our families and our friends it will go a long, long way to help stop this madness.. it is only the extreme fanatics that are causing most of these 'religious' problems..
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Chattanooga, Tenn.: You stated earlier, re Irag, that you feared "we" would be there for decades. That caught my eye because I had always thought you were Canadian. Am I confusing you with Young? (Not intended as a slam, just a question. I agree with you re Iraq, unfortunately.)
From a long-time fan who had a mighty crush on you years ago. (Still do.)
Graham Nash: I'm the English one..... thanks for the crush..
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Rome, Italy: Dear Mr. Nash,
For the cause of world peace, I am riding a bicycle from Rome, Italy to Mecca.
Would you be so kind as to take part in the event, in the way and to the extent you feel comfortable? More information is available for you at www.paulsolon.com
For example, would you be so kind as to give a small concert for peace at the race start, St. Peter's Sqaure, at the Vatican?
For your work on the Washington DC concert you have the appreciation of many people. You are on the right path, keep going, you are needed, especially now, with so much killing in the world.
Regards,
Paul Solon
paolosolon@yahoo.com
Graham Nash: I can't join you in your quest but I encourage you to live your life to the fullest...Well done..
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washingtonpost.com: Thank you for joining us today.
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