If I could change one thing about Wild Tales, Graham Nash’s
autobiography, it would be to make it into a book focusing solely on Nash’s
friendship with fellow Crosby, Stills, and Nash member David Crosby. The
sections of the book featuring Crosby truly live up to the title Wild Tales. The most memorable Crosby
tale that Nash recounts is when Crosby’s drug problem became so extreme that he
freebased cocaine on a commercial airline flight, hiding under a blanket with
his pipe so the stewardesses wouldn't see what he was up to. Nash also recounts
the difficulties he and other celebrity musicians, such as Jackson Browne, had
in trying to get Crosby into rehab.
Other sections of Wild
Tales are enjoyable and surprising. While growing up in Manchester, England,
Nash’s father was sent away to prison. It isn’t until years later that Nash
learns the real reason why he was incarcerated. In addition to discussing the
many ups and downs of Crosby, Stills, and Nash (and occasionally Neil Young), Nash
discusses his time with the British pop group The Hollies.
Wild Tales is less
successful when Nash moves away from his music career to talk about other
pursuits, such as his love of art. While Wild
Tales is a decent rock memoir, it left me hoping that David Crosby comes
out with his own book soon.
John
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