Long Time Gone (Live 1989)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Long Time Gone (Live 1989)" by David Crosby from the King Biscuit Flower Hour album! This track, recorded live on April 8, 1989, at the Tower Theatre in Philadelphia, captures Crosby at a pivotal moment in his career. The performance is a testament to his resilience, coming after a decade of battling drug addiction and a prison sentence. The song itself, originally written in 1968 and first released by Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1969, is a powerful protest anthem inspired by the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. Its raw energy and politically charged lyrics resonate deeply in this live rendition, with Crosby’s soulful vocals backed by a tight band including Dan Dugmore on guitar and Michael Finnigan on keyboards.

One juicy piece of trivia comes from a 2018 social media post by Crosby himself on X, where he called out a politician for using "Long Time Gone" as theme music. Crosby wasn’t having it, threatening to sue if the unauthorized use continued, showing his fierce protectiveness over his work. Fans on Rate Your Music have noted that while the 1989 performance is solid, some feel it doesn’t quite match the studio version’s magic, though the setlist’s mix of old and new tracks like "Long Time Gone" and "Almost Cut My Hair" makes it a fan favorite. The Amazon reviews for the album praise its sound quality, with one listener calling the arrangements “not to be missed” for their fresh take on classics.

David Crosby began his musical journey in the early 1960s, diving into the folk music scene in Los Angeles. Born on August 14, 1941, in California, he initially performed as a solo act in coffeehouses before co-founding The Byrds in 1964 with Roger McGuinn and Gene Clark. The Byrds skyrocketed to fame with their 1965 cover of Bob Dylan’s "Mr. Tambourine Man," blending folk with rock to create a signature jangly sound that defined folk rock. Crosby’s harmonies and songwriting were key to their early success, but tensions led to his departure in 1967. In 1968, he teamed up with Stephen Stills and Graham Nash to form Crosby, Stills & Nash, whose debut album earned them a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1969. Their lush harmonies and introspective lyrics became a hallmark of the California sound, with occasional collaborations with Neil Young adding to their legend.

Stay connected with Crosby’s legacy through his official website and social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can dive deeper into his world on sites like CSNY’s official page or join discussions in groups like the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Fan Group on Facebook. For those craving more, check out 4WaySite, a dedicated fan site packed with CSNY history and updates. Keep the vibes high, Zoo Freaks, and let’s keep spinning those classic Crosby tunes!