“I’m afraid of dying. I’m close,” declares legendary rocker David Crosby. He goes on to say, “Music is the only thing I have to offer.” The documentary ‘David Crosby: Remember My Name’ is a riveting confessional of a musician that lived a hard life of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. Director A.J. Eaton uses a journalistic approach to storytelling that is never judgmental. Instead of using talking heads to tell Crosby’s story, filmmaker Cameron Crowe (former Rolling Stone reporter) who produced the doc, interviews him as Crosby reminiscences about his turbulent music career. ‘David Crosby: Remember My Name’ is a haunting self-reflection on the highs and lows of his life. It stands out as one of the best documentaries of the year.
For the younger generation that did not grow up with his music, David Crosby sang and played guitar with the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash (and later Young). He is a two-time inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Regrets? He certainly has a few. He states that it is a miracle he is still alive from all the drug abuse throughout his career. The weathered looking grandpa with the walrus shaped mustache lists all of his ailments including type-2 diabetes, Hepatitis C, and eight stints in his heart. Although stricken with poor health, there is still a vibrant energy to him. He talks about his childhood. His father was an award-winning cinematographer who worked on the film ‘High Noon.’ His father never said “I love you.” He believes that this led him to gain love and acceptance through music.
Fast-forward to Crosby making chart-topping music with the Byrds. The fame led to drug addiction and several doomed affairs with women. He was eventually fired from the Byrds by his bandmates who grew tired of his political rants. He took a break and bought a sail boat thanks to Peter Tork of the Monkees loaning him $25,000. There is a moving scene where Crosby is driven from the Sunset Strip to Laurel Canyon in an SUV. He reminisces about his friendship with Mama Cass Elliot of The Mamas and the Papas. He dismisses Laurel Canyon as a way to avoid the Los Angeles smog. When they stop at a green-painted ranch house, it becomes a poignant moment. It turns out to be the house where he formed Crosby, Stills & Nash and where his relationship with Joni Mitchell ended.
The film delves into the brutal account of his years as a heroin and cocaine junkie. He credits his marriage to his wife, Jan’s unconditional love and support that saved him. It appears that they live a comfortable life on a ranch somewhere in California. When Crosby talks about his former band mates, you can cut the air with a knife. “When I get mad… I’m an instant asshole.” To this day, he is estranged from Stephen Stills, Graham Nash and Neil Young. There will never be a reunion tour. One of the most uncomfortable scenes in the film is when Crosby, Stills & Nash sing “Silent Night” off-key at the 2015 White House Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. It will be the last time the trio ever sings together.
In the final portion of the interview with Crowe, Crosby muses “Time is the final currency. How do you spend it?” ‘David Crosby: Remember My Name’ is an unforgettable rock documentary that acts like an obituary. This is a brutally honest account of a musician that lived fast, played hard and made some of the most iconic rock music of his generation. This documentary should not be missed.
