Earlier this year Neil Young released his “Living With War” CD and the highly publicized project not only covers Bush bashing with his single, “Let’s Impeach the President”, but also his distrust of the current administration in general. All this from a Canadian and while Young recoded this solo it also seems to be the fuel that is driving this reunion.

The night began with all four musicians, guitars in hand singing their hearts out with the new Neil Young tune, “Flags of Freedom”. As the song played the stage backdrop began with an American flag and rotated through a series of other countries as a symbol of peace. From there, the core four (backed by a four piece band) took fans on a two act, three hour, thirty-four song trip that mixed the past and present with proactive attitudes and those amazing harmonies that they do so well. The first half of the show did however at times feel more like a Neil Young solo tour backed by special guests. Yet they still managed to offer classic hits like “Carry On”, “Wooden Ships” and the powerful “Almost Cut My Hair”.

Following intermission, seated fans were greeted by the comforting acoustic sounds and united vocals of “Helplessly Hoping,” which segued perfectly with the folk favorite “Our House” led by an age defiant Nash. Time didn’t serve Stills nearly as well visually and vocally, who had problems during several of his harmony parts. Crosby may have looked especially weathered, though he didn’t have any trouble hitting the high notes, impressively taking the spotlight for “Carry Me.” Yet the real momentum started reigning down with a nod to the days Stills and Young shared in Buffalo Springfield for the chilling “For What It’s Worth,” followed by the socially conscious city odes “Chicago (We Can Change the World)” and “Ohio” (Nash and Young staples respectively).

Regardless of one stood on the political spectrum, the performers rarely spoke of the topic outside a song lyric while making sure to show off their patriotic side and pay tribute to the troops. The most obvious example came during a taped rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “Star Spangled Banner,” which featured a family who lost a loved one in war draping a yellow ribbon around an oversized microphone. On a similar plane, the marathon capped off with “Rockin’ in the Free World,” which again reminded all that Americans have the right to speak their minds, an opportunity the entire audience could get behind no matter what constituency they supported.

You might not agree with all the songs but you can’t argue with the endearing legacy these guys have created through the years. So due yourself a favor and catch these guys on the road while you still can for this just might be their farewell tour. But let’s hope not we need these guys now more than ever.

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