Graham Nash Defends Political Messages in His Music Against 'Stick to Music' Criticism Mary Ellen MorinJanuary 26, 2026 at 1:16 AM 0 Photo by Michael Kovac on Getty Images Graham Nash, cofounder of the iconic folkrock supergroup Crosby, Stills, & Nash, has spent more than five decades writing songs that respond directly to the world around him. The twotime Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee says that whenever he has shares his opinion, it is always met with some pushback telling him to "stick to music.
- - Graham Nash Defends Political Messages in His Music Against 'Stick to Music' Criticism
Mary Ellen MorinJanuary 26, 2026 at 1:16 AM
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Photo by Michael Kovac on Getty Images
Graham Nash, co-founder of the iconic folk-rock supergroup Crosby, Stills, & Nash, has spent more than five decades writing songs that respond directly to the world around him. The two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee says that whenever he has shares his opinion, it is always met with some pushback telling him to "stick to music."
Nash is amongst a growing number of musicians, actors, and celebrities that are taking to social media to voice their views about recent world events, and more specifically, the ongoing political unrest and government agency response in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Nash is addressing the critique of this type of content in an Instagram post, with a reminder that his music has always carried a message.
"Anytime I dare to have an opinion, as a human being, about what is going on around me," Nash wrote, "there's always the inevitable comment where somebody tells me to 'stick to music.'"
His post can be viewed here: https://ift.tt/FaIe6oR
In a lengthy caption, Nash pushed back on the idea that music and politics should be separate from each other, pointing out that both musical groups Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN) and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY), as well as the members' solo work has spent decades singing about political and social issues. He named several, such as war, corruption, racism, environmental destruction, and more. "You clearly haven't been listening," the lyrical genius added.
To exemplify his point even more, Nash listed a string of familiar titles: "Ohio," "Immigration Man," "For What It's Worth," "Chicago," "Military Madness," "Southern Man," and even "Teach Your Children," all songs that were written in response to world events and cultural unrest. "Those are political songs," he declared.
The post eventually shifted beyond Nash's historical musical impact into sharp criticism of the Trump administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Jan. 24 fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Minnesota. "After just watching a bunch of thugs who call themselves 'agents' kill yet another human being," He continued with "F**K ICE" and "F**K Trump," — bold words from the 83-year-old folk-rock singer that sparked a wave of support in the comments.
One fan's comments included lyrics from the infamous CSN song, "Ohio:" "'Tin soldiers and Nixon coming. We're finally on our own. This summer I hear the drumming. Four dead in Ohio.' This song keeps running through my mind during these times. You have always known the right thing to say. ❤️"
Others encouraged Nash to continue sharing his opinions and message. "Your spoken words come from the same place as the lyrics you have written. Your perspective is deeply appreciated and uniting. ❤️," one wrote.
Echoed by another, "Please keep talking. We need your voice during these horrific days. ✌️"
No matter the response he has or continues to receive on social media, Nash doesn't appear interested in dialing back. He is currently scheduled to tour again in 2026—an impressive plan for someone in their 80s. I think it's safe to say that he will continue to speak his message through his social media presence, song lyrics, and live appearances for as long as he can.
Related: Graham Nash, 83, Says He Still Sends Joni Mitchell Flowers Every Year on Her Birthday
This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: "AOL Entertainment"
Source: Entertainment
Published: January 25, 2026 at 03:37PM on Source: PRIME TIME
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