David Crosby was fond of “letting his freak flag fly” even to the end.

The iconic folk-rock songwriter and instrumental guitarist in the formation of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bands The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash passed away earlier this week at age 81, leaving behind an incredible legacy.

His death came less than two months after he released a solo live album and just a week after announcing a California concert. It also came a little more than one week after the death of the legendary rock guitarist Jeff Beck at age 78.

In what’s described as Crosby’s last video interview before his death, the singer candidly discussed his mortality and continued his musical journey in the final years of his life.

“I’m sort of towards the end of my life. However much time I’ve got, isn’t really the significant thing. It’s what I do with that time,” he told the interviewer.

“It looks to me that the only contribution I can make, the place that I can help is to make more music and do it really well, and spend whatever time I do have trying to make it better, trying to make more music.”

View that video interview here, and check out the Local Spins review of his final West Michigan concert, which took place at Kalamazoo State Theater in 2018: David Crosby stays relevant with old and new songs.

VIDEO: An interview with David Crosby (Flex Media)

A cause of death hasn’t been announced.

Of course, Crosby’s career also included bickering with bandmates and trouble with drugs, but fans will remember him best for the groundbreaking music and wonderful harmonies that he created.

“One of the real greats who will be remembered forever,” one fan wrote on Facebook. “Thank you so much for a lifetime of wonderful music memories.”

Wrote another: “Greatest harmony singer of his generation.”

Read more about Crosby and reactions from his bandmates at Billboard here: https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/david-crosby-dead-byrds-csny-crosby-stills-nash-obituary-1235202047/. Billboard also has created its list of the Top 10 songs ever recorded by Crosby.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S NOR-EAST’R ANNOUNCES ITS 2023 FESTIVAL LINEUP

One of northern Michigan’s favorite grass-roots festivals has announced its lineup for 2023, ranging from familiar names on the regional music scene such as Drew Nelson, Jill Jack and Jen Sygit to emerging artists Charlie Millard and Ben Traverse.

Taking place June 9-11 at Oscoda County Fairgrounds in Mio, Nor-East’r Music & Art Festival ranked No. 3 in Local Spins’ 2020 readers’ poll of favorite Michigan festivals.

Drew Nelson & Hwy 2 (Photo/Anna Sink)

In addition to the aforementioned artists, the 2023 event will feature Harper & Midwest Kind, The Rough & Tumble, Annie & Rod Capps, Chain of Lakes, Josh Rose & The Founding Fathers, Dave Boutette & Kristi Lynn Davis, Ruth & Max Bloomquist, Blue Water Ramblers, The Whiskey Charmers, Michael Robertson and many more.

View the full roster of performers online at noreastrfest.org or scroll down for the festival poster.

Early bird tickets – available until April 15, when prices go up – are $25 for an adult day pass or $55 for a weekend pass. Tickets and details online here.

And check out Local Spins’ Michigan Music Festivals 2023 Guide with a full listing of Michigan festivals.

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