Legendary musician John Fogerty, formerly of Creedence Clearwater Revival, marks his 80th birthday with a live performance in Manhattan.
John Fogerty, now 80, celebrated his past and revised it during a 100-minute set on Thursday at Manhattan's Beacon Theatre. The concert, part of his international tour, attracted a near-capacity audience, with attendees ranging from individuals who remembered his Creedence Clearwater Revival hits from their initial release half a century ago to younger fans who have heard them through their grandparents.
Fogerty, known for embodying the classic rock aesthetic, appeared much the same as he did during Creedence's peak in the late '60s and early '70s. Wearing a flannel shirt and sporting a shaggy haircut, he sang with his signature roar, which has softened only slightly over the years. He even played his vintage Rickenbacker guitar.
Fogerty presented himself as a proud rock 'n' roller and a devoted family man. His band includes his two sons, Shane and Tyler, on guitar, and daughter Kelsy on a third guitar. His wife, Julie, watched from the sidelines, praising her as a source of love and the hero of his life. She played a crucial role in helping him reclaim his song catalogue, a longstanding battle he had waged for decades.
The concert and an upcoming album, "Legacy," tell the story of Fogerty wanting to look back. His victorious battle over his copyrights has led to him recording new versions of 20 songs for the album. The show began with a promotional film about "Legacy," and Fogerty mentioned it again before his encore set. The album, titled "The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years," brings attention to his achievements.
Fogerty made no mention of his fellow Creedence Clearwater Revival band members: Tom Fogerty, Stu Cook, and Doug Clifford. Their names and faces were scarcely seen among images that appeared on a screen behind Fogerty and his band. The new tracks on "Legacy" emphasize Fogerty's solo career, with each song labeled "John's Version."
The Beacon Theatre concert was largely about Fogerty's current state and his enthusiasm for it. He sprinted across the stage, played his Rickenbacker with the exuberance of a teenager on air guitar, and even poured champagne. The audience clapped, danced, and cheered, showered with confetti and dazzled by lasers and fog. Many sang along with "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" and "Centerfield," Fogerty's most famous post-Creedence song. They celebrated Fogerty, the night's guest of honor, on his birthday, which was the day before.
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