AO Arena, Manchester, was the venue for a heartwarming homecoming of sorts for John Fogerty. After years of legal disputes with his former record labels and bandmates, the singer-songwriter now holds control of his music catalogue again. This fruitful journey was celebrated by the 77-year old rock icon in a live performance that felt personal, triumphant and nostalgic.
Creedence Clearwater Revival, with Fogerty at its heart, dominated the US music scene in the late ’60s and early ’70s. The band’s impressive streak of top hits culminated abruptly with a bitter breakup in 1972. Regaining the rights to his songs after a half-century, Fogerty said, was a moment he had awaited his entire life.
Donning his iconic grunge-style flannel shirt, Fogerty made an energetic entrance with the timeless classic, “Bad Moon Rising.” His voice, resilient and strong, together with his youthful looks and powerful guitar riffs, took the audience back in time.
Throughout the concert, Fogerty offered anecdotes from his life, including the fact that he was performing with the same guitar he used at Woodstock. The setlist was a treasure trove of CCR favorites, all performed as if Fogerty was rediscovering them after years of separation.
Adding to the familial feel of the show, Fogerty’s sons joined him on stage, while his wife of 32 years, Julie, remained at the sidelines. He dedicated a heartfelt rendition of “Joy of My Life” to Julie, reinforcing the intimate and personal atmosphere of the performance.
Throughout the evening, the audience joined in for classics such as “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” while “Fortunate Son,” a commentary on the privileged few who evaded the draft during the Vietnam War, was accompanied by protest images from the era.
The night ended on a high note, with Fogerty dedicating “Proud Mary” to the late Tina Turner, who enjoyed a successful solo hit with the song. The overwhelming applause at the concert’s conclusion left Fogerty exclaiming his excitement to share the experience with his grandchildren, reinforcing the joyous reclaiming of his musical legacy.
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