Photos and Review by Max Stewart
Atlanta‘s Fox Theatre was alive with the unmistakable roar of rock ’n’ roll history as John Fogerty took the stage, guitar in hand, with the same fire that defined Creedence Clearwater Revival decades ago. Fogerty was flanked by his sons (Shane Fogerty and Tyler Fogerty) and their band, Hearty Har, who not only opened the night but also played alongside him throughout the set. I was there with my dad, Charlie Stewart, and watching multiple generations of Fogertys carry the torch of performing these timeless songs was an all-time memory for father-son attendees.
From the first twang of “Bad Moon Rising,” Fogerty commanded the stage with the effortless swagger of a man who’s spent a lifetime perfecting his craft. His voice is undeniable and still truly sounds in top form. It has the gritty, weathered, and thrillingly timeless sound that echoed perfectly in the theatre atmosphere. Songs like “Born on the Bayou,” “Green River,” “Who’ll Stop the Rain” are so unmistakable they feel like a part of the DNA of American music.
Watching Fogerty perform, it’s impossible not to be mesmerized by the precision of his guitar work and his hooky, yet not overcomplicated, guitar riffs. Songs like “Fortunate Son”, “Up Around the Bend” and America’s pastime classic “Centerfield” have iconic riffs that are undeniable and seeped into my brain. Fogerty even played a Rickenbacker guitar that was actually performed at Woodstock, truly this man is a wealth of musical history.
As my dad reflected on the show “John Fogerty’s show at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta was a nonstop tribute to his band Creedence Clearwater Revival. Backed by an excellent band that included his two sons Shane & Tyler on guitars, it was quite a family affair. After tensions with John’s older brother Tom led to the breakup of CCR in 1970, it is great to see John come full circle and playing with family again.
John’s voice is as strong as ever, and he showed some serious chops with his numerous lead guitar solos.
The crowd was on its feet all night with so many familiar hit songs. John recalled playing the Woodstock festival in 1969, which had some memorable rain that soaked the massive crowd. He wrote the classic ‘Have you ever seen the rain’ soon after his Woodstock appearance.
It was refreshing to see one of the 1960’s most popular voices play as well at the age of 80, as he did in his heyday.”
For me, sharing the night with Dad added a deeply personal dimension, especially given Fogerty was performing alongside his sons. Forgerty’s musical contributions will forever be part of the cultural fabric of the U.S., and it is an honor to see him still performing at such a high level.
