Concert Review
John Fogerty
The Avalon Theatre
At Fallsview Casino Resort
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Thursday July 14, 2016
Review: Joseph Suto
The Avalon Theatre was the place to be Thursday night as John Fogerty rocked the sold out crowd. The show featured many Creedence classics and some deeper cuts as well. Not only did Fogerty sound in great voice, he played his guitar with authority. He was enduring from the opening notes of “Travelin’ Band” to the evening’s final song “Proud Mary”.
Backed by a solid band, Fogerty has never sounded better live. Joining him were keyboardist Bob Malone, guitarist Devon Pangle and bassist James Lomenzo. The recent college graduate Shane Fogerty also joined his dad on guitar. Last but far from least, the man Fogerty called “the best drummer in rock ‘n’ roll”, Kenny Aronoff rounded out the band.
For the most part Fogerty stuck with the Creedence material which was a little surprising considering all the lawsuits and battles with the members of his former band. You could clearly see how much he enjoyed playing the old material. Introducing “Susie Q”, Fogerty mentioned it was the first song that helped break CCR. He only played three songs from his solo albums during the ninety-minute set. Two of those received huge ovations in “Centerfield” and “The Old Man Is Down The Road”. Blue Moon Swamp was represented by “Joy Of My Life” a song which he wrote about his wife.
The mega hits kept coming. Classic rock gems such as “Have You Ever Seen The Rain”, “Down On The Corner” and “Fortunate Son” concluded the main set.
Returning for “Bad Moon Rising” and “Proud Mary” Fogerty sent everyone home very happy. He probably could have played another ninety minutes he was so full of energy. He said he was a man of a few words but introduced some of the songs as he told some stories related to them. He joked at the end that he had such a great time that he will come back tomorrow (Friday) and do it again.
It was an amazing night of music from a man who really seems to be enjoying playing live. There was a time when he seemed disillusioned with the music industry and went for a long period without playing live. It was so good to not only see the man play but play with such conviction. This was one show many in attendance will remember for a long time to come.
Set List
Travelin’ Band
Green River
Born On The Bayou
Susie Q
Who’ll Stop The Rain
Lookin’ Out mY Back Door
Midnight Special
I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Joy Of My Life
Lodi
New Orleans
Keep On Chooglin’
Have You Ever Seen The Rain
Down On The Corner
Centerfield
The Old Man Is Down The Road
Fortunate Son
Encore
Bad Moon Rising
Proud Mary
For more on John Fogerty check him out at www.johnfogerty.com
