“Clearwater. That’s a funny name, now ain’t it?” John Fogerty began.
About 75 percent of the audience at Coachman Park on Saturday night were not only fans of John’s career. It was who he was opening for, ZZ Top, that they were also hyped about. See, the two are co-headlining on the Blues And Bayous Tour together this month. And while it’s a limited run, it’s the show of a lifetime to say the least.
Ten minutes after a 30 minute opening set from country artist Ryan Kinder, Fogerty and company kicked off with the CCR classic Travelin’ Band, followed by a non-transposed version of Hey Tonight. Along with CCR hits came solo songs, such as his recent collaboration with Brad Pitt, Love And War, (“I know there are a lot of vets out here tonight. These veterans are not being treated so well in this country right now.”) the twangy Old Man Down The Road, and of course, Centerfield, of which John literally strummed a baseball bat on. A BASEBALL BAT.
Among those hits that were by CCR included Born On The Bayou, which was complete with a bayou background on the big screen, a crowd-rising, shortened version of Down On The Corner, and Have You Ever Seen The Rain, dedicated to John’s 16 year old daughter (“Kelsey is a rainbow in my life, and this song has a rainbow in it.”) Following a flag-draped Fortunate Son on his plaid electric, John ran (yes. RAN.) back out to play two more songs he knew he couldn’t skip over. The legendary Bad Moon Rising was first, and that had everyone in the park bolting out the words, whether they were there for ZZ, John, or both. Finally came Proud Mary, the highlight of the night to me, which also had every fan exploding into song.
Now, to answer one of John’s questions about eight songs in. “Say, who’s that bearded fella that’s wandering around backstage?”
Why, that would be Billy F. Gibbons himself.
Our first glimpse at ZZ Top was about twenty minutes into Fogerty’s set, when Billy joined him to jam to their upcoming collaboration song, Holy Grail, which officially releases June 8. But around 9:30, Billy came back out, along with his old buddies Dusty Hill and Frank Beard, and kicked off with Got Me Under Pressure.
Most of the fans there that night were in attendance for ZZ. And Fogerty was seen by many as just a nice little addition to the show, which was totally proven wrong many a time. “Let’s hear it again for the great John Fogerty!” Billy called out once or twice during his set. But while neither acts were “nice additions,” like John before them, ZZ’s set was full of wall-to-wall hits such as a frenetic ride through Gimme All Your Lovin’, and a sing-along of I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide. And of course, you can’t forget their signature hits: Y’know, Sharp Dressed Man, Tush, La Grange, Legs. (which featured fluffy guitars. Yes, literally fluffy.) All of those were played, along with a cover of Jailhouse Rock serving as the encore.
We really got lucky this time with ZZ Top. Apparently, their last few shows in the Tampa area have either been postponed or cancelled. But this time, they just wouldn’t have it. And Fogerty hasn’t been to the area since he brought his 1969 Tour to the Amphitheater three years ago.
In rock and roll terms, this tour is the real deal. A man who wrote, played, and sang some of the most beloved songs of the late 60s and early 70s, and a Texas trio who in nearly 50 years have never had a lineup change, or even an added member onstage, excluding one-off special guests. “We’ve been comin’ here for the last…five decades! Same three guys, too.” Billy recalled near the end of his set.
Here’s to another five from both acts.
Josh Bradley Live 