It’s almost half a century since I saw Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1970 at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, at what was the band’s first appearance in eastern Canada. It was a powerful and electric show that rocked the house.
Now, some 49 years on, Stu Cook (bass) and Doug “Cosmo” Clifford (drums), the two remaining original CCR members, are still promoting and performing the classic Creedence catalog. It speaks to the quality and appeal of the music that they are still able to fill concert venues.
But, all good things come to an end and the band is currently in the midst of what will be their last tour. On Thursday, October 17th, the band, now known as Creedence Clearwater Revisited, played the first of two shows at the Avalon Ballroom at Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls – their final two concerts in Canada. After seeing the original band so long ago, it seemed like a nice symmetry to be in attendance for their last go-round.
There have been changes over the years. Notably, John and Tom Fogerty – two of the founding members – have not been involved with the band since the early 1970s. Stu and Doug formed Creedence Clearwater Revisited in the mid 90s to keep the classic CCR music alive and have been touring ever since. The current lineup also includes, Dan McGuinness (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Kurt Griffey (lead guitar), and Steve Gunner (keyboards, guitar and vocals).
The Avalon Ballroom at Fallsview Casino is a comfortable, intimate venue, and it was clear from almost the first note that the enthusiastic and appreciative crowd came to relieve their past and revel in the classic Creedence tunes.
The band did not disappoint and predictably, the hits just kept coming; all in all a great evening of classic music. I suspect that most of the audience members were wrestling with CCR earworms for the next few days. I know I was.
Partial Setlist:
Hey, Tonight
Green River
Lodi
As Long As I Can See the Light
I Put a Spell On You
Down On the Corner
Looking Out My Back Door
The Midnight Special
Bad Moon Rising
Proud Mary
Fortunate Son
Have You Ever Seen the Rain?
Cotton Fields
Up Around the Bend
All photos by Scott Barrie
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