Wednesday, March 28, 2012
By John Benson
The rise and fall of Creedence Clearwater Revival could not be more of a clich .
The Bay Area act known for its flannel, backwoods-influenced and blue-collar sound arrived on the scene in the late ’60s and enjoyed a solid five-year run releasing six platinum albums and scoring 12 Top 40 hits (none of which hit No. 1), before infighting and egos led to its demise 40 years ago this fall.
Naturally the biggest name out of the group is John Fogerty, who in 1993 — due to a frayed and estranged relationship — famously refused to play alongside his former band mates (original guitarist Tom Fogerty, John’s brother, died in 1990) when CCR was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Instead of original bassist Stu Cook and drummer Doug Clifford, Fogerty had session musicians and rock all-stars Don Was (bass), Bruce Springsteen (guitar) and Robbie Robertson (guitar) on stage.
Today, the original band members are still not on speaking terms, with Fogerty recording and releasing records periodically. However, Cook and Clifford teamed up in the middle ’90s to form Creedence Clearwater Revisited (the band beat Fogerty in court to use that name), which, well, revisits the classic rock band’s cherished catalog such as “Proud Mary,” “Down on the Corner,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” “Born on the Bayou” and more.
Creedence Clearwater Revisited makes its Moondog Coronation Ball debut Saturday at Quicken Loans Arena. The Vindicator talked to Cook via email about the band’s legacy, contentious past and possible future.
Q. First of all, what are your memories of playing Cleveland over the years?
A. We played in an old theater. Booker T and the MGs were our support act. Some motorcycle clowns in the front row were yelling racist comments while they played. We were shocked. Also, the river was on fire.
Q. What was the reason behind creating Creedence Clearwater Revisited?
A. Initially, to get out of the house and play some music. When we finally focused on what it was we wanted to do, it became obvious – to honor and celebrate the music of Creedence. No one from the original band had been playing these great songs in concert since the band broke up in 1972. The fans deserved better.
Q. Thinking back to your 1993 Rock Hall induction, what are your memories of the surreal experience?
A. Needless to say, the people orchestrating that evening hadn’t thought it through clearly. It was supposed to be the band that was getting inducted. Doug and I were thrown under the bus for the star machine. There was sweet satisfaction in walking out on the monkey act performing our hits. That evening probably led to the creation of Creedence Clearwater Revisited.
Q. What does it say that it took all-stars of the industry to replace you onstage?
A. Ha! I didn’t realize that is who they were.
Q. Here’s the obligatory reunion question: Can you see it ever happening for a tour or album?
A. And the quick answer... not likely. The revival hotline remains silent. Fogerty recently made some comments to the media in this regard, but given the history of the band, I believe a reunion cannot be arranged by Rolling Stone magazine or any other external dynamic. If a reunion were ever possible it would have to come from within, from the surviving members’ desire to work out our old issues, and get into the studio and back on stage together.
Q. If Mr. Fogerty called you today making amends, what would you say?
A. I would take his call [regardless] of why he called. I’m a good listener.
Q. Whether it’s The Beach Boys or Pink Floyd, band egos often get out of hand. What is it about rock ‘n’ roll that creates such an atmosphere leading to legal battles?
A. It’s not just rock ’n’ roll. It’s common throughout the entertainment-sports industry, and maybe in society in general. People who think they breathe rarified air can be more susceptible to ego issues. We have been trained to believe that the legal system works, and that justice or fairness can be found in a lawsuit. That’s not necessarily correct. However, if you believe you’ve been wronged, it may be your only option.
Q. Finally, any thoughts on playing the Moondog Coronation Ball?
A. I’m looking forward to the Ball. It’s all good, baby. All Creedence, all night.