CCR highlights 3-day bash: Three decades hasn’t changed Creedence’s distinct sound
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The memorable and unmistakable CCR sound, which made the band rock and roll legends, dripped from the air on such classic tunes as “Suzie Q,” “Down on the Corner” and “Born of the Bayou.”
“I’ve talked to a lot of people who said it was one of the best concerts they’ve ever been to,” said Pish-La-Ki owner and concert promoter Burgess Luna. “If you closed your eyes, you never would have known who was on stage. They sounded so good.”
Performing in front of a crowd estimated around 1,500 were two of the original CCR members – drummer Doug “Cosmo” Clifford and rhythm guitarist Stu Cook. They performed with Fogerty for the first time back in 1959 as members of the Blue Velvets.
Other notable band members included frontman John Tristau, whose rich voice is almost identical to Fogerty’s, and guitarist Elliot Easton, formerly of the pop group The Cars.
Fans wondering if this version of CCR would play all the classics didn’t have long to wait as the band played other favorites such as “Proud Mary,” “Fortunate Son” and “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” By the time the group ripped into an extended jam session on “Susie Q” a sizable crowd had left their lawn chairs and made their way to the front of the stage.
“I was a lot of community fun,” said Luna. “We’re already thinking about next year.”
With cold weather approaching, Luna said this summer’s concert season is over at Pish-La-Ki. But he did say he plans to begin a new concert series next May. He hopes to kick off that season with a major band such as ZZ Top or Lynryd Skynyrd.
The CCR show wasn’t held inside the amphitheater as Luna decided to fill his pond and make the entire Pish-La-Ki lawn an enormous concert ground. He said that way people could spread out on quilts and relax in more comfort on their lawn chairs. The lawn is also capable of holding thousands and thousands of people, which could come in handy should a big-time band play there next year.