BY SANTI GABINO JR.
Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the timeless tunes of Creedence Clearwater Revival as Bad Moon Rising, the Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival, takes the stage at the Athens Theatre in DeLand at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29! As the nation’s foremost salute to one of America’s greatest bands, they skillfully re-create Creedence Clearwater Revival’s rootsy, heavy bayou groove. Get ready to take a musical journey back to the heyday of Southern swamp rock!
Creedence Clearwater Revival, often referred to as CCR, emerged onto the music scene in the late 1960s, leaving an indelible mark with their distinctive blend of rock, folk and blues. The band became synonymous with a raw and authentic sound that resonated with audiences worldwide.
With easily recognizable hits such as “Lookin’ Out My Back Door,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” “Born on the Bayou” and “Fortunate Son,” the melodious compatibility coming through the speakers was very different from what was going on in the recording studio.
The success on the pop charts 1968-72 of Bay Area natives Creedence Clearwater Revival was undeniable. Brothers John and Tom Fogerty, along with a couple of John’s high-school classmates, created some of the era’s most iconic and memorable hits. The band became known for having the “Midas Touch,” as virtually every song they cranked out turned (quite literally) to record gold.
However, their journey was not without its challenges, as internal conflicts, particularly between John and his brother, Tom, added a layer of complexity to their success story. The rivalry between the Fogerty brothers stemmed from creative differences and disagreements over the band’s musical direction.
John, the primary songwriter and lead vocalist, had a clear vision for CCR’s sound, which leaned toward a raw, folklike style. On the other hand, Tom, who played rhythm guitar, had his own ideas about the band’s musical direction. These creative clashes ultimately led to Tom’s departure from CCR in 1971. The remaining three members released their final album, Mardi Gras, in 1972.
Sadly, at the time of Tom’s death in 1990, he and his brother, John, were still estranged. While sibling rivalry is not uncommon in most families, rock and roll or otherwise, it was sad to see the turn of events that the Fogerty brothers and CCR experienced. Thankfully, Bad Moon Rising allows us to relive that golden “Camelot” moment that CCR experienced during their brief four-year existence.
The Bad Moon Rising tribute show serves as a celebration of their musical legacy. On Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 7:30 p.m., relive the magic of the golden era of rock! For those who wished they’d had the opportunity to see CCR and John Fogerty perform at the apex of their careers, this concert is sure to … Put a Spell on You!
The Athens Theatre is at 124 N. Florida Ave. in Downtown DeLand.
Call the box office at 386-736-1500, or visit www.athensdeland.com.
