A festival full of magic
Almost two years ago, In-Edit, the music documentary film festival, offered a unique Saturday afternoon experience. Those who dared to defy the temptation of a siesta found a special reward: the screening of ‘Travelin’ Band: Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall’. Released in 2022 and directed by Bob Smeaton, the documentary takes viewers on a tour of one of the band’s two concerts at the iconic London venue in April 1970. Creedence, at their peak, conquered Europe with their energy and charisma on stage.
Memories of an iconic concert
The film not only showed the brilliant concert in London, but also offered fragments of the group’s history from its beginnings in California to its European tour. The narrator, actor Jeff Bridges, took viewers through these historic moments. In the large room of the Aribau cinema, emotions were running high. The attendees, some contemporaries of that time, and others who remembered their parents enjoying the records, stood up to applaud after each song, as if they were back in 1970. The magic of In-Edit had achieved its goal.
The Legacy of Creedence Clearwater Revival
The dissolution of Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1972 marked the beginning of John Fogerty’s solo career. Although he had notable moments, the shadow of the legendary band always followed him. Creedence’s legacy is too great to be overshadowed, even if they don’t receive the same recognition as other rock contemporaries.
Unexpected news
The news that John Fogerty would be performing at the Cap Roig festival this year was met with enthusiasm and surprise. Few expected him to return to these lands. His first visit was in 2009, when he debuted in Barcelona at the Sant Jordi Club, an unforgettable night filled with his countless hits. That performance is vividly remembered even after fifteen years.
Return to family
This time, Fogerty returned with two of his children on stage, a family union that provided a sense of trust and complicity. The news pleased many fans who were hoping to enjoy his music live again.
More than half a century of music
For more than fifty years, John Fogerty has kept his passion for music alive, holing himself up in the studio and releasing albums that continue his legacy. From 1985’s ‘Centerfield’ to 2007’s ‘Revival’, Fogerty has proven his ability to create memorable music.
The Fogerty BBQ
The concert in Cap Roig promised to be a celebration more than a simple show. In the merchandise area, flannel shirts for 85 euros and other clothing items invited attendees to prepare for a night of music and memories. With the stands full, a previous video explained the concept behind the tour, with images of ‘Easy Rider’ style motorcycles and symbols of a recognizable America.
The music began with ‘Bad Moon Rising’, but it got off to a slow start. Small mentions of legends like Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton were mixed in with personal memories of Fogerty. Despite the good will, it seemed to lack a bit of dynamism to ignite the spark.
A family atmosphere
At one point, Fogerty introduced his children and his wife, present in Calella de Palafrugell. He dedicated the song ‘Joy of My Life’ to her, accompanied by family images. Despite criticism from some purists, the concert had the feel of a family reunion, moving away a bit from what fans expected.
With ‘Keep on Chooglin”, the band’s energy began to rise, but something was still missing. Even ‘Have You Ever Seen the Rain?’, one of their best-known songs, failed to reach the expected climax. The audience was singing and getting up, but something was missing for it to really take off.
Closing with bittersweet flavor
The saxophonist appeared again in the encores with ‘Proud Mary’, a final attempt to revitalize the night. However, the concert ended with a bittersweet feeling, more like a family reunion than a vibrant rock show. Despite everything, the magic of seeing a legend like John Fogerty live remains a privilege that few want to miss.
