Print-friendly Version

Return to the full version

Creedence Clearwater Revisited sticks to the tried and true

When Creedence Clearwater Revival bassist Stu Cook and drummer Doug Clifford formed Creedence Clearwater Revisited in 1995, they only intended to play a handful of private parties.

"We didn't know how we would be accepted and we thought if we did four or five corporate or private shows a month, that would get us out there and playing," Clifford said during an interview with LiveDaily.

"The first two shows out of the box were private shows and they went over well. This is our 14th year now. It's hard to believe."

The band--which also includes singer John Tristao, guitarist/keyboardist Steve Gunner and guitarist/vocalist Tal Morris--was created to perform live Creedence Clearwater Revival hits, most of which were written by Revival's lead singer, John Fogerty. Now, Creedence Clearwater Revisited plays nearly 100 shows-- a year worldwide. Clifford admitted it is a bit more than he wanted to play. This year, the tour includes a quick jaunt through Mexico, as well as the US throughout 2008. (Details are listed below; the Mexico dates can be found at the group's official website.)

"That's too much time away from home, especially if you don't have an album to break, something like that, like we did in the old days," said Clifford, who will celebrate his 40th anniversary with his wife in April. "But we go out and play these wonderful songs for our fans. We have a great time, and now our fanbase is three generations. That always makes it interesting."

Already in its catalog is "Recollection," a double live CD, and Creedence Clearwater Revisited has considered writing new material. However, after speaking among themselves and fellow bands, the group decided against it.

"It doesn't seem to really go over that well," Clifford said about new songs. "That also would mean that the time off I was complaining about or lack thereof would be spent in a studio somewhere. We're probably going to do some recording this year, but it'll be Creedence material--album cuts, favorite songs that we have and some of our fans have."