Creedance to Reunite?

John Fogerty, Doug Clifford, Stu Cook

In a recent interview with the Calgary Herald, former CCR singer John Fogerty has revealed he no longer has a burning hatred for his former band mates Doug Clifford and Stu Cook, and is open to the possibility of a CCR reunion in the future. Fogerty's animosity with his former bandmates grew from disputes over royalties and label lawsuits in the late 1970's and early 80's. Fogerty's rift with Doug and Stu gained additional music headlines in the 90's. First John refused to appear on stage with his bandmates when Creedance was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, and later in 1997 John sued Doug and Stu when they began performing with new musicians as Creedance Clearwater Revisited (the lawsuit forced them to change their name to Cosmos Factory briefly until a judge ruled in their favor).

Personally, I think Fogerty should go for this. As much as I'd love to see John as a solo act, (yay Centerfield) or the most part fans are going to hear Creedance songs and a Creedance reuion would hopfully promise a complete setlist of all their amazing songs. Plus a reunion would be a great way to for John to raise his profile this late in the game (Fogerty is now 66). Instead of playing to decent size audiences as a solo act, the Creedance would afford John the chance to play much larger crowds and festivals (lots of baby boomer money to grab); not to mention all the press and publicity it would raise. For Doug and Stu it's a complete no brainer. Sure, you probably make decent money touring as a magical cover band (one that contains two actual members), but this is your chance to re-enter the big leagues. Money and fame awaits boys, beg Fogerty for a reunion, do whatever he demands to make this happen.

 A reunion, the first since their split in 1972, would not sadly be a reunion of the original Creedance Clearwater Revival, that is now impossible with the death of Tom Fogerty in 1990. Tom, brother of John and rhythm guitar player, left the group in 1971 unhappy with John's complete control over all the band's decisions. Tom was in the group from 1968-1971, appearing on the first six CCR albums (the good ones that contain all the songs everyone loves) before taking on a solo career that was mildly successful.

Creedance never replaced Tom after he left, though they originally intended to. Instead they carried on as a three piece and released one last CCR album in 1972, Mardi Gras. While the album was technically a comercial success, it failed to have the same impact previous CCR albums had enjoyed; producing only two Top 40 singles (both by Fogerty). Fans and critics alike have since panned the album, largely blaming Fogerty's lack of interest in the group following Tom's departure. While recording Mardi Gras, John decided to make the group democratic and demanded each member provide a equal number of songs for the new album (he also threatened to quit the band during rehearsals if Stu and Doug didn't each write three songs), though previously he had written the overwhelming majority of the group's songs. John also refused to sing on any of Stu or Doug's songs, adding only his guitar playing, making it a strange and lopsided CCR album. The group disbanded shortly after it's release and John began his own solo career.

Bonus:

The four original CCR members did reunite on Tom Fogerty's 1974 single "Joyful Resurrection", off the album Zephyr National. Unfortunately it was not a true reunion because John recorded his parts seperate from the rest of the band.