You ever get the feeling that your musical kicks have peaked? That that's all there is, and there ain't no more? That all the great shows in your life already happened, and going to a show today is like visiting the land of diminishing returns? My rock 'n' roll life has been pretty full-on, and I could die a happy man tomorrow. I mean, I don't want to just yet -- mainly because I'm figuring out a way to take some of you with me when I go -- but I've seen a lot.
James Brown almost brained me with his mic stand before pulling me off the ground and shaking my hand. King Solomon Burke sang an impromptu love song to my wife over the phone. I was on the side of the stage when Metallica did their pyrotechnic prelude to "One" at Lolapalooza. I saw the Ramones roughly 15 times. John Lee Hooker carved his name into my guitar -- twice. Iggy Pop sat on my head. Chris Spedding pissed on my shoes. I saw Johnny Thunders in a little club. I witnessed the second ever New York Dolls reunion show. I had breakfast with DJ Fontana. I made Ike Turner laugh. I've hung out with Bo Diddley. I've kissed Etta James and Ruth Bown. I've played with Ronnie Dawson and Link Wray. And I've been playing and seeing and listening and loving and living rock 'n' roll since the time I had to sneak into joints like Snake Sisters Café, Shatzee's, Jazzberry's, and The Red Creek. Some pretty cool shit.
So when I tell you John Fogerty's show last night at CMAC was one of the best rock 'n' roll shows I've ever seen, you better believe me.
Sixty-two years old and playing the guitar as if his head was on fire and his ass was catching, Fogerty blazed through a pile of hits with reverential accuracy and renewed energy. Though cordial and obviously thrilled to be on stage, he simply did not let up. It was relentless. Opening with a full throttle take on "Traveling Band," Fogerty was all over his guitar. There were two other slingers on stage, but Fogerty could have honestly pulled it off himself. He covered Brother Ray's "The Night Time (Is The Right Time)" that had me swayin' and howlin' and squealin' like a girl.
He pulled off some fresh ones, too, including a nice little two-step number called "Don't You Wish It Were True." "Fortunate Son" resonated with contemporary anger, and while singing along to "Who Will Stop The Rain?" my eyes welled up. I dunno, it just sounded and felt so good. Fogerty flat-out blew me away.
So I guess it's safe to say that there're still a few kicks to be had before I go. And take some of you with me.