Mitch West
It started with a change of venue due to weather moved from Pinewood Bowl Ampitheatre to Pinnacle Bank Arena. Pinnacle Bank Arena in came alive last night with the sounds of rock 'n' roll royalty as "John Fogerty: The Celebration Tour" rolled into town. The evening showcased a musical journey across generations, featuring the legendary John Fogerty, the voice of Creedence Clearwater Revival, whose five-decade career has left an indelible mark on American music. Joining him were blues-rock stalwarts George Thorogood and The Destroyers, celebrating their own 50-year milestone of high-energy performances. Opening the night was Hearty Har, led by Fogerty's sons Shane and Tyler, bringing their fresh blend of psychedelic and garage rock to the mix. This powerhouse lineup promised a night of timeless hits, raw energy, and the evolving sound of rock, all under the starry Nebraska sky.
Hearty Har at Pinnacle Bank Arena Photo Credit: @thatonemitchkid
Hearty Har, a Los Angeles-based sextet led by brothers Shane and Tyler Fogerty, opened the show with electrifying energy. Formed in 2012, the band blends psychedelic and garage rock elements, creating a sound that's both nostalgic and innovative.
The group, completed by Jesse Wilson (bass), Richard Millsap (drums), Nick Stratton (guitar), and Douglas Lamothe (keys), delivered a set featuring tracks like "Can't Keep Waiting," "Radio Man 56'," "Somethin Ain't Right," and "Boogeyman."
Hearty Har's performance was described as "controlled chaos," offering a dynamic and mind-bending journey through rock's evolution. Their stage presence was likened to a "neon lightning bolt," captivating the audience with their unique fusion of rock styles. While the stormy weather wasn't quite as fired up as we thought, they sure brought the thunder of rock to Pinnacle Bank Arena last night.
George Thorogood at Pinnacle Bank Arena Photo Credit: @thatonemitchkid
From a pawn shop guitar and a $150 gig to a half-century of rock 'n' roll dominance, George Thorogood and The Destroyers have carved out a legacy as enduring as the blues itself. Born in the crucible of a college dance hall in 1973, Thorogood's raw, unpolished sound struck a chord that still reverberates today. With over 8,000 performances, 15 million albums sold, and a catalog of reinvented classics and original anthems like "Bad to the Bone," Thorogood has become the consummate blue-collar rocker. His guitar - a snarling vintage Gibson - remains a conduit for the spirits of Bo Diddley, John Lee Hooker, and Elmore James, channeling their essence for new generations. As The Destroyers take the stage on their "Bad All Over The World - 50 Years of Rock Tour," the air crackles with the same electricity that first jolted a dance floor to life five decades ago, promising a night where every performance could be "the biggest night of my life."
Their "Bad All Over The World - 50 Years of Rock Tour" set opened with "Eve of Destruction" by Barry McGuire, followed by a mix of originals and covers including "Who Do You Love," "I Drink Alone," and "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer." Thorogood also performed a Johnny Cash cover and expressed admiration for John Fogerty.
The high-energy set concluded with their signature hit "Bad to the Bone." Thorogood closed the show with a heartfelt, "Thank you ladies and gentlemen! God bless Nebraska!" If you haven't read it already, read our interview with Thorogood back in 2022 which helped us kick off Gallery Space Media!
John Fogerty at Pinnacle Bank Arena Photo Credit: @thatonemitchkid
Topping off the night, a living legend took the stage, his guitar a conduit for over five decades of American musical history. John Fogerty, the voice of Creedence Clearwater Revival and an unparalleled solo career, stood before us - a man whose songs have become the heartbeat of a nation. With over 100 million records sold and a catalog that includes "Proud Mary," "Fortunate Son," and "Have You Ever Seen the Rain," Fogerty's impact on rock, blues, and Americana is immeasurable. Fresh from reclaiming ownership of his iconic songbook after a 50-year struggle, this Rock & Roll Hall of Famer seemed poised to unleash a performance charged with renewed passion and the raw energy that has defined his career. As the opening chords rang out, the audience prepared for a journey through the swamps of rock 'n' roll history, guided by the only musician ever inducted into both the Baseball and Songwriters Halls of Fame.
A pre-show video interview highlighted Fogerty's musical journey, from writing his first song at age 8 to his excitement about regaining control of his music. He expressed that he'd been "waiting his whole life to celebrate this moment."
Joined by his sons Shane and Tyler, and wife Julie, Fogerty delivered a family affair performance. The setlist included CCR hits like "Bad Moon Rising," "Born on the Bayou," and "Who'll Stop the Rain," as well as deeper cuts like "Fight Fire" from his pre-CCR band, The Golliwogs. The performance didn't skip a beat last night. Last night was a celebration of Fogerty's extensive catalog and enduring impact on rock music history.
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