Members of Creedence Clearwater Revisited entertain generations at SEMO District Fair

Drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford and bassist Stu Cook of Creedence Clearwater Revisited have been rocking crowds around the world for 53 years.

Clifford and Cook, along with guitarist Kurt Griffey, lead vocalist and guitarist Johnny "The Bulldog" Tristao and auxiliary instrumentalist Steve Gunner hit the stage Friday night at the SEMO District Fairgrounds to entertain a crowd of around 1,800.

The band opened with a song that epitomizes the classic CCR sound, "Born on the Bayou." The crowd mostly remained in their seats early, but people across the arena were singing along. The group brought memories back to an older generation and a new experience to many that never had the opportunity to see the band perform the songs live as Creedence Clearwater Revival.

"I've had the CDs for years," said Erik Joyner of Perryville, Mo. "My dad got me into this music at a young age, and now it's pretty wild to get to actually see it performed live by the guys who did it when Dad was around."

Clifford and Cook, two original members of CCR, formed Creedence Clearwater Revisited in 1995 after deciding that the music needed to live on. Clifford and Cook, along with original vocalist John Fogerty, started playing together at age 13. Clifford and Cook have been playing together since.

For Joyner, it was a dream to see a band that he shared with his father. Clifford and Cook touched on the theme of dreams during a break in the concert.

"We did have some dreams; one came true for sure," Cook said. "We've rocked and rolled all around the world. We call it the 'Senior Rock Tour.' Some of our dreams came true; most of them didn't because they were about girls."

"Dreams come true. If you're a dreamer, you know what I mean," Clifford said. "You have to have confidence, and you have to be ready to kick things in the butt every once in a while. If you don't have a dream, you need to find one, because there are billions to choose from, and dreams are all about hope."

Clifford wanted to be sure to identify with those in the audience who are around the same age as he and Cook, who are both 66.

"I'm 24 right now; right now I'm 24. I'll be 18 by the end of the night. Tomorrow, when we're heading down the road and nature calls and I have to walk down the hall in the bus, I'll be 66 again."

The band gave several extended performances, including an extended solo in "Suzy Q" and a nearly 15-minute version of "I Heard it Through the Grapevine."

Pertinent address:

Arena Park, Cape Girardeau MO