Tahoe Onstage photos by Nick McCabe
Creedence Clearwater Revisited brought its set list of classic rock and roll hits to life Friday, March 3, at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno.
The band includes two of the four Creedence Clearwater Revival members, Doug Clifford (drums) and Stu Cook (bass guitar and vocals). On guitar it’s Kurt Griffey, and on keyboards, guitars, percussion, and vocals it’s Steve Gunner. Finishing out the pack is their newest member on lead vocals and guitar, Dan McGuiness.
Former member Tom Fogerty left the band in 1971 after long-standing animosity with his brother John, and died in 1990. John Fogerty, with much discord, distanced himself from his bandmates in late 1972, marking the end of Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Creedence Clearwater Revisited started off the set strong with “Born On The Bayou,” “Green River” and “Lodi.” With a Beatle haircut, Dan McGuiness looks a lot like a young John Fogerty, but didn’t sound much like him. As the evening and songs moved along, I gradually forgot what John Fogerty sounded like and grew to be impressed with McGuiness’ beautiful voice. When he sang “Long As I Can See The Light,” I was sold. Dan is definitely a good find and great addition to the band.
Stu Cook and Doug Clifford provide truly rock-solid rock and roll rhythm section, one of the finest of their era. Cook strutted around with a huge smile most of the time. Clifford sat stoic, pumping out a solid tempo that did not waver.
“Susie Q” was a 10-minute showstopper. Guitarist Griffey played an amazing extended solo that amped up the crowd. He moved around the entire stage, bringing his performance up close to everybody. “Hey, Tonight” followed, with Doug Clifford’s young granddaughter joining him on the drum riser and playing tambourine.
Another highlights were “I Put A Spell On You” with some more fine guitar work by Griffey and killer vocals by McGuiness, and a 13-minute version of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” which featured Cook on a outstanding bass solo.
A good set list is like a good story. It pulls you in, takes you up, brings you down, and back up again. It’s a journey. CCR put together a great set list. It ramped up to the close with “Bad Moon Rising,” Proud Mary” and “Fortunate Son.” They encored with “Have You Seen The Rain?” and “Travelin’ Band,” finishing the evening off with “Up Around The Bend,” with some interspersed banter before bidding adieu.
-Nick McCabe
Related story: A candid conversation with Doug Clifford.
- Creedence Clearwater Revisited
Grand Sierra Resort
March 3, 2107 - Born On The Bayou
Green River
Lodi
Commotion
Who’ll Stop The Rain
Susie Q
Hey, Tonight
Long As I Can See the Light
I put a Spell on You
Down on the Corner
Lookin’ Out My Back Door
I Heard It Through The Grapevine
The Midnight Special
Bad Moon Rising
Proud Mary
Fortunate Son - Encore
Have You Ever Seen The Rain?
Travelin’ Band
Up Around The Bend
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Kurt Griffey, left, and Dan McGuiness. 
Stu Cook fired up the crowd on “I Heard it Through the Grapevine.” 
Stu Cook, Steve Gunner and Dan McGuiness rock classically. 
Lake Tahoe resident Doug Clifford. 
