A brief chat with Creedence Clearwater

Yellow Scene: Everyone is obviously familiar with yourself and Stu Cook – tell us about the rest of the lineup…

Doug Clifford: Well me have John Tristao, lead singer and rhythm guitarist, and entertainer extraordinaire. He’s really funny. Kurt Griffey is on lead guitar – a fantastic player and great showman, he brings a lot of energy to the stage. He has all the moves. Steve Gunner is a multi-instrumentalist who plays all the overdub parts, keyboards, percussion, harmonica, high harmonies. That rounds out the rest of the guys.

YS: People love these songs – will long-time fans be happy with what they see and hear?

DC: Well, they have been for the last 21 years. I don’t see anything changing. The new ones will be enamored as well.

YS: Do you like playing Colorado?

DC: I like playing everywhere. I’m pretty wide open internationally to audiences. That’s the fun part of this project – you go out and you make people happy. That’s a pretty nice gig to have.

YS: What are the plans for the set?

DC: Well, all Creedence, all night. The name defines what we do and who we are – we revisit the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival. I have guys I write with and do different things with, more fun than the exercise of going through the process. It’s just for taking the songbook off the stand and creating something. We have a wonderful set, and over the years we’ve tweaked it here and there. Right now, it’s hit perfection.

YS: When this tour’s done, what’s next?

DC: Grandkids. Lots of grandkids. They keep me busy, and young. It’s a great combination. Rock ‘n’ roll keeps you young. No doubt about that. It brings the adrenalin rush and all the good stuff that I’m into it for.