John Fogerty at Jacobs Pavilion is the kind of concert experience that reminds you why rock and roll endures. There’s a timelessness to his music, a kind of eternal Americana that never feels dated. On a warm August evening in Cleveland, Fogerty proved once again that he is not just a musician with a legendary past—he’s a performer who still commands attention, still ignites the crowd, and still reminds everyone why Creedence Clearwater Revival’s catalog is as essential today as it was fifty years ago.
The venue itself, Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica, is perfectly suited for this kind of show. Open-air, waterfront, with clear sightlines, it’s intimate enough to feel connected to the performer yet large enough to accommodate the throngs of fans who come to witness a rock legend in his element. That night, the audience included multi-generational fans: grandparents who had grown up with CCR records, parents passing their vinyl collections down, and younger listeners discovering the music for the first time. The energy was electric even before Fogerty hit the stage, a tangible anticipation for the timeless classics about to come alive.
Setlist and Structure
Setlist:
Bad Moon Rising (CCR)
Up Around the Bend (CCR)
Green River (CCR)
Born on the Bayou (CCR)
Who’ll Stop the Rain (CCR)
Lookin’ Out My Back Door (CCR)
Rock and Roll Girls
It Came Out of the Sky (CCR)
Effigy (CCR)
Joy of My Life
Fight Fire (The Golliwogs)
Hey Tonight (CCR)
Long as I Can See the Light (CCR)
Keep On Chooglin’ (CCR)
Have You Ever Seen the Rain? (CCR)
Cotton Fields (Lead Belly cover)
Centerfield
Down on the Corner (CCR)
The Old Man Down the Road
Fortunate Son (CCR)
Encore:
Travelin’ Band (CCR)
Proud Mary (CCR)
Opening With a Bang
The night began with “Bad Moon Rising,” and the instant the familiar opening chords rang out, the crowd erupted. Fogerty emerged in his classic setup—guitar slung low, his Rickenbacker gleaming under the stage lights, and the band locked in tight behind him. Even at 78, Fogerty’s energy is infectious. His voice has matured, carrying more depth and grit than ever before, while retaining that unmistakable clarity that makes every lyric immediately recognizable.
“Up Around the Bend” and “Green River” followed, and it was clear that Fogerty intended to hit the audience with a string of high-energy classics from the very beginning. The crowd sang along in unison, waving hands, clapping, and stomping in rhythm. Jacobs Pavilion’s waterfront location amplified the atmosphere—lights reflecting off the water, fans swaying, and the music carrying far into the evening air.
“Born on the Bayou” brought the swampy, murky textures of CCR to life, with Fogerty’s guitar tone perfectly capturing that southern grit. The band was impeccable—tight, dynamic, and responsive to every nuance of Fogerty’s vocals and guitar phrasing. By the time “Who’ll Stop the Rain” rolled around, the audience had been thoroughly won over. Fogerty introduced it with a quick anecdote about his Rickenbacker guitar, highlighting his attention to the instruments that have defined his sound over decades. That connection to the instrument and its history added a personal touch to the performance, making the song feel intimate despite the scale of the crowd.
Mid-Set: Balancing Hits and Deep Cuts
Fogerty’s setlist is a masterclass in pacing. Following the early classics, he wove in tracks like “Rock and Roll Girls” and “It Came Out of the Sky,” both of which showcase his keen sense of storytelling. These tracks might not always dominate radio playlists today, but live, they command the audience’s attention. The band navigated each song with precision, bringing out the nuances that make Fogerty’s songwriting so enduring.
“Effigy” and “Joy of My Life” added emotional depth to the mid-set, providing a contrast to the rollicking energy of the earlier songs. Fogerty’s phrasing, combined with the subtle interplay of guitars, bass, and drums, made these moments feel personal, almost confessional.
One of the show’s highlights was “Fight Fire,” a Golliwogs-era song that Fogerty has reintroduced in recent years. It’s a nod to his roots, a glimpse into the creative genesis that eventually became CCR. Hearing it performed live, with Fogerty’s seasoned vocals and the band’s tight performance, was a treat for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
The set continued seamlessly into “Hey Tonight” and “Long as I Can See the Light,” each song delivered with the care and passion Fogerty has cultivated over decades. His guitar work on “Keep On Chooglin’” included a short solo that highlighted his technical skill without ever feeling showy—it was music in service of the song, which is always a hallmark of Fogerty’s approach.
Crowd Favorites and Emotional High Points
By the time “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” hit, the crowd was fully engaged, singing every lyric back to Fogerty. This is one of those songs that feels like it was written for communal singing, and the performance delivered exactly that. “Cotton Fields,” a Lead Belly cover, followed—a brief detour into roots and folk that added texture to the set and highlighted Fogerty’s respect for the musical traditions that influenced him.
“Centerfield” was a playful, high-energy moment that allowed Fogerty to connect with the crowd in a more casual, fun way. It was followed by “Down on the Corner,” which brought the audience to their feet with its infectious rhythm and joyous chorus.
“The Old Man Down the Road” was a standout for the night, concluding with an extended guitar jam segment that showcased Fogerty’s mastery of tone, phrasing, and timing. The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause, shouting, and whistles, fully appreciating the skill and experience on display.
“Fortunate Son” closed the main set with a burst of righteous energy. Fogerty’s vocals carried all the anger, irony, and defiance of the Vietnam-era anthem, and the audience roared along, fists pumping and voices raised in solidarity. It was a perfect capstone to the main body of the show—a reminder of CCR’s cultural and musical impact.
The Encores: Classic Closure
After a brief pause, Fogerty returned for the first encore with “Travelin’ Band” and “Proud Mary.” Both tracks are quintessential CCR: upbeat, driving, and impossible not to sing along with. The audience participation was near-constant, with fans waving hands, clapping, and dancing in their seats. Fogerty’s stage presence remained commanding, but never overpowering—he encouraged the crowd without ever stealing the spotlight from them.
These encores provided the perfect conclusion to a performance that balanced nostalgia with vitality. Every song, from the earliest hits to the deeper cuts, felt alive, resonant, and meaningful.
The Musicianship
One of the most impressive aspects of a John Fogerty show is the quality of the musicianship. The band was tight, responsive, and in perfect sync with Fogerty’s vocals and guitar work. Each member played with a sense of purpose and respect for the songs, allowing them to breathe while still driving the energy forward. Fogerty himself remains a master guitarist, blending technical skill with emotional resonance. His Rickenbacker, in particular, added a distinctive bite to the classic CCR songs, cutting through the mix and giving the performance its signature sound.
Fogerty’s voice, though seasoned by decades of performing, is remarkably resilient. He shifts effortlessly from the gritty, growling vocals of “Born on the Bayou” to the smoother, melodic lines of “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” His phrasing, timing, and dynamic control are impeccable, making every song compelling.
Crowd Interaction and Stage Presence
Fogerty’s interaction with the audience was another highlight. He shared anecdotes about his songs and instruments, including a memorable story about the Rickenbacker that preceded “Who’ll Stop the Rain.” These small moments added intimacy to the show, making it feel less like a concert and more like a shared experience.
Despite his legendary status, Fogerty’s presence is approachable. He doesn’t dominate the stage with theatrics; instead, he lets the songs speak, and his energy comes from the music itself. That authenticity is infectious, and it’s part of what makes a Fogerty concert feel timeless.
Highlights and Standout Moments
Several moments of the night stand out:
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“Who’ll Stop the Rain” for the personal introduction and the crowd’s overwhelming singalong.
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“Keep On Chooglin’” for the short guitar solo that displayed Fogerty’s mastery without overshadowing the song.
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“The Old Man Down the Road” for the extended jam that showcased the band’s technical skill and improvisational energy.
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“Fortunate Son” for its raw political and emotional power.
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“Proud Mary” as a show-closing anthem that united the crowd in one final celebration.
Beyond individual songs, the pacing of the setlist was perfect. Fogerty mixed classics and deep cuts with precision, ensuring that the audience remained engaged and energized throughout the night. The encores were a satisfying finish, leaving everyone with a sense of communal joy and reverence.
Final Thoughts
John Fogerty at Jacobs Pavilion in August 2024 was a masterclass in live performance. He reminded the audience why Creedence Clearwater Revival’s music remains vital: it’s honest, heartfelt, and immediate. Every song felt like it mattered, every note carried emotional weight, and every moment was infused with the passion that only decades of experience can bring.
The band was outstanding, the musicianship impeccable, and Fogerty’s voice, guitar work, and stage presence were as commanding as ever. He balanced nostalgia with vitality, offering fans not just a trip down memory lane, but a living, breathing celebration of Americana rock.
By the final chord of “Proud Mary,” the audience was euphoric, cheering, singing, and fully aware that they had witnessed a legend at work. John Fogerty isn’t just performing songs—he’s channeling decades of music history, emotion, and storytelling into a show that leaves an indelible mark on everyone lucky enough to be there.
In August 2024, at Jacobs Pavilion, Cleveland experienced more than a concert—it experienced a masterclass in rock and roll, led by one of its greatest living icons. John Fogerty proved, once again, that his music not only endures but continues to inspire, energize, and move audiences in a way few artists can.