John Fogerty'scatalog is ripe for residencies.
As the voice ofCreedence Clearwater Revival classics("Bad Moon Rising," "Proud Mary," "Fortunate Song") and the engine behind a prolific solo career ("Centerfield," "The Old Man Down the Road"), Fogerty could play a Bruce-Springsteen-circa-1979-length show and still not have time for every well-worn hit.
The energetic singer-songwriter-guitarist, 80, will drop a setlist of fan favorites at Las Vegas' Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Dec. 31 and Jan. 2-3 with a return March 18 and 20-21. Tickets for all showsare available now.
The "John Fogerty, Live in Las Vegas" run isn't the musician's first round in Vegas. He's previously performed extended runs at the Venetian Theatre at the Venetian Las Vegas and Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas and says he loves staying in one place and getting to know the staff at the hotels.
In a recent chat with USA TODAY, thegregarious Fogertyrevealed his favorite guitarists, how he keeps his voice in robust form and what he does to "honor the music."
Question: This will be your third residency in Las Vegas. How do you spend your downtime when you're there?
John Fogerty:I spend a lot of time practicing guitar. I'm still very engaged in that process. It's just fun. I'm much better at practicing now. I'm able to find things I want to get better at and charge at them.
As a kid, I didn't take lots of lessons. I don't read music very much. I'm not a traditional student; it's all about techniques for me. When I was young and would hear Chet Atkins and Scotty Moore thumb picking, I'd wish I was better at it. My comfort zone is blues, but there's plenty of material for me to work on.
Who do you listen to that isn't in your comfort zone?
When all the metal and hair bands in the '80s came along, starting with Eddie Van Halen, that was way over my head. It took me 20 years trying to crack the code (of his playing). I have much respect forthe way Eddie played. It's something I call the "hair band approach." You play the guitar as if there are no other instruments, you open your mind and almost anything goes.
Did you ever meet Eddie?
I did, at least on one occasion at a wedding. All of Van Halen was there. All I did was sort of bow as low as I could and give him a big hug. I didn't even realize then how amazing he was.
Who among current guitarists impresses you?
Billy Strings. He's certainly the one everybody sees right now. But I have to mentionJerry Douglas. He's my absolute idol. He's in a wondrous universe all by himself. Jerry's approach is so mind boggling. It's quite a discipline for me to chase after and honor. He kicked me in the rear, metaphorically.
Your first show of this new residency is New Year's Eve. How are you planning to ring in 2026 with the crowd?
We'll certainly honor the day. It is a wonderful time when we all reflect on the past year, hoping the next year is better. All of us feel that way this year. But we'll have some twists and turns that night – I don't want to give it away.
Have you caught any other residencies in Vegas, or been to the Sphere?
Oh yes, my wife and Isaw the Eagles, and that was something. They have so many great songs. At one point, [Don] Henley said, "It's all about the songs." I think he was probably marveling at the technology and that tends to dazzle everyone − which it did − but I'm a musician and songwriter and I do admire their songs and music … I also saw Garth Brooks doing his one-man show at the Wynn (more than a decade ago) and that was great to hear a lot of his background and who he admired. He was very human. You could really see his depth and commitment to people.
On the"Legacy" album, you rerecorded 20 of CCR's best known songs and it's a marvel how strong you still sound. What are you doing to preserve your voice?
Mainly, I take care of myself. A lot of things will hurt your voice, smoking being one. I used to smoke, but I gave it up a long time ago. I sincerely believe that the first good thing you can do for yourself is be in a happy place and as free of stress as you can possibly get, which is a tall order. But remarkably, I am very happy. I'm with a beautiful woman, and I know how good I've got it.
That really fulfills my heart. I don't try to worry so much about the career thing. You try to manage it, but don't let it get out of control or take over your life.
You mentioned taking care of yourself physically. What in particular do you do?
Getting enough rest, recognizing that you're human − especially now, not so much when I was 20 (laughs). I don't want to feel that I was wanting in front of an audience. That would make me feel so guilty, so I don't let that happen. Diet is a big thing. Coffee is very bad for your tummy, so when I'm touring, I have to give that up. I suffered years ago with acid reflux, which is a diet thing and can hurt your vocal cords. It's really important to me. I run into people more casual about it. But I want to be able to sing and want to have the energy. I honor the music and think of all the people I admire and hold them in my head. Like I'll think aboutThe Beatlesand go, they'd be mad at you if you acted a fool and you showed up and couldn't sing.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:John Fogerty shares how his voice stays strong during Vegas residency
