Creedence Clearwater Revival, known for hits like “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,” and “Green River,” reigned as one of the premier rock bands of the 1960s and 1970s. Their lead singer, John Fogerty, became an unmistakable voice on radios and record players worldwide. That legendary voice remains powerful today, as evidenced by a remarkable performance with country singer Brad Paisley on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” in 2017.
Fogerty and Paisley took the stage in Los Angeles to honor Veterans Day early, performing for an audience filled with military personnel near the Battleship USS Iowa. The duo showcased fantastic onstage chemistry, delivering a 14-track set featuring Creedence classics and Paisley’s hits. The standout moment was undoubtedly “Bad Moon Rising,” with the crowd erupting in cheers as Fogerty played the iconic opening riff.
Online viewers marveled at how Fogerty’s vocals remained almost identical to those on the original 1969 single. Despite being in his 70s, Fogerty’s performance was as energetic and vibrant as that of the much younger Paisley. One viewer commented, “Not many who started in the ’60s can play live and still sound great!” Another hailed Fogerty as one of the top three rock singers of all time, calling his vocals “truly magic.”
For a comparison, check out Creedence’s electrifying live version of “Bad Moon Rising” from 1970, recorded at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Though the stage was smaller than that of “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” the band delivered a high-energy performance that had the audience jumping. With his signature mop top hairdo, Fogerty gave a fierce vocal performance, while guitar duties were shared between him and his brother Tom.
These contrasting yet equally captivating renditions of “Bad Moon Rising” highlight the song’s timeless appeal. They also showcase John Fogerty’s enduring and often underrated talent. Nearly 60 years after writing, singing, and playing guitar on the original track, he continues to captivate audiences with his undeniable stage presence and energy. Here’s to many more years of his incredible performances.