Creedence Clearwater Revival: At The Royal Albert Hall

monday live album

Creedence Clearwater Revival, or CCR, was an American rock band from El Cerrito, California. Formed in 1967 by John Fogerty, his brother Tom Fogerty, Stu Cook, and Doug Clifford, they had a successful run from 1969 to 1971. During this period, they released 14 Top 10 singles and 5 Top 10 albums in the US, with Green River and Cosmo’s Factory reaching the Billboard 200 top spot.

In early 1970, the first jumbo jet landed at Heathrow Airport, a big deal in aviation. The Japanese and Chinese launched their first satellites, Mick Jagger got into trouble for drugs, and Paul McCartney just left The Beatles. Meanwhile, Mix Master Mike, the American turntablist known for his work with the Beastie Boys, was born in San Francisco, California. The 70s were off and running.

We’re in London, at the iconic Royal Albert Hall! Opened in 1871 by Queen Victoria, this magnificent venue has hosted renowned artists across diverse genres for over a century and a half. It’s the home of the esteemed BBC Proms concerts, held annually since 1941. The Hall has hosted remarkable events, including meetings with suffragettes and speeches by Winston Churchill and Albert Einstein. Eric Clapton is among its regular performers, having graced its stage over 200 times.

Interestingly, the Royal Albert Hall also made a notable appearance in Alfred Hitchcock’s film, “The Man Who Knew Too Much,” starring James Stewart and Doris Day. The CCR concert on 14th April forms the climax of the documentary film “Travelin’ Band,” directed by Bob Smeaton (known for works like The Beatles Anthology, Jimi Hendrix: Band of Gypsys and Pink Floyd: Behind the Wall).

Creedence Clearwater Revival deliver hit after hit, and I can’t help but wonder how much royalties they earn daily! One of the standouts is Stu Cook’s driving bass, especially on the song “Commotion.” Look out for the deluxe edition of the recordings.

Listen to the album here. Enjoy and keep on chooglin’!