John Fogerty's Triumphant Return: Celebrating Legacy at Fenway

John Fogerty's Long-Awaited Victory Lap

On a memorable Friday night in November 2025, music icon John Fogerty took the stage at Boston's MGM Music Hall at Fenway, not just to perform, but to celebrate a hard-won victory. The 80-year-old rock legend brought his "Legacy Tour" to the historic venue, delivering a performance that was both a celebration of his enduring music and a testament to his decades-long battle to reclaim his artistic legacy.

As the opening chords of "Bad Moon Rising" filled the hall, it was clear this wasn't just another concert. For Fogerty, this was deeply personal. After years of fighting with former record companies, he had recently regained the publishing rights to his entire back catalog—the classic rock standards he wrote with Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR). "I had a plan," he quipped to the audience, "and the plan was: I outlived all those sons of [expletive]!" The crowd erupted in laughter and applause, understanding the full weight of his statement.

A Career Defined by Perseverance

Fogerty's journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable. For decades, he fought to own the very songs that defined classic rock. His wife Julie played a crucial role in helping him reclaim his legacy, even tracking down and recovering his beloved Rickenbacker guitar that he played at Woodstock in 1969. After fighting for over half a century, Fogerty finally acquired the rights to his CCR songs in 2023.

"I realized that no matter who they made money for, the songs belonged to me," Fogerty shared, reflecting on a visit to blues legend Robert Johnson's grave that helped him understand his connection to his own music. This newfound freedom was palpable throughout the performance. The 80-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer played with an energy and excitement that belied his age, as if riding a high that had been far too long in coming.

An Evening of Classic Hits

Fogerty's setlist was a journey through his storied career, packed with unforgettable anthems that have stood the test of time. The performance kicked off with the spirited rockabilly of "Bad Moon Rising" before immediately pivoting to the joyous charge of "Up Around The Bend." From there, he took the audience on a swamp-rock journey with "Green River" and "Born On The Bayou," setting the tone for an evening of pure rock and roll magic.

The set seamlessly blended CCR classics with selections from Fogerty's solo career. "Rock And Roll Girls" came alive with the same energy that made it a hit, while "A Hundred And Ten In The Shade" demonstrated his versatility as a songwriter. The touching "Joy Of My Life," written for his wife, provided a moment of heartfelt gratitude between the high-energy numbers.

Standout moments included a raucous "Lookin' Out My Back Door" and a blistering "Keep On Chooglin'" that showcased the tight chemistry between Fogerty and his band. The sci-fi vibes of "It Came Out Of The Sky" segued into an electrifying guitar solo that even included "shades of Eddie Van Halen," proving that Fogerty's instrumental skills remain as sharp as ever.

Family and Legacy

The concert was also a family affair, with Fogerty's sons Shane and Tyler playing guitar alongside their father all night. The band opened under the name "Hearty Har," delivering a spirited brand of garage psychedelia that would have felt right at home opening for Creedence in their heyday. During "The Old Man Down The Road," the Fogerty men engaged in dueling solos that demonstrated the impressive chops of both generations.

As the performance progressed, it became clear that Fogerty was determined to make every moment count. "He's 80? That's crazy!" exclaimed one 22-year-old attendee just two songs in, with more than an hour of the show still to come. While his voice showed some strain during "Fortunate Son," the performance remained potent, with Fogerty opting to declaim the powerful lyrics rather than sing them, adding to the song's raw intensity.

A Triumphant Finale

The evening reached its emotional peak with "Have You Ever Seen The Rain?" and the baseball anthem "Centerfield," which took on special significance given the venue's location within the legendary Fenway Park. The main set closed with "Down On The Corner," "The Old Man Down The Road," and the politically charged "Fortunate Son."

For the encore, Fogerty returned to the stage with a special surprise—a stagehand pushed a small table on rollers, wrapped like a Christmas present, topped with a champagne flute and bottle. The rock legend raised a glass to the crowd before launching into the final double-shot of "Travelin' Band" and CCR's most iconic creation, "Proud Mary."

As the last notes of "Proud Mary" faded, it was clear that this was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of artistic persistence, a reclaiming of legacy, and a powerful reminder of why John Fogerty's music has endured for over five decades. In Boston, on this November night, John Fogerty was finally the "fortunate one."