Creedence Clearwater Review are ‘the UK’s number one tribute band dedicated to the music of the legendary American rock group Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR).’ They promised an authentic, power-packed live show that captured the raw ‘swamp rock’ style of the original CCR, featuring their greatest hits alongside Cosmo’s Factory for their final UK show of the year. And boy, oh boy, did they deliver.
The show opens with a narrated introduction describing how CCR were formed, taking the audience through the band’s history. Creedence Clearwater Review emerge on stage through clouds of dry ice, and bandleader Dale Taylor informs the crowd that the songs will be played chronologically, telling the story of CCR right up to Cosmo’s Factory.
So how do you tell the story of CCR in one set? Recreate the 1969 California vibe with plaid, denim and a bandana; use period-accurate vintage gear; select key tracks from the early albums and go from there.
Their early rock ’n’ roll influences are showcased through ‘Suzie Q’, ‘I Put a Spell on You’ and ‘Good Golly Miss Molly’. The band’s development into swamp rock follows with ‘Born on the Bayou’, ‘Green River’ and ‘Commotion’.
International success arrives with ‘Bad Moon Rising’, its B-side ‘Lodi’, and ‘Down on the Corner’. Their move towards country rock is represented by ‘Cotton Fields’, ‘It Came Out of the Sky’ and ‘Midnight Special’.
That’s the set on paper, but the way Creedence Clearwater Review deliver it is simply outstanding. From the moment he steps on stage, frontman Dale Taylor is pure energy, utterly committed to making the music as authentic as possible. He never stands still, constantly interacting with fellow band members and the audience alike. He leaves everything on stage. Honestly, he could start a party in an empty room.
The rest of the band, Bob Bampton on bass, Rich Gray on guitar and Sean Gregory on drums, are perfect foils for Taylor’s antics, and each gets their moment in the spotlight.
Audience participation is key, with Taylor encouraging sing-alongs whenever possible. The payback he gets is that the audience are on their feet throughout and their energy never dips.
After the interval, the band perform CCR’s 1970 album Cosmo’s Factory in full. Widely regarded as the band’s most expansive and accomplished record, it captures CCR at the height of their creative and commercial powers. Named after the warehouse space where the group rehearsed, nicknamed ‘the Factory’ by drummer Doug Clifford, the album blends swamp rock, blues, country, R&B and extended psychedelic jams into a cohesive, high-energy statement.
The record features some of CCR’s most enduring tracks, including ‘Lookin’ Out My Back Door’, ‘Up Around the Bend’, ‘Who’ll Stop the Rain’ and ‘Long as I Can See the Light’, all driven by John Fogerty’s gritty vocals, which Taylor emulates superbly. With its mix of tight singles and adventurous deep cuts, Cosmo’s Factory stands as one of the defining American rock albums of its era.
It’s fair to say Creedence Clearwater Review more than did Cosmo’s Factory justice, they absolutely nailed it. Highlights included ‘Lookin’ Out My Back Door’, which sparked wild audience participation, and ‘Up Around the Bend’. The extended grooves of ‘Ramble Tamble’ and ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine’ gave the band space to really express themselves.
Amazingly, there were still some huge hits left for the well-deserved encore. ‘Proud Mary’, ‘Fortunate Son’ and ‘Have You Ever Seen the Rain’ brought a brilliant night to a perfect close.
If you want to experience the magic of Creedence Clearwater Revival live but don’t have a hot tub Time Machine to take you back to 1969 then Creedence Clearwater Review offer as authentic a tribute show as you will find anywhere. One of my gigs of the year, for sure.
The tour continues in 2026, and tickets are available here - https://www.creedenceclearwaterreview.co.uk/tourdates
Reviewer – Adrian Cork
On – 12.12.2025
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