Foghat Rocked the Beach for The Center at Anna Maria Island
Kicking off the lineup for the Bradenton Gulf Island Concert Series for 2024, Foghat had a sold-out show on Saturday night at The Center for Anna Maria Island. Bringing the hits along with some blues and cuts from their 17th album, “Sonic Mojo,” which is a #1 album on the Billboard Blues chart (a first for Foghat), and they were in top shape for their first stop on the national tour promoting the new record.
Opening with “Fool for the City”, the 1975 hit from the album of the same name. The crowd was into it from the first guitar riff. Scott Holt has taken over lead vocals since Charlie Huhn retired and is a good fit. He played in Buddy Guy’s band for ten years and is also Hendrix influenced. As from the beginning, Foghat is guitar and percussion driven with original Foghat drummer Roger Earl still on the kit after 52 years! There are some great old 1970 vids on YouTube with Foghat and Roger bangin’ the drums.
A rousing cover of Robert Johnson’s “Sweet Home Chicago” had the audience singing along. Foghat has always been known for slide guitar and there is plenty with guitarist Bryan Bassett. Bassett played with both Molly Hatchett and Wild Cherry before joining Foghat. Bass player Rodney O’Quinn also takes a turn on some lead vocals. Rodney played in Pat Travers band for nine years. He has also worked with rocker Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad and late guitar virtuoso Ronnie Montrose. Traveling on tour with the band is percussionist Eddie Lefebvre. There is no lack of musical experience with this band.
Many of the tunes on “Sonic Mojo” were co-written with late Savoy Brown leader Kim Simmonds. Roger and Kim have a long history together since originally Roger played in Savoy Brown until he left to form Foghat. “Drivin’ On” is a single from the new record and is a bluesy cool rocker that had people chair dancing. Speaking of the crowd, it was a mix of boomers, Gen X and Gen Z. Most people stayed in their seats, but some were up dancing in the aisles. It was a loose, fun environment for a show.
Besides the hits, for diehard Foghat fans, the setlist included “Road Fever” from the debut 1973 album and from the 1979 Boogie Motel album “Someone’s Been Sleepin’ in my Bed.” The hard-driving “Home in My Hand” from the 1974 “Energized” sounded great. They finished the set with the Willie Dixon cover and Foghat 1972 hit “I Just Want to Make Love to You”, which brought the house out of their seats!
Returning to the stage for the encore they surprised with the fun, Wild Cherry hit “Play That Funky Music.” Rocking the closing with their most famous tune “Slow Ride”, cell phones were out in full force and the room was on their feet. After the show, the band came out for an autograph session with fans. Taking photos, signing memorabilia and telling stories. A great way to start live music in 2024! Tour dates for Foghat at their website.
Opening the show was singer-songwriter Caruso who lives locally. You can check him out, Caruso the Artist. You can check out Center AMI for more shows coming to The Center.
Vicky Sullivan Photos