Did Creedence Clearwater Revival Regularly Sell Out in Their Heyday?
When discussing the concert history and popularity of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), one question that inevitably arises is whether they consistently sold out shows during their peak years. The answer is a resounding yes - from the very beginning, CCR's concerts were in high demand, and by the time they were touring regularly, they were performing to crowded venues.
Early Days
Their early success can be traced back to their debut gig at the famed Cheetah club in Los Angeles, where they were playing live well before their first album was released. This early popularity is evidenced by the significant attendance at their version of Dale Hawkins' “Suzie Q,” which had already been gaining airplay on KMPX radio.
At that stage, the tour schedule was limited because John Fogerty and Doug Clifford were both military reservists, each required to attend training one weekend a month. This made live performances relatively rare, explaining the high demand for the few concerts that were scheduled during this period. Early fans eager to catch their favorite band were willing to support the duo despite the occasional delays and cancellations.
Rising Popularity
By the time CCR was performing regularly, they had already achieved significant commercial success with their hit songs "Proud Mary" and "Bad Moon Rising." These hits placed similarly high on the charts, ensuring that any announced concert date was well attended. While it's not documented that all their concerts sold out, it is safe to say that most of them did, or at least came close.
For instance, by 1970, when they first embarked on their first international tour, dates in Europe were largely fully booked even before the band had departed the United States. This early tour has since become a part of CCR lore, showcasing not just the band's talent but also their immense popularity with fans worldwide.
Reflections on their Tours
John Fogerty, the band's lead singer and primary songwriter, has even reflected on the impact of the European tour in their live album. He has mentioned that had the album been recorded from the 1970 European tour instead of the subsequent "Mardi Gras" tour, the result would have been far superior. This further emphasizes the high standards and consistent demand for their live performances.
CCR's success went beyond just selling out venues. Their intensity and energy on stage, coupled with the psychological brilliance of their songs, created a unique experience for their audience. Fans were willing to travel long distances and pay premium ticket prices to see them perform live.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Creedence Clearwater Revival was not only a band that consistently delivered high-quality performances but also one that maintained a loyal and dedicated fan base. Their ability to consistently sell out shows during their heyday is a testament to their enduring popularity and the enduring appeal of their music. If you were a fan in those days, simply securing a ticket to a CCR concert was a rare and coveted experience.
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