Foghat Kicks off Road Fever Tour

Foghat kicked off their Road Fever Tour this month at the Belly Up in Solana Beach. Formed in 1971 in England, 2023 marks Foghat’s fifty-second year together.

Even though they endured many personnel changes during that time, Foghat remains devoted to the blues. Long known for their distinctive slide guitar and hard-driving boogie sound, the name “Foghat” conjures up memories of two of their greatest hits, “Fool for the City” and the iconic rock anthem, “Slow Ride.”

Roger Earl, drummer and founder of the band, is the only original member. The lineup includes Scott Holt, lead singer, and rhythm guitarist; Bryan Bassett, lead guitar/slide and vocals; and Rodney O’Quinn, on bass and vocals.

Arriving at the club before the concert and waiting in the queue, I saw music fans of all ages. When the doors opened, we made the mad dash to secure our favorite perch – up high, where we could see and hear everything. The air was thick with happy anticipation, as the standing-room-only crowd ordered drinks and excitedly chatted with each other.

Drummer and Co-founder Roger Earl

Finally, the long-awaited words: “Ladies and gentlemen, would you please welcome FOGHAT.” The band began with their hit song “Fool for the City,” which was a perfect choice. Their dynamic, hard-driving rock and roll sound took me back in time. Lead singer Scott Holt took total command of the stage, and it was obvious that these talented musicians love to perform, and are naturals at it. Wasting no time at all, Scott said “we’re excited to come out and throw a little rock n roll party for 600 of our closest friends,” and immediately welcomed us to the Road Fever Tour. The next song’s lyrics, “Road Fever,” said it all: “Well, I’m back on the road and I ain’t gonna stop, goin’ to roll ‘til I’m old, gonna rock ‘til I drop.” This song featured Bryan Bassett’s brilliant slide guitar licks, as well as the dueling sounds of slide and guitars. Foghat has been touring every year since 1972, and clearly shows no signs of slowing down. A hard working band, they release albums every few years. In 2017 they released “Live From the Belly Up,” recorded at this very venue. They have earned eight gold records, one platinum and one double platinum.

Next up, a classic Roger Earl song, “My Babe” was followed by “Slipped, Tripped,” “Hole to Hide In,” and then the iconic Robert Johnson song, “Sweet Home Chicago.” Serious rock and rollers, this band’s energy and enthusiasm was undeniable, as the crowd sang along: “. . . same old place, sweet home Chicago!” I got chills. It was impossible not to dance. Scott Holt’s vocals were spot on! Holt acknowledged that we sure knew “how to party on a Tuesday night,” then introduced a song from their 1979 “Boogie Motel” album, “Somebody’s Been Sleeping In My Bed,” which begins with the ominous lyrics, “Fe Fi Fo Fum. . . “. Next up, “Little Bit of Everything,” followed by their hit song “Stone Blue,” a Dave Peverett song from 1978 that talks about rock and roll helping him overcome the blues (a sentiment that may be shared by many). Can I just talk about their showmanship? These rockers really deliver the goods. Bryan Bassett’s slide guitar and bassist Rodney O’Quinn stand out on this tune, as well as Roger Earl’s drumming. Earl is 76 years old and still rocking.

Bassist Rodney O’Quinn, Guitarist/Vocalist Scott Holt

The 1940 blues standard “It Hurts Me, Too” slowed down the pace a bit, as Foghat’s music is all about the blues. Stepping up the pace, next came “Home in my Hand,” a song from 1974. The band launched into “Trouble Trouble,” and then the last number of the night: the Willie Dixon tune “I Just Want to Make Love to You,” which had appeared on their 1972 debut album, “Foghat.” It was time for an encore! The crowd cried for MORE! Not to disappoint, they played “Play That ,” and took us home with the number one hit, “Slow Ride.”

Foghat was phenomenal, and it was pure bliss to see them live.

Guitarist/Vocalist Scott Holt

BackStage360 would like to thank the Belly Up Tavern for hosting us. Also, thank you, Foghat, for a phenomenal experience. We hope to see you next year!