Foghat – Under the Influence

Foghat is a band that I have loved since the early 70’s when I was listening to them on 8 track. The band is known for their Bluesy Rock sound which features some great slide guitar and also known for pumping out such classic songs as “Slow Ride”, “Fool for the City” and “I just want to make Love to You”. These are only the better known songs from their massive catalog of greatness. The band is currently touring in support of their new Album “Under the Influence” and we here at BackStage360 were lucky enough to catch their Live show at the Bellyup Tavern in Solana Beach California.

Introducing the band was 101.5, KGB radio personality, Bob Buchmann who had Foghat in their studio at the end of June for the very first Bob & Coe session. (Video located below) This show was also guitarist Bryan Bassett’s birthday, so let’s start the party with the Hit “Fool for the City” which had everyone on their feet singing along. To keep the party going the band continued into “8 Days on the Road”, which is another classic favorite before playing the song “Under the Influence” which would be one of three songs played tonight from the album by the same name. One of my favorite Foghat songs was next, “Drivin Wheel” which put the crowd in a frenzy. Why stop there; how about the song “Stone Blue” and then into another new track entitled “Knock it Off”. There was a short break so the crowd could sing Happy Birthday to Bryan.

The party continued with the very cool groove of “Terraplane Blues” from their 1975 album “Fool for the City”. Original drummer Roger Earl extended the song with a drum solo that could best be described as brilliant, you could sense the maturity and experience of every hit of the sticks. After we all recouped our senses the band played their final song from the new album “Hot Mama”. All three new songs fit perfectly into the Foghat catalog of songs. Now for something familiar, how about a 15 minute version of “I just want to Make Love to you” which got the crowd excited and filled with enthusiasm as they waited for the encore of the night “Slow Ride”. What a way to end a party! Great musicians, songs and friends.