John Fogerty Performs CCR Classic In New Performance In Stephen Colbert Show

When John Fogerty steps onto a late-night stage these days, you may think you’re witnessing a relic from rock’s golden era, but make no mistake—on this night, he’s very much in the moment. During a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Fogerty revisited his legendary past with fresh enthusiasm and a playful edge, proving that classic songs aren’t just museum pieces—they can be living, breathing fireworks.

Setting the Stage

According to entertainment coverage, Fogerty visited the show this week to talk about his career, showcase a handful of his monumental tracks, and introduce a new collection titled Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years. In the interview portion, he shared how his life’s work has come full circle: after decades of complicated rights issues, he now owns the catalogue of his former band, Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR).

The Performance Moment

The highlight came when Fogerty launched into one of the band’s most beloved songs, “Green River,” with undeniable energy and enthusiasm. Even though he’s now 80—his age becoming part of the narrative of how timeless his music is—the performance felt immediate and compelling. What made it special was that although the song is steeped in nostalgia, Fogerty delivered it like it was brand-new, his voice carrying the riffs and rhythms and injecting them with renewed life.

Why It Resonated

The performance resonated because it was rooted in authenticity—Fogerty is the man who wrote these songs, lived their rise, and is now reclaiming them—and that kind of ownership brings a distinct gravity. It also worked because it was a celebration rather than a regression; instead of merely dusting off an old hit, he treated the songs as a living archive that continues to evolve and connect with the present. Perhaps most striking was his blend of humility and fire, showing up not as an artist resting on past glories but as someone still hungry and still curious.

Behind the Scenes: The Significance

Fogerty’s journey hasn’t been straightforward. He wrote many of the CCR classics in the late 1960s and early 1970s, but over time the rights to those songs ended up in the hands of others. For a long while, he avoided playing the full catalogue because revisiting it felt emotionally complicated. Now, with full control of his early-catalogue rights, Fogerty says he feels liberated. The Legacy collection celebrates this moment: the songs he wrote, he now owns, and he’s playing them on his terms.

A Fresh Take on Classics

The medley Fogerty performed included several major CCR songs—“Up Around the Bend,” “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,” and the featured “Green River.” Even though these tracks are deeply familiar, the live versions felt revitalized; the band was tight, Fogerty’s guitar work was sharp, and the audience was clearly engaged, proving that a great song still has the power to move. In the interview, he didn’t shy away from discussing this chapter of his career and how ownership and creative control mean more to him now than ever, saying that having his own songs back in his hands changed everything.

A Message Older But Not Old

You couldn’t walk away from the performance thinking this was just another “classic rock revival” moment; instead, it felt like a living document, acknowledging the past while fully inhabiting the present. Fogerty reflected on his career and on putting a new frame around the old songs, and while paraphrased, the essence was clear: getting the songs back changed how he sees each one, how he performs them, and how he connects with them. It’s a reminder that time doesn’t necessarily age an artist—it can deepen what they’re saying.

The Big Picture

Fogerty’s appearance on The Late Show signalled more than just a performance—it marked a milestone. It commemorated his career, his reclamation of his work, and his enduring relevance. He didn’t just play a hit; he made a statement: “This is still me. This is still now.” In a world where nostalgia can feel safe and static, he reminded us that familiar songs can be dynamic, nuanced, and thrilling. And with Legacy offering not only well-known titles but also deeper cuts, it’s clear this isn’t a simple greatest-hits celebration—it’s a purposeful revisiting.