John Fogerty’s renewed love for CCR sparked by his old Rickenbacker
When it comes to finding inspiration, a guitar can be a powerful tool. This was certainly the case for John Fogerty. For years, Fogerty was resistant to creating a new album and wanted to distance himself from his time in Creedence Clearwater Revival. When he had the opportunity to reacquire the Fireglo Rickenbacker 325 semi-hollow guitar that played a significant role in his electric guitar collection during his time with CCR, he initially declined.
Despite his initial reluctance, Fogerty’s wife ended up purchasing the guitar for him. To his surprise, this gesture had a profound impact on him. The guitar served as a catalyst, reigniting his passion for music. This newfound inspiration led to the creation of his upcoming album, ‘Legacy – The Creedence Clearwater Revival Years.’ This album features 20 reimagined tracks from his time with CCR, many of which were recorded using the iconic Rickenbacker 325.
The Rickenbacker 325 holds a special place in music history, much like the songs it helped create. This guitar made appearances on iconic stages such as The Ed Sullivan Show and during CCR’s performance at Woodstock. Songs like “Fortunate Son,” “Proud Mary,” “Green River,” “Born on the Bayou” and “Up Around The Bend” were all brought to life with the help of this legendary instrument.
A few modifications made by Fogerty added to the guitar’s unique character. He installed a humbucking pickup in the bridge position and added a Bigsby vibrato, creating a personalized touch. In a cheeky reference to the fictional ACME company synonymous with Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner, Fogerty replaced the Rickenbacker nameplate with “ACME” in bright yellow paint.
After the breakup of Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1972, the guitar vanished from Fogerty’s sight. In a moment of detachment and numbness, Fogerty gave it away to a friend the following year as a way to close that chapter of his life. This period was marked by disappointment, as Fogerty found himself at odds with his bandmates and embroiled in legal battles over songwriting copyrights and recordings owned by Saul Zaentz, the group’s label owner.
Despite the challenges he faced, Fogerty ultimately emerged victorious with his solo career, achieving success with hits like “Centerfield” and “The Old Man Down the Road.” His journey was not without its share of legal disputes, including a lawsuit over similarities between his song “The Old Man Down the Road” and a CCR track still owned by Zaentz. These experiences further shaped Fogerty’s perspective on his past with CCR.
In the end, Fogerty’s reconnection with his beloved Rickenbacker 325 reignited his creative spark and laid the foundation for his latest musical endeavor. As he embarks on this new chapter, he pays homage to the legacy of Creedence Clearwater Revival and the timeless tunes that shaped his musical journey.