Foghat Guitarist Takes 'Slow Ride' To Keswick Theatre Show

GLENSIDE, PA — A lot of groups come through the Keswick Theatre to play 50th anniversary shows of the years they've been together or to celebrate the year when one of their big songs was released.

For the classic rock band Foghat, that song is "Slow Ride," which has slowly burned brightly into the memories of Classic Rock fans as the band's most recognizable song and biggest hit when it arrived in 1975.

The success of “Slow Ride” has kept the "Boogie Rock" band cruising along for five decades, anchored by original drummer Roger Earl on drums, and featuring "Lonesome Dave" Peverett on lead vocals until he died in 2000.

Foghat will perform at 8 p.m., July 11, at the Keswick Theatre. Click here to get tickets.

Its latest release, "Sonic Mojo," hit the top of the U.S. Blues charts when it was released two years ago.

In an exclusive interview with Patch, Guitarist Bryan Bassett discusses the 54-year legacy of the legendary band, its tour, and making new music that reaches the masses.

See the You Tube video of Bassett playing below

Bassett has carried the torch of the band known for its slide guitar mastery.

The former Molly Hatchet and Wild Cherry member joined Foghat in 1999. The band also features Rodney O’Quinn (Pat Travers Band) on bass and vocals, and newest member Scott Holt (Buddy Guy) on lead vocals and guitar.

Bassett was relaxing at his Florida home before Foghat hit the road again.

"I pack pretty light," the 70-year-old Pittsburgh native said. "We have a bunch of shows coming up. We're hitting three generations now. We have the original fans who listen to Classic Rock, and now grandchildren. We have all ages at festivals."

The road offers Bassett the chance to play "Slow Ride" along with the classics “Fool for the City” and “I Just Want to Make Love to You,” along with songs from their latest album "Sonic Mojo," which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Charts and remained on the charts for 30-plus weeks.

Bassett had a big hand in the album's success, writing several songs and producing and engineering the record.

"The record being No. 1 was an affirmation," he said.

But it's "Slow Ride" that people want to hear most, as the song serves as the group's encore every night.

"It's the climax of our show," said Bassett, who showcases his slide guitar. "It's great playing it. We never get tired of all the exciting energy coming from the crowd at every venue."

Bassett, a veteran of the clubs, played with Wild Cherry (who had the 1970s hit "Play That Funky Music") and Molly Hatchet, a Southern Rock band best known for the album "Flirtin' With Disaster."

"It's all about the songbook and staying true to the music," he said. "We just like to play."

Bassett said that Earl sets the tone by giving the songs the "Foghat beat," while the late "Lonesome Dave" Peverett gave the band the order to "rock until they drop."

"That's the plan," Bassett said. "It's all about health with everyone. We still play great and still love to play."