Foghat Sizzles At Keswick Theater Summer Stop

GLENSIDE, PA — You don't expect to go to a Foghat show and hear the song "Play That Funky Music."

But with guitarist Bryan Bassett in this band, that song served as the next-to-last song to put the ribbon on a rocking evening that showed that the legendary 1970s group isn't slowed down by old age and still can fire up a crowd.

Bassett gave an exclusive interview to Patch before the band appeared for a stop last week at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside for its 50th anniversary tour of the Classic Rock tour de force "Slow Ride."

Bassett shone throughout the show with his brilliant slide guitar, powering the band through classic songs before getting to the guitar riff that made Wild Cherry famous and is still featured as a party song at weddings and dance clubs.

That was among the surprises at a packed house for Foghat and opening act Keith Roth, the former Frankenstein 3000 member and Sirius Radio Hair Nation DJ out promoting his new album with a strong set that included spirited new songs "Superfly" and "Go Away."

Foghat is still fueled by the backbeat of original drummer Roger Earl and Bassett, who has been with the band since 1999 and handles most of the guitar leads, usually sizzling in propelling the Boogie Rock that made this group famous in the 1970s.

That Boogie Rock came right out of the gates with the opener "

During the 14-song set, the blues took the spotlight as Bassett and lead vocalist/guitarist Scott Holt traded licks on "Sweet Home Chicago," "It Hurts Me Too," and "I Just Want To Make Love To You."

Bassist Rodney O'Quinn took a turn as the singer of a few Foghat classics like "Stone Blue," and "Slipped and Tripped and Fell in Love."

The bigger hits were also featured: The Classic "Fool for the City," and the band's second biggest hit, "Third Time Lucky."

And yet while "Play That Funky Music" brought the audience to its feet, it was the smouldering "Slow Ride" that nearly burned down the house.

The song has aged well and still finds a place on Sirius Classic Rock stations. But live it cooks.

Bassett blasted out a solo that seemed to last 20 minutes as the band built its signature song to a climax. Earl pounded away on the drums while Holt helped get the audience engaged in its chorus.

Foghat might not get its due justice among the Classic Rock bands that played in the 1970s. But on stage at the Keswick Theatre, this band proved that its still a force to be reckoned with.