Foghat – Live at The Belly Up
Belly Up Live
http://bellyuplive.com/shows/foghat/545

Rating: B

Foghat is now, and has always been, an energetic live band.  Sure, this band has created many solid studio efforts, but let’s face it...even their most successful LP was the one that said “LIVE” on the cover!  This is a band that just can’t help ‘giving it their all’ onstage.  The current lineup, featuring founding member and drummer Roger Earl, slide guitarist extraordinaire Brian Bassett, guitarist and lead vocalist Charlie Huhn and Lord Nasty- bassist Rodney O’Quinn, all deliver big.  These musicians simply know no other way.  It should be noted that O’Quinn is performing in this band as the permanent ‘fill-in’ while the long-time beloved member Craig MacGregor is courageously battling health problems.  Rodney comes to Foghat via the Pat Travers Band where he proved he knows how to lay down a solid groove... and snort whiskey.

This album was recorded on August 11, 2016 at the Belly Up tavern in Northern San Diego County.  So… this is just another night on the road for the band that is always on the road.  That is what I love about the ‘Hat… these dudes will play like their lives depend on it whether in a club, state fair, or in front of 15,000 classic rockers at the Moondance Jam festival in Minnesota each July.  These guys simply can’t help themselves... and we are talking some damn fine hardcore boogie rock here! On this release, the track list includes “Slow Ride,” “Fool for the City” and “California Blues/I Just Wanna Make Love to You.”  The latter is a two-for-one slab of rockin’ glee that shows no mercy to those with negative attitudes.  This offering demonstrates all that was, is and shall ever be that is right about this band. 

Foghat is out on the road across our great nation promoting their latest studio effort Under the Influence.  That album continues the band’s tradition of catchy hooks, fun lyrics and killer guitar solos.  The Belly Up live album features spirited tracks from the new album, including the title track, as well as “Knock It Off” and “Hot Mama.”  The new tunes fit right in with the old, making this a fun album from start to finish.

Hell… this band is so fun when they play live they could put out a new offering each month from different venues and I’d listen! AND...check their tour dates on http://foghat.net/ and see when they will be playing close to you, as they are just as much fun to see performing live as they are listening to these great discs.

Buy this one on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Live-at-Belly-Up-Foghat/dp/B01MYE36P4

Track Listing
Fool for the City / Eight Days on the Road
Under the Influence
Stone Blue
Drivin' Wheel
Knock It Off
Terraplane Blues
Hot Mama
California Blues
I Just Wanna Make Love to You
Slow Ride

Band:
Roger Earl - Drums / Background Vocals
Charlie Huhn - Lead Guitar/Vocals
Bryan Bassett - Lead/Slide Guitar / Background Vocals
Rodney O’Quinn - Bass / Background Vocals

Randy Meullier - FOH Sound Engineer
Mark Wilson - Guitar Tech
Mark Petrocelli - Drum Tech

By Jeb “Rodney Rocks” Wright