Was John Fogerty Arrogant and Difficult to Work With During Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Active Years?
During the active years of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), there were persistent reports and perceptions that John Fogerty was an arrogant and difficult person to work with. This perception was fueled by conflicts, particularly with Tom Fogerty, over creative control and the direction of the band. John Fogerty was the primary songwriter and often took charge of the band's artistic decisions, leading to significant tensions within the group.
Conflicts Within the Band
Fogerty's leadership style was the subject of much scrutiny and criticism. Band members have reported that he was the boss, not just the leader, and that everyone else had to "play their asses off" to meet his high standards and expectations. This was a challenge for some, particularly Tom Fogerty, who expressed frustration over John's approach to collaboration and band dynamics.
Tom Fogerty's firsthand account of the band's dynamics during the active years highlights the challenges that members faced. He noted that John would push everyone to become as perfect as possible, with little rest and a lot of work. While this discipline contributed to CCR's renowned musical prowess, it also created an environment that some found unbearable.
Post-Breakup Challenges
After the band's breakup in 1972, these issues became more pronounced. Public interviews and biographies revealed that former bandmates expressed their frustrations about Fogerty's leadership style and the way he handled relationships within the group. Despite these challenges, opinions on Fogerty's personality and work ethic can vary.
While many express dissatisfaction with his arrogant and demanding nature, others praise his talent and dedication to music. Some even acknowledge that, without Fogerty's guiding hand, CCR might not have achieved the level of musical perfection that it did. The controversy continues to linger, with varying accounts of his personality and leadership.
Post-Creedence: Arrogance and Vengeance
John Fogerty's post-Creedence career has been marked by new challenges and controversies. After the band's dissolution, Fogerty faced the infamous six-record deal with Fantasy Records, a deal that many now consider one of the worse in music history. His attempts to extricate himself from this deal further soured his reputation.
In the years following CCR's breakup, Fogerty's behavior became increasingly bitter and vengeful. He seemed to take out his frustrations not just on his past bandmates but on the industry at large. This period saw him spending over a decade as a recluse, before making a comeback with problematic albums that drew mixed reviews.
It's important to note that these opinions are subjective and should be taken with a grain of salt. While Fogerty's arrogant and difficult nature was certainly a factor, the context of his leadership and the band's success cannot be ignored.
Conclusion
John Fogerty was undoubtedly a complex figure during and after the active years of CCR. His leadership style brought both success and controversy, and the evolution of his character and behavior reflects a man who, while talented, struggled with managing his ego and interpersonal relationships. As with any artist, his legacy is a mix of talent, dedication, and the complex emotional landscape that comes with success and fame.