INTERVIEW: Stu Cook & Doug 'Cosmo' Clifford Of CCR

They’ve both featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine - one after writing the hit that made the feat famous - and both have been responsible for a string of hit songs that helped define classic rock in the US and internationally.

Now, legendary rockers Creedence Clearwater Revisited and Dr Hook are set to give a generation of fans in New Zealand the chance to see them perform together, headlining the inaugural Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert on 5 March 2011.

We stole a few minutes between band practices and sound checks with Creedence Clearwater Revisited bass guitarist Stu Cook and drummer Doug ‘Cosmo’ Clifford to talk about CCR’s return to New Zealand.

What three things came to mind when you first decided to perform at the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert?

S. New Zealand, wine and summer.
D. The wine, the wine, the wine.

What is your favourite New Zealand wine?

D. Gibbston Valley Shiraz
S. Pinot Noir.

You performed in Queenstown back in 2002 - what did you enjoy about your stay?

S. Bungy jumping the Kawarau Bridge and Nevis River Canyon.
D. The people, the beautiful natural surroundings, and the wine.

What will be different about this tour compared with the last NZ tour?

D. Nine years and a winery is the venue.
S. I will not be getting engaged this time.

Are there any NZ musicians or bands you'd like to see play while you're here?

S. Crowded House.
D. I hope to listen to some of the local talent.

What is your favourite song that you play and why?

D. Born on the Bayou - it’s raw and nasty!
S. Down on the Corner - it's a bass solo from start to finish.

What is your favourite song played by Dr Hook and why?

D. You will have to ask "Sylvia's Mother"

What bands do you listen to/kinds of music do you prefer?

D. Classic rockers, the blues, a little country, and the classics.
S. Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Ray Charles, Beethoven.

Your music appeals to a wide age group - why do you think that is?

S. It's honest and accessible.
D. Good songs that are very danceable and make you feel good.

Have you got any tours coming up? And where to?

D. We are a traveling band and the world is our stage.
S. Tour 2011.  Maybe in your town.

What is the secret to your band's longevity?

D. The fans.
S. We focus on the music.

What is the most ridiculously untrue thing you have ever read/heard about the band?

D. It is too unspeakable…
S. That we recorded Joy to the World

What is the biggest difference between performing in the 1970s to 2011?

S. I'm 41 years older.
D. A lot of years. It is always a joy to play music.

What is the craziest thing you ever did on tour (that you are able to share!)?

D. Rolled down two flights of stairs at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, intentionally, in New York City in 1969.
S. Bungy jumped.

If you could collaborate with any musician or band, alive or dead, who would it be?

D. Elvis!
S. Jimi Hendrix.

What is the most bizarre request you've had from a fan, or the strangest thing you've received in fan mail?

D. A crazy fan claimed that they wrote all of our songs
S. A "proposal".

What's the one thing that you could not tour without?

D. My old pal Stu Cook!
S. My pal, Doug "Cosmo" Clifford.

Anything you’d like to say to those Kiwis attending the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert?

D. We are looking forward to our show at the Gibbston Valley Winery. Thank-you!
S. Thanks to our great fans – we're thrilled to be able to return to NZ.

Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert

When: Saturday 5 March 2011. Gates open at 1pm, concert commences from 3pm

Where: Gibbston Valley Winery, Queenstown.

Who: Rock legends Credence Clearwater Revisted and Dr Hook.

Tickets: $89 general admission, available from Ticketek.co.nz.

Other: Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be permitted to be taken into the venue. Children aged 11 years and under will have free entry when accompanied by a paying adult.