Foghat’s great RAGBRAI concert at Toledo Heights Park. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS & CO.

Thursday, July 27, was a day that the Tama-Toledo community isn’t about to forget anytime soon. If not for the thousands and thousands of bikers that came to town, then for the living legends that graced the main stage in the park and melted local faces with the pure glory of rock ‘n roll. I am talking about Foghat.

This fat local reporter was blessed with the opportunity to sit down with the entire band between sound checks. Interviewed by himself was Roger Earl, the 77-year-old founding member of Foghat.

While snacking on a cookie and sipping some coffee, Roger said, “Everybody I met has been fantastic; I’m really looking forward to today.”

Roger had just finished tuning his drum kit, making sure everything was ready for the night’s concert. As the heat got to some people during the day, Mr. Earl seemed to be just fine, stating, “It’s great. It’s better to be warm than cold.”

Coincidentally, a couple of the bikers out battling the heat making the trek down from Des Moines were friends of Roger’s from the west coast. The warm evening RAGBRAI concert was the first in a six day run for Foghat bussing across America. The crowds tend to be a mix of ages, according to Roger.

Roger Earl, drummer and founding member of Foghat. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS & CO.

“Some of our original fans turn up, but a lot of them have already passed on,” Mr. Earl said with a chuckle. “One of the cool things about having younger people coming to see us, for me anyway, is the fact that maybe we got it right in the first place, the music that inspired us continues today.”

Bryan Bassett, guitarist, who has been in several bands over the years including Wild Cherry and Molly Hatchet, has been a member of Foghat for over 25 years. Bryan met Foghat Co-creator “Lonesome” Dave Peverett while Bryan was playing in a blues quartet back in the day and became fast friends. It wasn’t till some years later when Lonesome Dave started touring again, that Bryan was brought into the band.

“We just try to carry on that legacy of good ol’ boogie rock, Foghat music,” Bryan said.

Mr. Bassett was in the rock group Wild Cherry when they came out with the song “Play That Funky Music.” Bryan came up with the famous guitar riff at the beginning of the song and casually stated, “that helped put my daughters through college.”

Rodney O’Quinn, Bass player, who grew up listening to Foghat, was hand chosen by longtime Foghat bassist Craig MacGregor to be his successor.

Rodney O’Quinn, Scott Holt, and Bryan Bassett of Foghat. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS & CO.

“Our philosophy on playing in front of crowds is if the money is right we are appearing in the bathroom of the Waffle House,” he said.

Singer and guitarist, Scott Holt told an entertaining and possibly fictional tale of how he came to join the band. It started with him living in the ditch behind Roger Earl’s house and ended with him being lead singer.

Foghat ended RAGBRAI’s Tama-Toledo stop over with a killer concert. They played new music and classics, covers, and of course, everyone’s favorite, “Slow Ride.” The concert was perfectly set against the flower powered theme of the day.

When talking about RAGBRAI’s 50th anniversary and the 70’s theme, Roger Earl stated, “I’m in my 70s too, so I fit right in.”