Introduction
When Generations Collide: John Fogerty and Brad Paisley Light Up Bad Moon Rising on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Few songs in American rock history carry the instant recognition and lasting energy of Bad Moon Rising. First released by Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1969, the track has remained a cornerstone of roots rock and Americana, combining an upbeat rhythm with lyrics that hint at darker undercurrents. Decades later, its power remains undiminished, particularly when revisited by the man who first gave it life—John Fogerty. When paired with the modern virtuosity of Brad Paisley, the result is something special. John Fogerty (CCR) and Brad Paisley play “Bad Moon Rising” on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE offers not only a thrilling performance but also a bridge between eras, where rock’s legacy meets country’s contemporary edge.
Fogerty, the voice and guitar behind Creedence Clearwater Revival, has long been celebrated for his ability to capture the American experience in song—sometimes joyful, sometimes ominous, but always memorable. His gravelly tone and signature guitar style gave Bad Moon Rising its unmistakable identity more than half a century ago. Hearing him return to the song on a modern stage reaffirms its timelessness. Yet what makes this performance shine even brighter is the addition of Brad Paisley. Known for his precision, wit, and fluid guitar work, Paisley complements Fogerty not by overshadowing him but by bringing a fresh spark to a classic.
What makes John Fogerty (CCR) and Brad Paisley play “Bad Moon Rising” on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE so engaging is the interplay between the two musicians. Fogerty’s raw, seasoned energy collides beautifully with Paisley’s polished, technical brilliance. Their guitars trade licks with ease, their voices and personalities blending to remind the audience that great music is not bound by time. Instead, it evolves, gaining new layers when handed from one generation of artists to the next.
For lifelong fans of Creedence, the performance is a moment of nostalgia, a return to the songs that defined an era. For Paisley’s audience, it’s a reminder of how deeply country music is connected to rock’s storytelling tradition. Together, the two musicians transform a late-night television appearance into a celebration of enduring artistry. Decades after its release, John Fogerty (CCR) and Brad Paisley play “Bad Moon Rising” on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE proves that some songs never lose their fire—they simply find new ways to shine.