'70s BAND FOGHAT RETURNS FOR ONE MORE `FREE RIDE'

During the 1970s, Foghat was one of the hottest rock acts around, playing to packed stadiums and well known for hits such as "Fool For the City" and "Slow Ride."

With six gold albums, one platinum album, a double-platinum record and five Top 40 singles, the group was riding a wave of success.

Then along came punk, and the contemptuous attitude it bore for the hard rock groups of the day.

"Punk might not have been good to Foghat, but it was a real shot in the arm for rock 'n' roll," said Foghat lead singer and guitarist Lonesome Dave Peverett. "I liked it, but I realized it was bands like us they wanted to get rid of. Which is why we decided to take a break."

After lying low for most of the 1980s, the group, founded in London 25 years ago, reformed in 1993 and found a new generation of fans, thanks in part to the inclusion of some Foghat songs on the "Dazed and Confused" motion picture soundtrack.

The group kicked off its latest U.S. tour three weeks ago, and makes a stop in Cape Girardeau Wednesday at Peppy's, 8235 S. Kingshighway, with Mountain, a '70s band best known for "Mississippi Queen."

During a telephone interview from New Orleans, where the band did a show last week, Peverett said the group has always remained true to its roots, which are deeply embedded in the work of American bluesmen such as John Lee Hooker, Lightning Hopkins and Elmore James, among others.

"Over the years we've tried other directions, but I think we've basically stuck to our guns with blues-rock," Peverett said.

After all these years, Foghat still enjoys a good amount of airplay on rock stations in the U.S., a fact which surprises Peverett.

"I went back to England in the '80s and when I came back I thought we'd be forgotten," he said. "Hearing 'Slow Ride' on the radio was kind of surprising. It's nice to know people still enjoy our music.

"When we started out we never looked at this as a career by any means. Playing the blues was not considered a good career move. We're very fortunate to still be doing this."

While all the original band members -- Peverett, guitarist Rod Price, bassist Tony Stevens and drummer Roger Earl -- had remained in music in sine form during the group's hiatus, Peverett said they missed the camaraderie and fun they had as a band.

"A certain magic happens when we play together, particularly between myself and Rod. There is a certain chemistry there that does not happen between many musicians," he said.

Foghat still highlights their classic tunes, but Peverett said the sound is constantly evolving and remains fresh. "We don't just do a note for note rendition of what's on the album."

The band also has embraced the growing trend of going unplugged by incorporating some acoustic numbers into its show.

"In the '70s if you pulled out an acoustic guitar, you'd probably get stuff thrown at you," Peverett said. "This (current) trend has enabled bands to play acoustically without being accused of being a folk band."

Just as punk was a reaction to hard rock bands, Foghat in the beginning reacted to the sensitive, mellow strains that were popular at the time.

"When Foghat formed, it was the age of singer/songwriters like James Taylor, Carol King and Harry Chapin. We reacted to that by being a loud rock 'n' roll band," Peverett said.

But, he added, there is a certain intimacy, feel and freedom an acoustic sound provides that electricity cannot capture.

As for the future of the band, Foghat plans to record a live album sometime during the current tour, which runs through the end of the year. Also, work on a studio album to follow up the band's 1994 release "Return of the Boogie Men" is slated for next year.

In the meantime, Peverett said the band is happy to be back on the road.

"It doesn't matter if we're playing arenas or clubs," he said, "as long as people are coming out and enjoying the shows."

FOGHAT CONCERT INFORMATION

Who: Foghat, with Mountain

Where: Peppy's, 8235 S. Kingshighway

When: Wednesday, 9 p.m.

How much: $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Advance tickets are available until 6 p.m. the day of the show.