How I Got To Sing With John Fogerty

I tell this story often in my interviews because I love how things unfold in life sometimes and I still get chills when I speak it out loud. 

In December 2017 I made the move to live in Los Angeles as I found that I was travelling to the U.S. from Australia every year to work with various artists, writing recording and touring.

2018 was an exciting year as I got to tour as a Malonette (back up singer for Bob Malone) to Italy and China for the Umbria Jazz Festival in both countries. 

As is often the case however for professional musicians, Christmas came and my 2019 diary was yet to be filled in. I realised that if nothing came in before the beginning of April, I would have to give notice to my Landlord and move back to Australia where I could safely be with my family and wait for the next wave of work to magically appear.

I didn't want to have to leave, but at the same time I had no choice but to surrender to the idea and be ok with it. I sat and closed my eyes and I asked myself "what do you want, what would your ultimate dream be right now?" The answer was immediate and very clear. "I want to stay in the U.S. and tour as a back up singer with a big name artist (must be arenas), but I need to be available for Bob Malone tours as well." It felt good to have a clear picture but I also had to stop any negative thoughts and doubts about why I should be granted something so wonderful. I said to myself,  "you have three months to manifest something so give it a go and see what happens, what have you got to lose?"

From the 1st of January 2019, I sat on my bed first thing in the morning with my coffee, closed my eyes and did my morning gratitude. Then I pictured myself touring the world as a back up singer, playing arenas and huge festivals and it made me feel really good. I did this every day for three months and on the 1st of April, nothing had come so I conceded to the idea of going back to Australia and that was that. I had given it my best shot. 

On Tuesday the 2nd of April, I received a text at around 4:50pm from Bob Malone (who is also John Fogerty's "keyboard wizard") and it read something like this. "John Fogerty needs a couple of back up singers for his tour, get ready to come to the studio for rehearsals tomorrow and we leave for Vegas on Friday". Needless to say I was stunned and actually I thought it was an April fool's joke, but I knew Bob wouldn't do that to me and also it was the 2nd of April, not the 1st.

So that's exactly what happened and when I recovered from the shock of this manifestation and the timing of it, I also realised that I got both things that I had asked for. Big name artist, and Bob Malone being in the Fogerty band meant that there should be no conflict with my being available for his personal tours as well. 

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that even if I got such a tour, would it be John Fogerty as he is not really known for touring with female back up singers. 

That tour with John Fogerty in 2019 was the most exhilarating year of my career to date and I feel truly blessed to have had that incredible opportunity and experience. Being a landmark year for John, the entire forty-seven date 50 Year Trip Woodstock Anniversary Tour included performances at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Radio City Music Hall, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on the original Woodstock site, and ABC’s Good Morning America.  Another dream come true for me was getting to play at Red Rocks Amphitheatre Colorado and that concert was  recorded, filmed and released this year on DVD, DC and vinyl, and was shown on several major television outlets, as well as a debut screening at AMC movie theaters worldwide. 

Take it from me. Never be afraid to ask for what you want even if it feels like a pipe dream. What have you got to lose? 

I hope you've enjoyed this true story. Please leave your comments below as I love to hear your thoughts and check out my PHOTO GALLERY for some amazing shots from the tour.

Until next time.

Love and Gratitude.

​Trizzie.