Go Away With … Doug Clifford

Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
July 9, 2020

It’s not often that an artist releases a new album that’s actually decades old. But that’s exactly what Doug Clifford did. Best known for his work with Creedence Clearwater Revival, his latest CD is “Magic Window” – songs he wrote and recorded in the mid-’80s. Splitting his time between Reno, Nevada, and Scottsdale, Arizona, Clifford said the vacations he has enjoyed in his adulthood (pre-coronavirus pandemic) are much better than his childhood road trips. “Any trip I took as a kid, I hated it,” he said. “My dad smoked cigarettes and kept the windows rolled up.” Fans may stay in touch with him on Facebook, Twitter or his website.

Q. You’ve played some historic concerts. What are some that stand out?
A. Woodstock, 1969. It was a one-time event where people were civil and caring under the worst of conditions. They made the best out of a bad situation and that doesn’t happen anymore. The weather was horrendous and they only planned to have one-eighth of the people who were there. Royal Albert Hall, London, 1970. It was our first time in Europe and there were some Beatles there and Eric Clapton. It was nice to be showing the Brits how we rock and roll. And with Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Luna Park Stadium in Argentina. We played there many times and it’s always a great audience. They did the human wave better than any American sports fans.

Q. Did you work on music while you were on the tour bus?
A. Sure, a lot when I was in a writing mode. On occasion, I’d listen to classical music to chill out and you can’t help but be inspired by great orchestras and masters.

Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. My favorite vacation spot is Maui and Kauai. I’m a body surfer, so that is my biggest attraction to the Pacific Ocean. Get into that big ocean and look out for sharks! You need to have at least one Mai Tai when you’re on the islands. We had an ocean-front condo in Poipu on Kauai. The second devastating hurricane in 10 years caused us to sell it, because there would be more to come. They don’t have hurricanes in Scottsdale, so we decided to buy there.

Q. What untapped destination should people know about?
A. The Painted Desert in Arizona is a pleasant surprise. When you’re in that neighborhood, you can make a stop in the Grand Canyon, as well.

Q. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A. Try to see the best in people and not the worst, if possible.

Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. The Northern California wine country.

Q. If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A. We have a white Christmas in Reno in our big house and the family starts bugging us about having Christmas at our house in July. We always have a visit from the local Santa for the grandkids. His fee goes to help get poor kids toys. We always give a heads-up on what the kids want and if they have been feisty in school. He does a Christmas song for them.

Q. What are your five favorite cities?
A. San Francisco, New York City, London, Mexico City, Copenhagen.

Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. It was China for a long time, but that one’s out. I’ve never been to Italy and I’d like to go.

Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. I bring earbuds and my iTunes and my laptop.

Q. What would be your dream trip?
A. One that required no travel. Beam me up, Scotty!

Q. What is your best vacation memory?
A. Going to Maui for my daughter’s wedding was the best. She got married on the beach in Kaanapali.