Foghat (with Nazareth) – Treasure Island Resort & Casino – Welch, MN – May 8, 2026

Foghat (with Nazareth) at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Welch, MN

Review and photos by Jim Zons

Foghat was a regular artist during the early years of Rock Fest in Cadott, WI, so much so that in later years they were often relegated to the early afternoon slot when most people were still sleeping off the night before.  One of the last times I saw them was well over 20 years ago, at 1pm on a Sunday afternoon, and I gotta tell you: those people sleeping in missed one of the greatest rock performances I’ve ever heard with “Lonesome” Dave Perevrett still fronting the band … seriously in my top ten of all time!  So I was really eager to see the latest version of the band when they rolled into Treasure Island Resort and Casino for a nearly sold out show with Nazareth Friday night.

First up:  Nazareth.  Nazareth was founded in Scotland in 1968.  They actually took their name from The Band’s song “The Weight” (remember the lyrics? “I pulled into Nazareth, was feelin’ about half past dead.”)  Many of the original members of the band have passed away, with bass player Pete Agnew the only original member of Nazareth.  Joining him on stage were two bandmates who have been with Nazareth since the 1990s: Jimmy Murrison on guitar and Lee Agnew (Pete’s son) on drums, in addition to new lead singer, Gianni Pontillo from Italy.

My first impression when the current lineup of Nazareth took the stage is how BLUESY these guys sounded!  I admit not being overly familiar with their catalog of music, and even my friend Rick “the Flash” Olson who was in the audience and actually was part of the road crew with Nazareth in the 90s was unfamiliar with a couple of songs in the setlist. And that’s okay!  I like hearing new tracks from older bands, especially when the lineup has major changes; it gives the new guys a chance to put their own stamp on the mix. New lead singer Gianni Pontillo has a killer voice, and he did an impressive job with a mix of new music and old, including classic hits like “Love Hurts” and of course “Hair of the Dog.”  It was fun watching the older audience dancing along!

Next it was time for Foghat to take the stage. Foghat was founded in England in 1971 by Dave Peverett on guitar and vocals, Tony Stevens on bass, Rod Price, on slide guitar, and Roger Earl on drums.  Lonesome Dave passed away in 2000, and the band has been reconstituted numerous times.  The lineup that took the stage at Treasure Island featured founding member Roger Earl on drums, Bryan Bassett on guitar (formerly with Wild Cherry and Molly Hatchet), Scott Holt  (former guitarist for Buddy Guy) on guitar and lead vocals, and Former Pat Travers bassist Rodney O’Quinn.  In addition, crew member Eddie Lefebvre joined the band on stage on percussion. 

Foghat at Treasure Island had a heavy guitar and boogie blues sound that really showcased their guitar and bass players.  With Lonesome Dave and Rod Price gone, that meant Scott Holt and Bryan Bassett had to step up, and they did in a big way, especially Brian Bassett on slide guitar.  Foghat powered through all the classics, like “Stone Blue,” “Fool for the City” (and that song is now 50 years old!), and the Willie Dixon cover: “I Just Want to Make Love to You,”  As mentioned, Brian Bassett used to play with Wild Cherry so they had to play a cover of “Play That Funky Music” which sounded amazing!  Of course, the set wrapped up with an extended version of perhaps Foghat’s biggest hit, 1975’s “Slow Ride.”  Was it as killer as the Foghat I saw over 25 years ago?  Of course not!  But it still was an awesome evening of boogie rock and roll, and I highly recommend that you catch these guys on a tour stop near you.