Welcome to episode #158 of the Rock Interview Series, recorded on October 20th, 2026. My guest for this episode is Roger Earl, drummer and founding member of Foghat—and the only original member still performing with the band today.
Foghat formed in London in 1971 and have released 17 studio albums since then, and Roger Earl has played on every single one of them.
On October 30, 2026, Foghat will be releasing Live & Loud Across the U.S.A., their first live recording featuring the band’s current lineup. This new release captures Foghat’s signature style with raw energy and true grit.
What follows is an exclusive interview with Roger Earl, in which he discusses the new live album, the current lineup, the band’s past history, stories behind their hit songs, and much more.
Roger also opened up about Foghat’s early years, including the period when the band was playing stadiums and enjoying huge success. They were having a blast, riding the momentum, and everything felt larger than life. But things shifted when guitarist Rod Price decided to leave the band in 1980. That moment changed Foghat’s direction, especially as Dave Peverett’s songwriting began leaning toward the New Wave sounds coming out of England. It wasn’t a calculated reinvention—it was simply where Dave’s musical influences were taking him at the time.
Roger spoke candidly about Rod’s struggles on the road, calling him a fantastic guitarist and a huge part of Foghat’s identity, but someone who ultimately needed to step away. He also reflected on his bond with bassist Craig MacGregor — a brother‑like relationship built on respect, even when they didn’t always see eye to eye. Craig owned his part of the stage, and his presence was a major part of Foghat’s sound during that era.
He walked through the band’s transitions in the early ’80s, including Dave’s unexpected departure in 1984. Roger came home from tour to find out Dave was leaving, and even then Dave never directly said it — he just told Roger he could take whatever gear was left in the warehouse. With Dave moving back to England for several years, Roger kept Foghat alive by forming The Knee Tremblers, a band made up of three‑quarters of Foghat. They continued performing Foghat songs until eventually reclaiming the Foghat name. Guitarist Eric Cartwright joined just days before a tour, helping keep the band moving forward during a chaotic stretch.
By the late ’80s, Roger approached Dave about putting the original band back together. Dave wasn’t into it at first, and Roger described the next couple of years as “arm wrestling around the country.” Eventually, they reunited, made new records, and found that old spark again. Roger compared being in a band to a marriage—full of highs, separations, reunions, and moments when change becomes necessary.
Check out the entire interview below.
For more on Foghat visit Foghat Official | On Tour Now!
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Thomas S. Orwat Jr.
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