Foghat has paid tribute to its late founding frontman, Lonesome Dave Peverett, with the brand-new song “On Tonsils & Sneakers.” The track is available now as a digital single. A limited-edition vinyl version will be released on November 29 as part of the 2024 Record Store Day Black Friday event.
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The song’s title was inspired by how Peverett would introduce himself at Foghat concerts—“…on tonsils and sneakers, I’m Lonesome Dave”—partly in reference to the shiny silver or gold sneakers he famously wore donned on stage. Peverett, who co-founded Foghat in 1971, died of kidney cancer in 2000.
“On Tonsils & Sneakers” is Foghat’s first new song since the November 2023 release of its latest album, Sonic Mojo. The song’s lyrics tell the story of Peverett’s music career, while also mentioning select Foghat tunes and some of the blues and rock ‘n’ roll artists that influenced him.
A promo video for “On Tonsils & Sneakers” has been posted on Foghat’s YouTube channel. It features archival photos and film clips of Peverett, and of such music legends as Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, and John Lee Hooker. The video also includes new footage of Foghat playing the song.
About the Vinyl Version of “On Tonsils & Sneakers”
“On Tonsils & Sneakers” will be released as a 7-inch vinyl single pressed on red vinyl for Record Store Day’s Black Friday celebration. The disc’s B-side features “Black Days & Blue Nights,” a song from the Sonic Mojo album. That tune paid tribute to late Foghat slide guitarist Rod Price.
[RELATED: Foghat Scores First No. 1 Album with Sonic Mojo]
In the U.K., “On Tonsils & Sneakers” will be released as a clear-vinyl 7-inch single on November 29.
Foghat Members Comment About “On Tonsils & Sneakers”
Foghat drummer Roger Earl and guitarist Bryan Bassett shared some comments about Peverett and the new song. Earl is Foghat’s only original member who’s still in the group.
“When Lonesome Dave sang and played with this band, he gave nothing less than 100%,” said Earl. “I loved playing with Dave. All I had to do was have fun playing drums. Yeah…Lonesome Dave on Tonsils and Sneakers!”
Longtime guitarist Bassett noted, “Every once in a while, you meet someone who changes the whole trajectory of your life. Lonesome Dave Peverett was that person for me. From the day we met in the late ’80s our friendship blossomed, I became his touring partner … and became a part of the Foghat family.”
He added, “This song ‘On Tonsils & Sneakers’ is our tribute to him and was his unique way of introducing himself from the stage. Oh…and he loved designing his stage tennis shoes!”
Peverett’s son, Jason, meanwhile, praised the new song, calling it “a brilliant tribute to my Dad.”
More About Foghat
Besides Earl and Bassett, Foghat’s current lineup features singer/guitarist Scott Holt, and bassist/vocalist Rodney O’Quinn.
The band’s latest album, Sonic Mojo, topped Billboard’s Blues Album chart for two non-consecutive weeks after its November 2023 release. It became Foghat’s first No. 1 record ever on any Billboard chart.
Foghat’s Tour Plans
Foghat has more than a dozen upcoming concerts on its tour schedule. The band’s itinerary is mapped out from an October 19 show in Dallas through a February 8 performance in Sumterville, Florida.
Foghat also will be taking part in the 2025 edition of the star-studded Rock Legends Cruise from February 13 to 17.
Tickets for Foghat’s concerts are available now via a variety of outlets, including StubHub.
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