Foghat's Roger Earl is hooked on Long Island

Foghat drummer Roger Earl grew up in Southwest London but after living in East Setauket for more than 40 years, he considers himself a Long Islander.

“I caught my first bluefish in 1969 and decided to stay here,” Earl, 80, the band’s sole remaining original member, told Newsday recently. “I love my adopted home.”

Foghat brings its signature blues rock to The Paramount in Huntington on Thursday, just before the release of its new live album, “Live & Loud Across the U.S.A.” (Foghat Records), which drops Oct. 30.

“This is our first live record with our current lineup,” Earl said. “Scott Holt is an incredible singer and brilliant guitar player as well. A band is like a sports team: over time you lose some of the players and you bring some new ones in. That new blood causes you to gain something.”

Foghat's ties to Long Island stem back to when Earl shared a house in Rocky Point with the band's original guitarist, Rod Price. It was in the basement of that now-legendary location that the 1975 classic rock staple “Slow Ride” was born.

“That song came from a jam. 'Lonesome' Dave [Peverett, Foghat's original lead singer and rhythm guitarist] had some sexy lyrics and Rod played this tasty riff,” Earl said. “We started the song off and our bassist Nick Jameson said, ‘Just go bang, Rog!’ ”

The band even had its own recording studio in Port Jefferson, Boogie Hotel Studios, where albums “Boogie Motel” (1979) and “Tight Shoes” (1980) were recorded.

“It was our place to record and rehearse, otherwise you are just going through the motions,” Earl said. “That was a great time for us. I learned a lot by having our own studio.”

These days, Foghat records in Florida during the winter months and is currently working on a new studio album. However, Earl makes sure to return to his East Setauket home for spring.

“By the beginning of April, I always make sure to be back on Long Island because there’s a chance of striped bass coming into my backyard,” he said.

Earl gained some local recognition with his 2023 induction into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, and last month was presented with an honorary doctorate of music degree from Five Towns College in Dix Hills.

“That gave me a lump in my throat. I’m an import but I consider myself an American,” Earl said, “It blew me away. I was elated.”

At 80, Earl sees no end in sight because he doesn’t plan to retire.

“What am I supposed to do, stop playing? This is what I do,” Earl said. “Rock and roll is in my blood. I have an absolute blast in this band.”

By David J. Criblez

david.criblez@newsday.comDavidJCriblez

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.