The only continuous member of the British rock band, which reached career heights in the 1970s with classic rock singles like "Slow Ride," pauses for a second before dropping the sort of line only a rock star could get away with.
"If not for them, we'd all be in deep [expletive}," said Mr. Earl, a Setauket resident.
To support the efforts of local veterans, Foghat, John Kay and Steppenwolf and Molly Hatchet agreed this week to perform at "The Vets Rock!" concert to benefit veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sponsored by the Town of Brookhaven, the concert is slated for Oct. 4 at the Brookhaven Amphitheater.
The concert will be underwritten by the town, with all profits going to three local veterans' charities: The Suffolk Police Veterans Association, Suffolk County Homefront Inc. and 9-1-1 Veterans.
"We felt it was important to honor our veterans," said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Mark Lesko, who spoke along with Mr. Earl at a media briefing announcing the concert Tuesday.
The 7,000-seat amphitheater, which includes lawn seating that brings capacity up to 15,000 spectators, is a venue that appeals to Mr. Earl. A natural crater at the bottom of Bald Hill, the theater is known for its unique acoustics.
"I've wanted to play there for a long time," he said.
Mr. Earl has lived in Setauket -- where he said he loves to boat and fish -- since moving to the U.S. in 1973. He lived there when "Slow Ride," the band's biggest hit, reached No. 20 in 1975. He said Foghat has also visited Walter Reed Army Medical Center to meet with troops.
Steppenwolf, fronted by Canadian rock legend John Kay, saw even more success in the 1970s, with three top-10 hits in "Born to Be Wild," "Magic Carpet Ride" and "Rock Me." Like Mr. Earl, Mr. Kay is the only member of his band to play on each recorded album.
Southern rock band Molly Hatchet is best known for its 1980 hit "Flirtin' with Disaster."
Brookhaven Amphitheater general manager Jim Faith said getting the acts together for such a cause was a fairly simple task.
"They definitely all want to support the vets," he said.
Each of the three charity organizations supports Suffolk County veterans. The Suffolk Police Veterans Association benefits veterans who go on to careers in law enforcement.
Mr. Earl said he has two stepsons who work as police officers, including one who served as a Marine.
"With all the sacrifices they make, the least we can do is help them out by playing a little rock 'n' roll," he said.
The concert will be organized as a family event, according to the Town of Brookhaven. Children's entertainment and video presentations about fallen soldiers will be featured throughout the day.
gparpan@northshoresun.com
Want to buy tickets?
Tickets for "The Vets Rock!" can be purchased at www.brookhavenamphitheater.com or through Ticketmaster. Three price levels will be available, ranging from $25 to $45. For more information call the box office at 631-451-8010.