Conventional wisdom holds that there are two Creed Brattons.
One is the musician in the 1960s Top-40 band the Grass Roots, which he left because he felt that music-industry management practices of the time — with the amount of money involved, they probably still do — tended to stifle artistic creativity.
The other is the mystery-shrouded, semi-autobiographical, eponymously named character in the enduringly endearing sitcom “The Office,” prompting everyone — Steve Carell’s Michael Scott, his ostensible boss, included — to wonder what exactly he did on behalf of the Scranton paper company Dunder Mifflin.
Both of the Creeds were in fine form for Saturday’s show at the City Winery in the Strip District, with Bratton combining comedic commentary with stellar singing and guitar playing, often overlapping one another for audience-pleasing effect.
Members of the packed audience tended toward an age group that would appreciate “The Office” more than the Grass Roots, even if they’ve heard “Let’s Live for Today” and “Midnight Confessions” on oldies stations. But Bratton — born William Charles Schneider, as occasionally Easter egg-referenced the TV show — delivered on both counts.
The selections he played during the hourlong set tended to highlight his forthcoming album, “Tao Pop.” Others referenced the characters with whom he acted on NBC during 201 episodes from 2005-13, including one with lyrics that a lucky spectator — Paula Meyer, visiting her daughter and son-in-law from St. Marys, way up in Elk County, had the opportunity to hold in front of him for his perusal.
As for his discourse between-songs — or occasionally, in the middle of a song — dialogue, Bratton addressed a variety of topics, usually tongue-in-cheek observations about the archetypal ’60s rock ’n’ roll-type lifestyle or later-in-life TV stardom. Either way, he came across as funny, likeable and undeniably talented.
His 2024 tour is taking him to City Winery franchises in various cities, and his fans can hope they’re in venues as amenable as Pittsburgh’s Strip District location, which for the older music aficionados in the area, is reminiscent of the much-missed Graffiti showcase in North Oakland.
Whatever the case, the typical observer will find a great deal of solace in experiencing an energetic, fun-filled performance from a gentleman who is turning 81 on Feb. 8.
They say that if you lived through the ’60s, you won’t remember it. Maybe that’s kind of the case for Creed Bratton, but between surviving that era and flourishing far beyond, he has what amounts to probably an unparalleled career in entertainment — hey, life in general — to appeal to fans of all ages.
Well, at least the ones who appreciate a good ’60s-type story, PG-13 style.
Harry Funk is a TribLive news editor, specifically serving as editor of the Hampton, North Allegheny, North Hills, Pine Creek and Bethel Park journals. A professional journalist since 1985, he joined TribLive in 2022. You can contact Harry at hfunk@triblive.com.
