Courtesy Chris Loomis - LiveMusicToday.com

The biggest Rock Party and Crazy Times were had Saturday night September 10 at Fivepoint Amphitheater in Irvine, CA as Sammy Hagar & The Circle along with George Thorogood & The Destroyers played an old school rock n roll show as part of the Crazy Times North American Tour. On the tail end of a classic SoCal heat-wave that had temperatures over 100 degrees for several days prior, this particular night was overcast with an unusually high level of humidity for these parts but that did not stop the die-hards from missing this soirée.

With Thorogood’s many drinking themed songs and Hagars portfolio of spirit companies there was no way anybody was drinking alone on this night. Singer/Songwriter Chris Trapper started off the night with a 30-minute acoustic set that provided a nice soundtrack as the fans gathered inside the venue.

About 7:30pm the lights dropped and George Thorogood and The Destroyers took the stage opening with “Rock Party” and what a perfect song to start the night. Between the perfect vocals and the guitar picking, Thorogood quickly reminded you that he may be a bit older but is still a wildman onstage. Joined by his band The Destroyers that includes drummer Jeff Simon who has been with Thorogood since 1973, guitarist Jim Suhler, Buddy Leach on saxophone and for this tour the incredible Rev Jones on bass.

These cats had everyone in party mode with “I Drink Alone” and “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” and of course the night ended with “Bad to the Bone”. This 10-song set really resonated with the crowd who was a bit more on the 50-something side and Hagar truly chose the PERFECT band to prime the crowd.

Now Sammy Hagar is one of the most under-rated rockers out there but if you really think about his career, it is truly amazing. Lead vocalist for Montrose, successful solo career, Rock n Roll Hall of Fame inductee as a member of the mighty Van Halen, member of supergroup Chickenfoot and now playing with The Circle that includes Michael Anthony on bass, Vic Johnson on guitar and Mr. Jason Bonham on drums – WOW!!

The band hit the stage and cranked out their amazing new single “Crazy Times” then into an incredible setlist of Montrose, Van Halen and solo Red Rockerar classics – this show was stacked with no filler. Johnson playing a Peavy Wolfgang guitar brought out the power-drill for the beginning of “Poundcake” as Hagar put aside his guitar and pranced around the stage interacting and joking around with both Johnson and Michael Anthony. Anthony and Hagar have been blood-brothers since the Van Halen days and are truly meant to play together and yes Anthony still nails those iconic backing vocals.

Jason Bonham needs no introduction and does a superb job behind the drum-kit – his favorite part of the night is no doubt a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock n Roll” as Anthony trades off lead vocals with Hagar on this one. Johnson is a bit reserved onstage but a killer guitar player as he just nails all the EVH (RIP) parts so well. This band is just balls out FUN from start to finish – lots of in-between song conversations and joking – these guys give the fans the total experience when you see them live.

Hagar continues to defy the aging process as he looks amazing and sounds even better – maybe a sign we all should be drinking more Tequilla. The band proved on this night “There’s Only One Way to Rock” as they ended their time onstage with “Eagles Fly” and finally “Cabo Wabo”. Be sure to pickup Sammy Hagar & The Circle’s new album – Crazy Times – when it hits the streets on September 30.

Click here to read more and see photos.

By Adrian Gomez / Albuquerque Journal

George Thorogood counts his blessings.

He knows that having a career in the music industry for 45-plus years doesn’t happen too often.

“I try not to think about it,” he says in his signature gravelly voice. “I continue to try and be active in the rock world. I’ve been able to have steady work. This time in my life, touring is a thrill. It used to be a grind. Now it’s a thrilly grind if that makes sense.”

Thorogood and the Destroyers are set to perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the Kiva Auditorium.

Since 1976, George Thorogood & the Destroyers have sold over 15 million albums, built a catalog of classic hits, and played more than 8,000 ferocious live shows.

The band is known for the hit singles, “Get A Haircut,” “I Drink Alone,” “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” “Move It On Over,” “Who Do You Love?” and the definitive anthem “Bad To The Bone.”

They broke records with their 50 Dates/50 States Tour, delivered landmark performances at Live Aid and on “Saturday Night Live,” and became mainstays of radio, MTV and stages worldwide for more than two generations. Through it all, they’ve remained one of the most consistent – and consistently passionate – progenitors of blues-based rock in pop culture history.

“If you’re content, you may as well be dead.” Thorogood says. “I think everyone has thoughts about retiring, but the phone keeps ringing. ‘You want me and the Destroyers to come to your town, set up our gear, wear some cool threads and play ‘Who Do You Love?’ End of conversation. Let’s rock!”

Thorogood and his longtime band – Jeff Simon, Bill Blough, Jim Suhler and Buddy Leach – the power to rock audiences has been both battle cry and creed from the beginning.

Thorogood says when he was a teenager, his family knew once he gave music a go, he would only go back home to visit.

“Since I was 17, all I wanted to do was see how far I could go with my guitar, putting my own spin on music I loved,” he says. “My entire family knew that I had the passion for it. Has it been a difficult journey? Yes. But when I’m on stage, I come alive. There’s no better feeling.”

Thorogood says his songwriting has come to a screeching halt.

“I leave the songwriting to Bob Dylan,” he says. “I’ve recorded songs from other artists. I polish them up and I make them shine. That’s what I’m about. I’ve put in the work and now I’m enjoying the fruits of the labor. Nothing has come easy. I’m no Picasso or Mozart. I crawled my place to the middle of the pack and have made a pretty good life for myself. All I ever wanted to be was in the game. I’ve accomplished that goal.”

George Thorogood 's "Bad to the Bone" was released 40 years ago this September. We are celebrating by giving away a BBBBBad Prize Package. The prize pack includes a George Thorogood autographed Epiphone Les Paul Special-I Limited Edition Electric Guitar in worn gray, an autographed 14-inch Remo Powerstroke P3 Coated Snare Drum Head used on stage during a George Thorogood show and a 40 Years Bad Merch Pack (2- t-shirts, 4 koozies and 4 magnets). 

Entering is easy! Share your favorite 'Bad to the Bone' memories, photos, performances and/or simply congratulate George & The Destroyers on the 40th Anniversary of 'Bad to the Bone' on social media to be entered. Be sure to use #40yearsbad and tag George's official social accounts!

Congratulations to the Boogie People Fan of the Month for September 2022 Ashleigh M! Learn more about Ashleigh below!

Where are you from?: Kansas

How many years have you been a fan?: Since a teenager and I could reach for the radio

What is your favorite George Thorogood song: The Fixer is my favorite live, but the sax solo for bad to the bone is an easy fav

How many times have you seen George Thorogood live? We've seen George 3-5 times, but the best one was that first show at 16. We won tickets in the radio. They ended up being meet and greets, that was hard to beat.

What’s one thing that sets you apart from other George Thorogood fans?: I'm sure not the loudest or the tallest. I could be the shortest but I make up for it in spirit ;)

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