George Thorogood: ‘What do Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, and George Thorogood have in common?’
Courtesy: Beat - Words by Jamie Colic
“I rock ‘n’ rolled out of bed, they tell me there's good money in it!”
This strong insight is from rock n’ roll veteran George Thorogood, who’s over 50 years deep into a storied and celebrated career.
Blasting his way into the upper echelons of US rock radio with hits such as Bad To The Bone and I Drink Alone, George Thorogood And The Destroyer’s signature high-octane Blues Rock sound quickly became the soundtrack to much general badassery throughout the remainder of the 1980s.
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
“It’s quite a long way to go and we are looking forward to going back. Going to Australia and New Zealand and playing with ZZ Top, are you kidding? An Australian band, an American band and us right in the middle: that’s a dream come true,” he tells me.
“Except for playing the music and getting paid, touring in the ’70s and ’80s was pretty terrible. Bad equipment, bad PAs, and sometimes the rooms weren’t great. Things kept breaking down and it was always a disaster.
“But we kept plugging on and things kept getting better and better. Food got better, transportation got better. Even in the ‘60s live rock bands were still in their infancy. It’s not the sophisticated industry it is now, I mean, The Beatles quit playing because they couldn’t hear themselves.”
The conversation steamrolls into George’s expectations for the Elevation tour. The last time George Thorogood and the Destroyers were out was in 2022, so the memories are fresh. Excitedly, George further elaborates on his experience.
“In 2020 we did festivals with Anastacia, Billy Idol and Creedence Clearwater Revisited and it was brilliant. I said ‘Man, I got a taste of this and I want more, lots more!’”
Behind him, George has had his long-time band The Destroyers blazing on all cylinders. When it comes to revealing what it takes to hold a lineup with such longevity, George doesn’t offer much insight.
“I kept the same band for so long because I pay well, I don’t know about chemistry… I flunked that in school. With my band, I question only two things: loyalty and sanity.”
The storied rocker continues to reflect on some of his personal studio highlights and aspirations. “I want to do just about everything. We put out a blues record on Chess as a tribute to the artists on Chess Records. We have various live records. I might even make a country and western record one day. I want to try everything I’m interested in as long as I’m qualified to pull it off.”
This is where I take an opportunity to dive into George Thorogood’s history with the blues. After all, here is a man who is responsible for introducing a generation of ’80s kids to the long-time tradition of slide guitar. George interjects, “What do Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and George Thorogood have in common?”
I don’t know…
“The first person we saw play slide guitar was Brian Jones. I first got exposed to the blues through the Rolling Stones. I saw them on television and they brought Howling Wolf on there, who I had never heard of at the time.
“So when I got a Howling Wolf record I looked at the credits and I kept seeing names like Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and Butterfield Blues Band. I think still, to this day, if you want to play real rock guitar you need to study the blues because that’s what rock is based on.”
I ask George to give some insight into how he developed his slide technique and whether he experimented with closed tunings or if it was open all the way, which he was happy to divulge.
“I was shocked how naturally it fell into place for me, I was listening to a lot of Robert Johnson, and I was fooling around with the slide guitar. Then I heard Elmore James and that was it. It blew me away.”
We round out our early morning chat with a bit of gear talk, focusing first on the Gibson ES-125. A mainstay of George’s Career since the early days, with a story to back it up. “I got my first 125 because our drummer booked a gig and I didn’t have an electric guitar so he said get one,” he says.
Interestingly enough, George doesn’t know much about his current live rig, simply stating, “My amplifier, we call it the ‘mystery mutt’. It’s the combination of about 1000 other amps. It’s a creation from our tech people, like taking a car and using 100 parts to make it.”
“I wanted something that didn’t break down all the time and the guitars and amps I use, if you don’t put them on max, you don’t get the sound I need. We were playing different places and rewiring my amps, so we said ‘Let’s just get an amp with a powerful sound that doesn’t need to be so loud.’”
George sums it all up with a simple ideology that is easy to appreciate in this age of technology and advanced stage rigs. “Just give me the thing, make sure people hear me and make sure I’m in tune.”
Tickets for George Thorogood headline shows, as well as supporting shows with ZZ Top are on sale now. For more information, head here.
Still Bad to the Bone: George Thorogood’s 75-Year Rocking Reign
Courtesy: Gratefulweb
George Thorogood, born on February 24, 1950, has spent decades electrifying audiences with his fiery slide guitar work, gritty vocals, and boisterous stage presence. Celebrating his 75th birthday is an excellent time to reflect on the remarkable journey he has undertaken with his long-standing band, The Delaware Destroyers, and to appreciate how his unique blend of blues and rock has influenced multiple generations of musicians.
A proud native of Wilmington, Delaware, Thorogood first appeared on the music scene in the early 1970s. Enthralled by the Chicago blues style, he set out to adapt that raw energy into a dynamic rock framework. His band’s debut album, “George Thorogood and the Destroyers,” released in 1977, brought a fresh take on classic tunes while also showcasing Thorogood’s flair for slide guitar. His robust approach distinguished him from many contemporary blues and rock acts of the era.
Collaborations and high-profile tours soon followed. Thorogood’s intense live performances and unwavering dedication to roots music propelled him to nationwide recognition. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, his group remained active on the road, introducing new material while regularly reviving crowd favorites that honored the greats of old-school blues.
Thorogood’s catalog underscores his fascination with traditional blues rhythms, rockabilly excitement, and boogie-woogie grooves. He merges classic blues structures with a driving rock beat, highlighted by an aggressive, cutting slide guitar that has become one of his signatures. His voice—raw, confident, and soulful—enhances this fusion, resulting in songs that feel equally at home blasting from car radios or in packed arenas.
Known for long tours, Thorogood has performed for countless fans all over the world. Alongside his well-known original tracks, he has consistently delivered spirited renditions of blues standards, breathing modern energy into timeless songs. Over the years, his band has also seen various talented musicians contribute to its big, brassy sound, ensuring that live sets remain forceful and fresh.
In honor of his 75th birthday, here are 15 standout tracks from George Thorogood that exemplify his artistry and enduring appeal:
“Bad to the Bone”
Released in 1982, it became his signature tune, popularized by its iconic riff and rebellious spirit.
“Move It On Over”
A reimagining of the Hank Williams classic, Thorogood’s rendition injects bluesy rock energy into the country original.
“Who Do You Love?”
A rousing cover of the Bo Diddley favorite, showcasing his trademark slide guitar and driving rhythm
“One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer”
A spirited medley of John Lee Hooker’s “House Rent Boogie” and the classic drinker’s anthem, featuring playful storytelling.
“I Drink Alone”
A quintessential blend of gritty guitar riffs and wry humor, capturing his rebellious edge.
“Gear Jammer”
A fast-paced, riff-driven song that highlights his knack for energizing narratives.
“Reelin’ & Rockin’”
A Chuck Berry number updated with a raucous Thorogood twist, widely praised for its pounding rhythm
“Born to Be Bad”
A title track off his 1988 album, it captures the mischievous swagger central to his musical identity.
“If You Don’t Start Drinkin’ (I’m Gonna Leave)”
A sardonic, upbeat romp that marries humor with a robust blues-rock groove.
“Get a Haircut”
Known for its tongue-in-cheek lyrics, it became a fan favorite during the 1990s.
“Willie and the Hand Jive”
His take on the Johnny Otis classic injects a heavier, guitar-driven vibe.
“Madison Blues”
An Elmore James original reworked to feature Thorogood’s powerful, chugging slide work.
“Long Gone”
A lesser-known gem that showcases his band's tight interplay and his wailing guitar runs.
“House of Blue Lights”
A dancing boogie piece that exudes his signature sonic force.
“Ride On Josephine”
Another Bo Diddley tune that Thorogood infuses with a gritty, ramped-up tempo and lively crowd interaction.
Thorogood’s unwavering dedication to a style that merges respect for traditional blues with unapologetic rock punch has solidified him as one of America’s enduring music heroes. His songs have appeared in numerous films, commercials, and TV shows, bringing swaggering riffs and blues-infused hooks to new audiences worldwide. Moreover, his philanthropic efforts—especially in support of health-related causes—reflect a commitment that extends beyond music.
As he marks his 75th birthday, George Thorogood continues to embody the spirit of honest, no-frills rock and blues. His bold guitar tone, commanding presence, and signature covers have earned him a well-deserved place among the most celebrated figures in rock music. Fans old and new can raise a glass to a man who truly brought the blues into the rock mainstream, forever stamping his attitude and style on every note he plays.
George Thorogood & The Destroyers: ‘We give our utmost to be better than we were the night before’
Courtesy RNZ
American rock band George Thorogood & The Destroyers are best known for their 1977 cover of 'One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer' and the original 1982 hit 'Bad to the Bone'.
As they prepare for two NZ shows this May, The Destroyers' 74-year-old frontman is rocking as hard as ever… and contemplating a tattoo of a kiwi.
Thorogood told Saturday Morning's Susie Ferguson that he and The Destroyers discovered their special gift for popularising old songs when the dance floor went bananas at their first-ever gig in 1973.
As an aspiring teenage guitarist in the era ofJeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix - "the greatest guitar players ever" - Thorogood said his chances of becoming a professional musician, let alone a highly successful one, seemed slim at best but he had to give it a go.
"I couldn't sing, I couldn't write a song. But I got people's attention playing the guitar. I got some attention there. I said 'If you have a road to success this is going to be it'."
At the time, Thorogood said music was all that he and his friends thought about.
"We didn't think about girls, we didn't think about sports, we didn't think about politics, nothing, nothing but the music. Music, music, music, That was all there was.
"All of us had it in our mind that we were going to get involved and make it in the music industry in one way or another."
Back in December 1973 when George Thorogood & The Destroyers played their first-ever gig at the University of Delaware, Thorogood said the band knew from the crowd's reaction that they were on to something.
"The whole dance floor just went bananas. I said 'We've got something going here'."
"If we stick with this thing we'll get better at it and we pick the right tunes I think we can survive," drummer Jeff Simon predicted.
From the outset the band's "whole purpose" was bringing to life old songs that audiences would really dig, Thorogood said.
"We rarely selected a song for our own personal purposes. No, no, no. We selected them for the fans or fans we might have someday. That's been our MO ever since day one."
The ability to take a little-known song, put a twist on it, refine it a little bit and make it popular was Thorogood's proudest achievement.
In the '70s, he and the Destroyers found success covering 'Move It On Over' (Hank Williams) and 'Who Do You Love?' (Bo Diddley), and Thorogood says only just beat singer Linda Ronstadt to 'One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer' (Rudy Toombs).
"I was thinking these are obscure tunes but I better make a move on them or somebody else might grab them and I'll be left at the dock.
"If Ronstadt had got a hold of 'One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer' and done it in a higher key or whatever she would have blown me right out of the water."
Looking back to his younger days, Thorogood was proud to have met The Rolling Stones before they were famous - even managing to appear "very casual" with drummer Charlie Watts' request for his autograph - and been personally selected by Bob Dylan as a support act.
"I can always say 'No matter what happens, Bob Dylan sent for me. And I can look at someone and say 'Who sent for you?'"
Fifty-two years after their first gig, George Thorogood & The Destroyers still give their utmost every time they hit the stage, he said.
"I don't want anybody to come see our band and say 'Wow, you should have seen him 20 years ago, he was really something'. No, no, no, I want to outdo what I did last night."
On previous visits to New Zealand, Thorogood had been intrigued - and somewhat inspired - by the number of tattooed bodies.
"Every time I go down there I try to get up the nerve to get one… maybe a kiwi."
George Thorogood “Something without some flaws to it, it’s just not natural.”
Courtesy: WBAB.com
George Thorogood and The Destroyers are coming to The Paramount in Huntington on February 19, 2025. We caught up with George via Zoom to talk about the show, what he’s listening to, the Bob Dylan movie and a lot more. Watch our conversation here.
George Thorogood and The Destroyers are coming to The Paramount on February 19, 2025. We recently caught up with George to talk about the show and more. When George and I speak there is always a lot of joking around, and that’s right where we started this time as well. The last couple times George and The Destroyers played The Paramount were sold out shows. We are certainly expecting that kind of energy again. The show falls just days before George’s 75th birthday. That could certainly add to the party atmosphere for the night.
When I mentioned that to George, he informed me that it was actually actor Lee Marvin’s birthday. In fact, if Lee were still alive, it would be his 101st birthday. We did dive into some discussion of Lee and his career. George shared that being on the road for so long that they’ve “Seen a lot of movies, over and over and over.”
The Destroyers last visit to The Paramount was filmed. I tried to pin George down on if we are expecting the release of that show. George did mention Scorsese during the discussion. I think I’d be safe in guessing that his name was mentioned in jest.
Very often George and I discuss older music. It prompted me to ask him who are the younger artists catching his attention. George did give a mention to Gary Clark Jr here. “He could become the next Buddy Guy, maybe.”
George’s career not only includes his compositions, but he’s also scored with many cover songs. I asked George if his interpretations of these songs were just how he heard the tunes. His response was “No, it’s just the way I play it.” He also joked that “I know one chord and I pound it until someone takes notice.” That’s when he gave a shout out to Bo Diddley and John Lee Hooker and all they were able to accomplish with just one chord.
We then started to talk about Bob Dylan. George has been a long time Dylan fan. That’s where we began to discuss the film “A Complete Unknown.” He said, “They nailed it.” George even voiced his support for Edward Norton to win the Oscar for playing Pete Seeger. He mentioned having met Bob three times. And then really dove into speaking about the film. We discussed Dylan first getting on George’s radar around 1963. He spoke about AM radio playing folk music back in those days. George mentioned his older brother bringing home a Live, Peter Paul and Mary album including Dylan’s “Blowin’ In The Wind.” He had never heard the song before. George clearly gives Dylan the credit for inspiring him to hit the road.
I asked George who he was listening to most recently. He mentioned a name I had never heard before, Alice Gomez. Alice is an internationally acclaimed Latina composer, inspired by her own Mexican culture. Do not expect Alice Gomez to sound like any of the other artists that we had discussed up to this point. She is quite different for sure. Certainly, more of an instrumental composer. George described her music as hypnotic and beautiful.
George and I spoke about so much getting lost in music these days by the search for perfection. One of the last things George said to me was “Baby, let me tell you something. There is nothing more boring than perfection.” “Something without some flaws to it, it’s just not natural.”