George Thorogood Says He Does ‘Obscure Material,’ Not Cover Songs
Courtesy Ultimate Classic Rock
George Thorogood makes a bold proclamation midway through our interview: "I'm the Indiana Jones of rock 'n' roll."
He qualifies it further, adding, "I’m the rock 'n' roll archaeologist. I’m digging up these archives that nobody even knows they exist." In his eyes, "There's a difference." While others simply do cover songs in Thorogood's view, he and his longtime band, the Destroyers, have a different aim. From their earliest days, they wanted to put their own stamp and identity on the songs they were recording.
The result is a career spanning more than 50 years, powered by Thorogood's versions of songs like "Move It on Over," "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer," "Who Do You Love" and his own compositions. Thorogood has written plenty of his own stuff, beginning with his signature hit "Bad to the Bone."
He'll have his catalog on prominent display when he hits the road this summer with John Fogerty. "We've got new ideas coming every day, Thorogood quips. "All of my ideas that are new, I stole from Willie Nelson."
Thorogood discussed Nelson and plenty more with Ultimate Classic Rock Nights host Matt Wardlaw.
What is one of your good Willie Nelson stories?
We were doing the Bob Dylan 30th anniversary tribute, which I got invited to. I shared a dressing room with Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson. I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t believe my name was on the thing. G.E. Smith brought me in and said, “Here’s your dressing room.” I said, “Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson? That’s who I’m going to be in the same room with?” He looked at me and he smiled and he winked and said, “The outlaws.” So during that time, when you’re in the room with those three individuals, if you talk to Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, you’re gonna get it in stereo. Kris is a pretty regular guy. Willie’s whole conversation is “hello,” “good afternoon” and “goodnight.” He’s not a snob, he just doesn’t talk! He’s just not a verbal guy like Johnny Cash is.
I had this guitar that I had all of my heroes — people I always worked with in some way or fashion — sign the guitar. I brought it to get Johnny to sign it. Now, Willie Nelson happened to be in the room. Years before that, I shot a video with Hank Williams Jr. called “All My Rowdy Friends are Coming Over Tonight.” Hank invited all of these big stars — Cheech & Chong, Waylon Jennings, Dickey Betts — and he brought in Willie Nelson. We all shared the same trailer. So I went up to Willie in New York and I gave him a pen and said, “I want you to sign my guitar.” He stood there for a second, like, not getting ready to sign it. I said, “Don’t you remember me?” He said, “Should I?” He knew who I was, that’s not what I mean. I said, “Well, years ago we did a video and I shared a trailer with you. It was Dickey Betts, you and Waylon Jennings. We were in it off and on for two hours. You were right in there.” He said, “Well, why didn’t you speak to me?” My answer was, “A rookie isn’t supposed to speak!” You know what he said?
What did he say?
He said, “You’re right, give me the pen. I’ll sign your guitar.” You see, because I had done the right thing. These are not lightweight people. These are the heaviest cats in the world. I was the rookie and rookies don’t speak! That’s it. Period. Now, keeping Thorogood shut up, that’s a miracle! [Laughs]
How did you prepare for that Bob Dylan tribute?
You’ve got to understand something. People have said, “When you heard about it, when you got there, were you prepared?” I said, “Motherfucker, I’ve been preparing for this since I was 15! Since I first heard "Like a Rolling Stone." Are you out of your mind? Of course I prepared!” [Laughs]
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50 Years Later George Thorogood Still 'Bad To the Bone'
Courtesy: Jeff Walker / Charleston.com
Famed Blues Musician Out on the Road in 2024 With Veteran Rocker & CCR Founding Member John Fogerty
Jeff Walker, Entertainment Writer
74 years young, hard rocking blues and boogie guitar guru George Thorogood has been on the road for 50 years. The Delaware native first popped unto the scene back in 1974, with his band the Destroyers, selling over 15 million records during his more than five decade run. 
The band's self titled debut (1977) went gold and quickly introduced fans to Thorogood's love of old school blues, giving us the popular remake of John Lee Hooker's 'One Bourbon, One Scotch, & One Beer' as well as 'Kind Hearted Woman' by Robert Johnson. All totaled, Thorogood and the Destroyers have released 17 studio albums, earned six gold records, including two earning platinum certification.
However it wasn't until 2017 that Thorogood released his first solo album, appropriately titled 'Party of One'. "I guess it was long overdue. The record label (Rounder) had been on me for some time to put out a solo album." Among the 15 tracks are salutes to Willy Dixon, Koko Taylor, and John Lee Hooker, as well as covers of obscure songs from the Stones, George Jones, & Bob Dylan. 'Bad News' has him covering the legendary Johnny Cash.
He adds, "The album was somewhat of a departure for me. Just going it alone was huge. I'm so used to having the band around me, and playing off other musicians. And covering some of the songs I included was daunting. But I connected with the songs." 'Party of One' received nothing but rave reviews from critics, with some adding it's near perfection and a welcome return to his former label. "I was just trying to respect the artists and the songs. Nothing more, nothing less."
Thorogood admits the solo project was a bit arduous. "It took me well over a year to complete. I was a little rusty. I had to get my chops down. It's different when you're going it alone. I had to find time between gigs to get into the studio. I'm glad it's been well received. That makes the long process worth it." 
His most recent release is 2022's 'The Original George Thorogood', a party-down, hard-stompin' collection of original songs, proves the blues rocker hasn't existed on just classic covers. Included among the 14 tracks are 'Bad to the Bone', 'I Drink Alone', the guitar driven crowd favorite 'Gear Jammer', and the previously unreleased 'Back In The U.S.A'.
While his songs remain classic rock radio staples and 'Bad to the Bone' has been included in several hit movies and TV shows as well as being played at sporting events, Thorogood has never had a song crack the Top 40. Even though a few albums have peaked inside the Top 30, Thorogood admits he never concerned himself with chart position.
"Never been my focus. I live every night for what takes place on the bandstand. I don't look over my shoulder or keep my eye on the rearview mirror. The past is the past. There's nothing I can do about history, so I focus on today." He adds, "I'm not Neil Young. I've written a lot of songs. Some of them good. Some of them interesting. And some not so interesting. I'm comfortable in the recording studio, but I'm at my best performing live."
Although hard core fans were following Thorogood and the band during the late 1970's it was the MTV generation, and one of rock n' rolls most durable bands that brought the guys to the forefront of rock and pop music. George Thorogood & the Destroyers opened for the Rolling Stones during their 1981 US Tour.
"We got lots of exposure during that tour. I was playing in front of some of the largest crowds I'd ever witnessed, easily 70 to 80 thousand people on some nights. It was crazy but I remember it being a lot of fun. When you're sharing a bill with Mick & Keith, that's something."
Proving much like the Stones, that they were destined to be one of rock music's most eternal bands, George Thorogood & the Destroyers embarked on a nationwide concert tour in late 1981, that has to be one of the single most steadfast feats in music history. In what has become known as the 50/50 Tour, George and the band set out to play all 50 states in 50 days. 
It kicked off in Hawaii, with the band flying to Alaska before moving eastward across the United States. With dual shows in Maryland and DC on the same day, the band actually completed 51 shows in 50 days.
To date no other band has risen to the task. "Not sure we set out to break a record or make a mark. I'm not sure we gave it much thought at all, except for the fact it would be cool. It didn't come off without some bumps in the road. There were some venue changes along the way. But we pulled it off." The band travelled mostly in a converted 1979 checker cab.
Just 31 at the time of his 50/50 Tour, Thorogood admits that one of his legendary icons, no doubt raised the touring bar early in his own career. "Many people don't know, but BB King played 342 dates during one year (1956). That's unheard of. Now that took a lot of stamina."
Thorogood's appreciation for blues music goes back to his early childhood. "I was first introduced to the blues listening to the early songs of the Rolling Stones. Their first couple of records, long before they did songs like 'Satisfaction'. Many of the early British Invasion bands were influenced by blues masters. Guys like Jimmy Reed and Howlin' Wolf."
The early and mid 1960's blues movement struck a chord with a then teenage Thorogood. "That got me headed in the right direction. The riffs Brian Jones and Keith were creating with their guitars had an impact on me. Not longer after I remember seeing Howlin' Wolf on Shindig (1965). That only solidified my hunger for blues."
While still cutting his teeth, and the band hanging their hats in Boston, Thorogood worked as a roadie for legendary blues man Hound Dog Taylor, a cat that found fame in his later years. "If you want to play the blues you have to surround yourself with those who lived it."
A gifted and committed axe slinger, it's hard to find Thorogood among any lists of the Top 100 rock n' roll guitarists of all time, or among the Top 50 blues guitarists. At this point in his career he jokingly admits it doesn't matter. "Maybe I'm number 51. Who the hell cares. I'm loving life and still out the playing for fans who fill the seats."
With an arsenal of mainstream rock radio hits including 'Who Do You Love', 'Bad To the Bone', 'I Drink Alone', 'Born To Be Bad', 'Move It On Over', 'Cocaine Blues', and 'One Scotch, One Bourbon, & One Beer', Thorogood has cemented his place in rock n' roll history, putting his own spin on time honored blues classics alongside his own numbers.
Armed with that song resume, many industry types are scratching their heads, wondering why George Thorogood & the Destroyers haven't been inducted into the hallowed the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame or even been nominated. His friend Steve Miller a 2016 inductee says the Delaware natives should be in, a opinion echoed by several other HOF members. Frankly Thorogood doesn't care either way.
While his time may or may not come, Thorogood finds solace in the fans and performing live, which is the same reason he doesn't see himself slowing down. "People ask me all the time about that. Rock n' roll will never die. I might be a performer but still I'm a realist. As long as I have the three D's, I'll be out there on the road." And they are? "Do I have the desire and can I deliver. I want to give my best and give fans one hell of a show every time I walk on stage."
The third D. "That's simple, is there demand. Do fans want to see me and do promoters want to pay me to perform. As long as all three D's are working together I'll continue to tour."
Although he dealt with a health issue last year that pulled him off the road for several weeks, Thorogood jokingly admits he's doing well. "I'm not in the joint, and thankfully I'm not in the hospital. My daughter is good, and I'm still working, so I'll take that all as a plus."
George Thorogood and the Destroyers bring their 'Bad All Over The World: 50 Years of Rock' to Charleston as they co-headline alongside John Fogerty on his 'Celebration Tour'. The two icons play Credit One Stadium on Tuesday June 4th. Fogerty's two sons and their band Hearty Har open the show.
It's a good one-two classic rock punch according to Thorogood. "We've performed together but have never toured we each other. We have over a 100 years combined together. I think we're kind of like Doc Holiday and Wyatt Earp, or Paul Newman and Robert Redford. We're a good fit. I don't know who we are in either scenario, but we are one hell of a fit together. This is a can't miss show." No doubt, especially for those who love guitar driven songs.
For details on the June 4th show at Credit One Stadium visit https://creditonestadium.com/event/john-fogerty-the-celebration-tour/
George Thorogood and The Destroyers celebrate half a century, good fortune
Courtesy: KMUW | By Jedd Beaudoin
George Thorogood and The Destroyers will perform at The Cotillion Ballroom on Sunday, May 12.
George Thorogood and The Destroyers, which formed in 1973, has been a mainstay on the live music circuit since the late 1970s, cultivating a fanbase that was eager to embrace blues-inflected rock and rock-inflected blues. Via a succession of albums, including the 1977 eponymous debut, 1982’s “Bad to the Bone” and 1985’s “Maverick,” the group became a staple on radio during the album-oriented format that preceded MTV and classic rock.
Later, songs such as “Bad to the Bone,” “I Drink Alone,” and “Move It on Over,” would become staples of the emergent classic rock format. And, of course, “Bad to the Bone” would become a perennial favorite in film and television.
Thorogood, now 74, recently spoke with KMUW about the band’s history.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
The band, The Destroyers, has been together since 1973, and you and drummer Jeff Simon have been there from the start. How far back do you go with Jeff?
I’ve known Jeff Simon since he was six years old. I saw his first Little League at bat. They lived right up the street from me. The Simons and I knew each other for a long time before Jeff and I decided to put a band together. It’s so deep that we used to have a picture of my father, rest in peace, with Jeff’s grandmother, rest in peace. My father was about 18 or 19 in that picture.
I’m sure you get this question a lot, but how have you kept the core of the band together all that time?
A person came to me and asked that question, “How do you keep your band together?” I said, “I respect them.” The woman said, “I respect my [friends and family].” I said, “You’re not listening to me.” I took my finger and my thumb and rubbed them together like the symbol for cash? I said, “No, I respect them. That’s respect.” That’s how you keep a band together, my friend.
You seem to have had great timing with this band. You came onto the scene at a time when FM radio was taking risks, then there was the birth of MTV and then classic rock radio which embraced you.
Fear is a great motivator. When I got started, Jedd, fear was my motivator. I was pushed upon the fear of failure as opposed to the thrill of success. But you put it right, we were fortunate that when our first record came out, underground radio was around, and our record got in there just before that ended. Two years later, we got in on the ground floor of MTV. When MTV ran its course, we said, “What do we do now?” We got in on the embryo of classic rock [radio]. Then there were the Native American casinos that were opening wide up and then the House of Blues venues. We were always at the right place at the right time. Very fortunate that new avenues came up that we could play our music in. And now, there’s Sirius radio and a lot of other things.
Every five or 10 years, some new avenue comes up that you can use your act to expose yourself. We were fortunate like that. We hit FM radio, then we hit MTV, then we hit classic rock. Other things came along. We happened to still have the kind of material that would fit into those shows, and we were healthy enough to keep touring. Like you said, timing was everything. If those things hadn’t happened, who knows what would have happened to us? But then the great thing is that we have great fan support. Fan support plus exposure plus radio and MTV is what helped keep our band alive.
I recently read David Menconi’s book, “Oh, Didn’t They Ramble: Rounder Records and the Transformation of American Roots Music.” One of the things he writes about is your signing with that label. You were a bit of an anomaly for them.
The label that they had, which I didn’t understand, was more of a documentary-type company. They would find things, unique things, unusual things, bluegrass, old-timey music, country music and blues, document it on record and then move on. But I did not know this until years later. I thought all record companies were the same. But they’re not.
Capitol Records or Columbia Records or Elektra/Asylum weren’t interested or didn’t know that we existed. Rounder was the only label that said, “Maybe.” They took pity on me. I was smoking with this act, and I had this song, “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” that I knew would be an underground hit. I knew it was a song that would catch on. But I didn’t have it on a record, and I bugged ’em and bugged ’em and bugged ’em until finally they said, “OK, we’ll put out one album.” They weren’t reluctant, they were, like, “Well … OK… They seem like nice guys. We’ll record this ‘Bourbon, Scotch and Beer.’” Then the album took off, and when we came to a second album, you know what they all said? “Got any more tunes?”
50 YEARS OF ROCK TOUR SHAKES SAND MOUNTAIN AMPHITHEATER: GEORGE THOROGOOD AND THE DESTROYERS AND 38 SPECIAL BRING CLASSIC HITS AND ELECTRIC ATMOSPHERE!
Courtesy: MyGlobalMind
With roots tracing back to the mid-1970s, 38 Special emerged from Jacksonville, Florida, quickly establishing themselves as pioneers of Southern rock. Their melodic yet hard-hitting sound propelled them to stardom, with chart-topping hits like “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up in You,” and “Second Chance.” Over the decades, 38 Special has remained a fixture in the rock scene, known for their dynamic live performances and enduring appeal to audiences across generations.
Hailing from Wilmington, Delaware, George Thorogood and The Destroyers have been synonymous with blues-infused rock since their formation in the late 1970s. George Thorogood’s gritty vocals and blistering guitar work catapulted the band to fame with their breakthrough album, “Bad to the Bone.” Hits like “Who Do You Love?” and “I Drink Alone” have become anthems of the genre, solidifying Thorogood’s status as a legendary figure in the world of blues-rock.
George Thorogood and The Destroyers, alongside 38 Special, delivered an electrifying performance at their recent concert at Sand Mountain Amphitheater in Albertville, AL on May 3rd, seamlessly blending rock and blues to captivate the audience.
Despite intermittent storms in the area throughout the day, the weather held up for the majority of the evening. However, there was a noticeable transition in the timing of the performances, with 38 Special seemingly concluding their set earlier than anticipated, possibly to accommodate George Thorogood’s stage entrance.
38 Special commenced the evening with their distinctive Southern rock sound, enthralling the audience with a repertoire spanning classic hits such as “Caught Up in You” and “Hold On Loosely,” as well as lesser-known tracks that showcased their musical prowess. The band’s tight instrumentation and engaging stage presence kept the audience thoroughly engaged, fostering a dynamic atmosphere of enthusiastic participation. The other week on Record Store Day, I stumbled upon a used vinyl of 38 Special’s “Tour De Force.” To my surprise, their musical style gradually transitioned into arena rock, yet they continued to churn out numerous hits in their repertoire. Now must check out their vast back catalog.
Following 38 Special’s energetic performance, George Thorogood and The Destroyers took the stage by storm, delivering a relentless onslaught of blues-infused rock. From the moment Thorogood’s commanding presence graced the stage, the audience was captivated. Noteworthy renditions of timeless classics like “Who Do You Love?” and “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” elicited fervent reactions from the crowd, setting the stage for a powerful encore performance.