For 45 years George Thorogood & The Destroyers have rocked the world. Their list of accomplishments is so extensive it would span way beyond this review. The 50 Dates/50 States Tour is the stuff legends are made of as was their performance at Live Aid. One fact that I wasn’t aware of is that a portion of proceeds from every date goes to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. These guys are a class act, and they were here to throw a party. The lights went out right at 8:45 and the traditional playing of “Eve Of Destruction” by Barry McGuire blared throughout the auditorium. At the conclusion of the intro George and company hit the stage and kicked things off with “Rock Party.” Wearing a simple black tee, headband, and sunglasses Thorogood was on a mission to show the fans a good time.
Thorogood told the audience that the Destroyers’ probation officer let them out for 24 hours to make this one show however he was intent on going to jail in the name of rock n’ roll. From there the party was in full gear. Hits like “Who Do You Love?” and “Bad To The Bone” had fans dancing in their seats. At one point Thorogood walked to the front of the stage and said that he wanted to show off a little bit. What followed was awe inspiring rendition of my favorite song, “Gear Jammer.” George gave his guitar a rest during the band’s performance of The Champs‘ megahit “Tequila.” Buddy Leach displayed his mastery of the sax as the crowd went wild. The rest of the Destroyers were as dependable as ever. With Jeff Simon on drums, Billy Blough on bass and Jim Suhler on rhythm guitar, these guys are an integral part of the band’s success. I was pleased to see the band play “Madison Blues.” I hadn’t seen it on previous setlists so this was a welcomed surprise. The encore of the night was an electrifying execution of “Born To Be Bad.” Damon Fowler joined the band onstage and took over the lead guitar while George sang to the crowd.
This show exceeded all expectations. Time has been a friend to George Thorogood & The Destroyers and they never missed a beat. Their performance was straight up down and dirty and I’m sure they wouldn’t have it any other way. As I wrote this review, I couldn’t help but notice a few more Florida dates in February of 2022. Although the bucket list was fulfilled tonight another show or two couldn’t possibly hurt.
George Thorogood & The Destroyers:
George Thorogood: Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar
Jeff Simon: Drums, Percussion
Billy Blough: Bass
Jim Suhler: Rhythm Guitar
Buddy Leach: Saxophone, Piano
Setlist:
1.Rock Party
2.Who Do You Love?
3.The Fixer
4.Night Time
5.I Drink Alone
6.One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer
7.Howlin’ For My Baby
8.Get A Haircut
9. Gear Jammer
10.Bad To The Bone
11.Tequila
12.Move It On Over
13.Born To Be Bad
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I’ve had a love for photography since I was young. Whether it was a Polaroid or a Kodak 110, I was always the kid with the camera. My love of music goes back even further. Nothing beats being at a show when those lights go down and the crowd goes nuts.
