george thorogood tour australia

• Latest News

‘When I Look In Your Eyes’: Diana Krall’s Breakthrough Album

‘can’t feel my face’: the weeknd’s smash hit, ‘for your sweet love’: pastures new at decca records for rick nelson, ‘everybody wants to rule the world’: tears for fears reign in the us, promised you a miracle: when 80s pop music ruled the world, joy to the world: the best three dog night songs, ‘euphoria’: how def leppard ended the 90s on a high, a new song from johnny cash’s upcoming ‘songwriter’ is here, jadakiss announces vinyl reissue of sophomore album ‘kiss of death’, bob marley’s ‘turn your lights down low’ gets official youtube release, david bowie’s debut self-titled album to receive groundbreaking reissue, john lennon estate shares ‘you are here’ with new footage of john and yoko, pete townshend to release massive live concert compilation set, frank zappa ‘whisky a go go’ series returns with episode three, george thorogood & the destroyers announce australian tour.

Running across October and November, the trek kicks off at the Canberra Theatre on October 27.

Published on

George Thorogood & The Destroyers have announced an Australian tour across October and November 2022.

Celebrating 40 years of their classic “Bad To The Bone” this September, the blues-rock icons have announced their return to Australia this October and November for a select run of headline shows in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Canberra, with additional regional shows in NSW and Queensland.

For the past 45 years, George Thorogood and his long-time legendary band, The Destroyers, made up of Jeff Simon (drums, percussion), Bill Blough (bass guitar), Jim Suhler (rhythm guitar) and Buddy Leach (saxophone) have been delivering explosive live shows, and with no signs of slowing down in 2022, their ‘Good To Be Bad Tour: 45 Years Of Rock’ will prove why like never before.

‘Fields of Gold’: Sting’s Reflective Timeless Ballad

How lgbtq musicians broke barriers to the mainstream.

Kicking off at Canberra Theatre on October 27, the band’s Australian tour will then take them to Melbourne’s Forum on October 28, Enmore Theatre in Sydney on October 31, Civic Theatre in Newcastle on November 2, Entertainment Centre in Townsville on November 4, Convention Centre in Cairns on November 5 and Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane on November 7 before finishing up at the Thebarton Theatre in Adelaide. Tickets for all shows go on sale Friday 27 May, 12pm (local time) via the Live Nation website .

Since 1976, the Destroyers have sold over 15 million albums, built a catalogue of classic hits, played more than 8,000 ferocious live shows, and become mainstays of radio, TV, 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.

“Since I was 17,” George says, “All I wanted to do was see how far I could go with my guitar, putting my own spin on music I loved.”

As always, you can expect the band to deliver a gut-bustin’, guitar-wailin’, face-meltin’, fiery-tempoed, take-no-prisoners, good old-fashioned lunch-bucket rock & roll show that includes their signature hits “Get A Haircut”, “I Drink Alone”, “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer”, “Move It On Over”, “Who Do You Love” and the definitive badass anthem “Bad To The Bone”, along with several surprises.

To coincide with the tour Universal Music will be releasing the Australasian-Exclusive souvenir edition of The Original George Thorogood , which brings together the best from the rock and roll heart and fevered brain of George Thorogood and his unstoppable, long-time band, The Destroyers. The Original George Thorogood will be released on CD (including Australian exclusive tour slipcase) and digitally.

Buy or stream The Original George Thorogood .

May 23, 2022 at 6:15 pm

is perth left off the tour why are we missing out george thoughgood tour

May 24, 2022 at 1:18 am

Bloody Perth missed out AGAIN. Disappointed

May 24, 2022 at 4:07 am

Again Perth miss out, downright pissed off

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

100% HEAVY / 100% Free / 0% Spam

GEORGE THOROGOOD To Tour Australia

• Written by HEAVY

Share This:

Celebrating 40 years of Bad To The Bone this September, iconic rock legends  GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS  have announced their return to Australian shores this October and November for shows in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Canberra, with additional regional shows in NSW and Queensland.

Tickets for all shows go on sale Friday 27 May, 12pm (local time).

Discover more like this on HEAVY:

• # George Thorogood , Rock , Tour

SLEEPMAKESWAVES Release First Docuseries Episode

Destruction unleash ‘no kings – no masters’, crimson veil drop album lead single ‘illuminate’, wolfheart dig deep on new track ‘grave’, crossfaith share ‘warriors’ ft. mah from sim, get the heavy digi-mags.

Rock. Punk. Metal. And beyond.

Get the weekly heavy digi-mags.

© KSP Productions 2021 | All content is rights reserved unless otherwise given permission.

Get the HEAVY Digi-Mag in-boxed weekly. 100% HEAVY / 0%SPAM.

• [email protected]
• 08 8443 5255

THEBARTON THEATRE

GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS

Event Conditions are Subject to change dependent on COVID guidelines & regulations at the time of the event. View Covid Safe Measures here: https://thebartontheatre.com.au/covid-safe-practices/   GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS For the past 45 years, it’s been very good to be George Thorogood & The Destroyers. And in 2022, their Good To Be Bad Tour: 45 Years Of Rock will prove why like never before. Since 1976, they’ve sold over 15 million albums, built a catalogue of classic hits, played more than 8,000 ferocious live shows, and become mainstays of radio, TV, 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. For Thorogood and his longtime band – Jeff Simon (drums, percussion), Bill Blough (bass guitar), Jim Suhler (rhythm guitar) and Buddy Leach (saxophone) – the power to rock audiences has been both battle cry and creed from the beginning. ‘Since I was 17,’ George says, ‘All I wanted to do was see how far I could go with my guitar, putting my own spin on music I loved.’ But it’s live on tour that George Thorogood & The Destroyers continue to flip the switch nightly. Delivering a gut-bustin’, guitar-wailin’, face-meltin’, fiery-tempoed, take-no-prisoners, good old-fashioned lunch-bucket rock & roll show that includes their signature hits ‘Get A Haircut’, ‘I Drink Alone’, ‘One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer’, ‘Move It On Over’, ‘Who Do You Love’ and the definitive badass anthem ‘Bad To The Bone’, along with several surprises. To co-incide with the tour Universal Music will be releasing the Australasian-Exclusive souvenir edition of The Original George Thorogood, which brings together the best from the rock and roll heart and fevered brain of George Thorogood and his unstoppable, long-time band, The Destroyers. The Original George Thorogood will be released on CD (including Australian exclusive tour slipcase) and digitally. Built around Thorogood’s fiery guitar skills, explosive performance style and a blistering take on blues rarities, George Thorogood & The Destroyers indeed remain unstoppable in 2022. Is it still good to be bad? George says ‘You bet it is! We’ll always be the baddest band in the land. Expect our best on this tour because that’s what you’re gonna get.’

Thursday 10 November 2022 Start: 7:30 PM

Children’s Policy

This is an all ages show

Wheelchair/Accessible Seating/Companion Card

For all enquiries please contact the Box Office on Ph. (08) 8443 5255.

OFFICIAL TICKETS SOLD THROUGH  TICKETMASTER  ONLY

• Login/Register

More Information

Since 1975, George Thorogood and his Destroyers have sold over 15 million albums, released 16 studio albums, built a classic catalogue of hits – including six gold and two platinum records – and played more than 8,000 ferocious live shows. They broke records with their  50 Dates/50 States  tour, delivered landmark performances at  Live Aid  and on  SNL , 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 - practitioners of blues-based rock in pop culture history. 

In 2017,  George Thorogood’s  first-ever solo album,  PARTY OF ONE ,  landed in the Top 10 on Soundscan’s “Top Current Blues Albums” chart, marking George’s fastest-selling album in nearly 20 years. The album features 14 cuts of traditional blues, classics and modern blues songs, from John Lee Hooker’s “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” to Hank Williams’ “Pictures from Life’s Other Side.”    

Follow Live Nation

Follow Live Nation for News, Presales and Exclusive Deals!

Track your favourite artists, access presale tickets, and never miss a show!

More Live Nation Events

Baby Gravy (Yung Gravy & bbno$)

Billie Eilish

Chris Stapleton

Comedy Festival 2024

Sell tickets with Eventfinda TixSuite. No per-ticket fees. Try it for free today!

George Thorogood & The Destroyers

For the past 45 years, it’s been very good to be George Thorogood & The Destroyers. And in 2022, their Good To Be Bad Tour: 45 Years Of Rock will prove why like never before.

Since 1976, they’ve sold over 15 million albums, built a catalogue of classic hits, played more than 8,000 ferocious live shows, and become mainstays of radio, TV, 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.

For Thorogood and his longtime band – Jeff Simon (drums, percussion), Bill Blough (bass guitar), Jim Suhler (rhythm guitar) and Buddy Leach (saxophone) – the power to rock audiences has been both battle cry and creed from the beginning. ‘Since I was 17,’ George says, ‘All I wanted to do was see how far I could go with my guitar, putting my own spin on music I loved.’

But it’s live on tour that George Thorogood & The Destroyers continue to flip the switch nightly. Delivering a gut-bustin’, guitar-wailin’, face-meltin’, fiery-tempoed, take-no-prisoners, good old-fashioned lunch-bucket rock & roll show that includes their signature hits ‘Get A Haircut’, ‘I Drink Alone’, ‘One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer’, ‘Move It On Over’, ‘Who Do You Love’ and the definitive badass anthem ‘Bad To The Bone’, along with several surprises.

To co-incide with the tour Universal Music will be releasing the Australasian-Exclusive souvenir edition of The Original George Thorogood, which brings together the best from the rock and roll heart and fevered brain of George Thorogood and his unstoppable, long-time band, The Destroyers. The Original George Thorogood will be released on CD (including Australian exclusive tour slipcase) and digitally.

Advertise with Eventfinda

Past events

George thorogood & the destroyers.

The Forum , Fri 28 Oct 2022

Canberra Theatre Centre , Thu 27 Oct 2022

Enmore Theatre , Mon 31 Oct 2022

Civic Theatre Newcastle , Wed 2 Nov 2022

Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre , Fri 4 Nov 2022

Cairns Convention Centre , Sat 5 Nov 2022

Fortitude Music Hall , Mon 7 Nov 2022

Thebarton Theatre , Thu 10 Nov 2022

Gasworks Arts Park

Gasworks Arts Park is a vibrant arts precinct producing a range of…

The Motley Bauhaus

An art, craft and performance centre dedicated to promoting skills-based art…

Echoes of Pink Floyd: Signs Of Life Tour

In 1988, Australia witnessed a rock concert event unprecedented in its scale,…

The Big Bike Film Night 2024

Let the good times roll! The Big Bike Film Night is riding into town, on its…

Urzila Carlson - Just Jokes Australian Tour 2024

Just Jokes is as it says on the label! Just jokes! Come for a show and leave…

Twenty One Pilots - The Clancy World Tour

Twenty One Pilots have announced the highly anticipated Australian leg of 'The…

Fletcher - Girl of My Dreams Tour

FLETCHER returns to Australia this July in celebration of her critically…

Hot Dub Time Machine 100% Bangers Australia Tour

Hot Dub Time Machine is turning up the energy for his next run of headline…

Thirty Seconds to Mars - Seasons World Tour

Multi-platinum-selling rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars bring their monumental…

Ocean Film Festival World Tour 2024

Designed to mesmerise and enthral, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour…

ARC - Led Zeppelin IV Live in Concert

Aussie supergroup Australian Rock Collective (ARC) - Darren Middleton…

The Australian Bee Gees Show – 25th Anniversary Tour

Fresh from celebrating 10 years and over 3000 shows headlining on the Las…

West Australian Symphony Orchestra

Explore the richness of classical music with WASO's upcoming 2023/2024…

Brunswick Picture House

After laying dormant for over 30 years, the curtains lifted on this old…

Virtual Events

Even after the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual events remain an integral part…

Popular Events

Sonario In Concert

The Motley Bauhaus - The Gallery , Carlton, Victoria

Tue 18 Jun 7:00pm

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience - Castlereagh Hotel

The Castlereagh Boutique Hotel , Sydney CBD, New South Wales

Thu 29 Aug 7:00pm  –  more dates

Jeffrey Combs Film Festival

The Motley Bauhaus - Theatrette , Carlton, Victoria

Fri 19 Jul 7:00pm  –  more dates

Bruns Does Winter Burlesque

Brunswick Picture House , Brunswick Heads, Byron Bay Area

Thu 11 Jul 7:00pm  –  more dates

Flamencollab Presents SUBIR

Gasworks Arts Park - Gasworks Theatre , Albert Park, Victoria

Sun 14 Jul 3:00pm  –  more dates

Gasworks Farmers Market Stall Fees 2024

Gasworks Arts Park - Park , Albert Park, Victoria

Sat 15 Jun 8:00am  –  more dates

Castro's Children

Fri  5 Jul 7:30pm  –  more dates

Coffs Harbour Showground , Coffs Harbour, Coffs Harbour Area

Thu  6 Jun 7:30pm  –  more dates

Log in / Sign up

Continuing confirms your acceptance of our terms of service .

Choose your location

• New Zealand

Shopping Cart

0 items – $0

Eventfinda does not support your version of IE. Upgrade to the current version .

Eventfinda works best with JavaScript enabled

George Thorogood and The Destroyers photo by Ros O'Gorman

George Thorogood To Tour Australia and New Zealand

by Paul Cashmere on May 24, 2022

George Thorogood & The Destroyers will be back in Australia and New Zealand in October. Thorogood was last in Australia in January 2020, just weeks before the world shut down with the pandemic.

George Thorogood & The Destroyers first album was released in 1977. It contained the John Lee Hooker cover ‘One Bourdon, One Scotch, One Beer’, still an essential part of a Destroyers setlist.

The other essential at a Destroyers gig is ‘Bad To The Bone’. The song was the title track of George Thorogood’s fifth album from 1984. ‘Bad To The Bone’ has been popular for television and movie soundtracks. It has been used in the movies ‘Terminator 2’, The Parent Trap’, ‘Talk Radio’ and on TV in ‘Married With Children’, ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, ‘Family Matters’ and ‘Miami Vice’.

Shamed American Rudy Giuliani performed a tragic version of the song recently on ‘The Masked Singer’.

George Thorogood dates are:

19 October, Christchurch, Town Hall 20 October, Dunedin, Town Hall 22 October, Wellington, Michael Fowler Centre 24 October, Auckland, Town Hall

28 October, Melbourne, The Forum 31 October, Sydney, Enmore Theatre 2 November, Newcastle, Civic Theatre 4 November, Townsville, Entertainment Centre 5 November, Cairns, Convention Centre 7 November, Brisbane, Fortitude Music Hall 10 November, Adelaide, Thebarton Theatre

Be the first to see NOISE.com’s newest interviews and special features on YOUTUBE and updated regularly. See things first SUBSCRIBE here: Noise11 on YouTube SUBSCRIBE

Noise11.com

Follow Noise11 on Social Media

Noise11 on Instagram

You’ll discover music news first following Noise11 on Twitter

Comment on the news of the day, join Noise11 on Facebook

Share this:

Tagged as: 70s , 80s , blues , George Thorogood , rock , The Destroyers , USA

Related Posts

Noise for Now, the non-profit project benefiting abortion access and reproductive rights, will release a second volume ‘Noise for Now Volume 2’ on 21 June, 2024 with a rare David Byrne and Devo collaboration recorded 30 years ago.

Led Zeppelin covered ‘When The Levee Breaks’ on the fourth untitled Zep album commonly Led Zeppelin IV and Zozo. It was an old blues song written by Memphis Minnie and released in 1929 by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy.

Steve Miller has endorsed the new Eminem song with a glowing tribute for his song ‘Abracadabra’ being used as the foundation of the new song ‘Houdini’.

Dolly Parton has announced she is developing a Broadway musical about her life.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band’s ‘Born In The U.S.A.’ album was released 40 years ago this week on 4 June, 1984.

While Engelbert Humperdinck’s current tour was billed ‘The Last Waltz Farewell Tour’ the 88-year old entertainment says the last Australian tour was not his last Australian tour. In fact, quoting the lyrics of his classic song “The last waltz will last forever”.

Dolly Parton wants to be involved in the remake of her movie 9 To 5.

Get the latest from Beat

George thorogood & the destroyers announce australian tour.

George Thorogood & The Destroyers are heading to Melbourne on their Australian tour across October and November 2022.

Celebrating 40 years of ‘Bad To The Bone’ this September, iconic rock legends George Thorogood & The Destroyers have announced their return to Australia this October and November for a select run of headline shows in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Canberra, with additional regional shows in NSW and Queensland.

For the past 45 years, George Thorogood and his long-time legendary band, The Destroyers, made up of Jeff Simon (drums, percussion), Bill Blough (bass guitar), Jim Suhler (rhythm guitar) and Buddy Leach (saxophone) have been delivering explosive live shows, and with no signs of slowing down in 2022, their Good To Be Bad Tour: 45 Years Of Rock will prove why like never before.

Check out Melbourne’s most comprehensive gig guide here .  

Kicking off at Canberra Theatre on October 27, the band will take to Melbourne’s Forum on October 28, Enmore Theatre in Sydney on October 31, Civic Theatre in Newcastle on November 2, Entertainment Centre in Townsville on November 4, Convention Centre in Cairns on November 5 and Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane on November 7 before finishing up at the Thebarton Theatre in Adelaide.

Since 1976, they’ve sold over 15 million albums, built a catalogue of classic hits, played more than 8,000 ferocious live shows, and become mainstays of radio, TV, 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.

‘Since I was 17,’ George says, ‘All I wanted to do was see how far I could go with my guitar, putting my own spin on music I loved.’

As always, you can expect the band to deliver a gut-bustin’, guitar-wailin’, face-meltin’, fiery-tempoed, take-no-prisoners, good old-fashioned lunch-bucket rock & roll show that includes their signature hits ‘Get A Haircut’, ‘I Drink Alone’, ‘One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer’, ‘Move It On Over’, ‘Who Do You Love’ and the definitive badass anthem ‘Bad To The Bone’, along with several surprises.

To co-incide with the tour Universal Music will be releasing the Australasian-Exclusive souvenir edition of The Original George Thorogood , which brings together the best from the rock and roll heart and fevered brain of George Thorogood and his unstoppable, long-time band, The Destroyers. The Original George Thorogood will be released on CD (including Australian exclusive tour slipcase) and digitally.

“We’ll always be the baddest band in the land. Expect our best on this tour because that’s what you’re gonna get.”

Tickets for all shows go on sale Friday 27 May, 12pm (local time) via the Live Nation  website . 

Witness 'wild, apocalyptic' gothic electronica in this Melbourne church this weekend

Recommended.

10 of the greatest conspiracy theories in music history

Looking back at some of Victoria’s greatest music festivals that are no more

RISING festival's music lineup: Yasiin Bey (FKA Mos Def), ONEFOUR, Fever Ray, Yves Tumor, Sky Ferreira and so many more

Katie Noonan's act of bravery with the MSO: 'If classical music seems daunting, this will be a really special way to meet the orchestra'

'Mothers singing songs about motherhood': JVG's Mother's Day Live is coming to Brunswick in May

Peter Robinson of Brave New World talks getting back together, playing live shows and their upcoming single Sweet Thing

• Statistics Stats
• You are here:
• Thorogood, George & the Destroyers
• November 7, 2022 Setlist

George Thorogood & the Destroyers Setlist at Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane, Australia

• Edit setlist songs
• Edit venue & date
• Edit set times
• Add to festival
• Report setlist

Tour: Good to Be Bad Tour: 45 Years of Rock Tour statistics Add setlist

Sorry, there are no songs in this setlist yet, but ...

If you were there then add whatever song you remember!

And you might also get help in the setlist request forum

Edits and Comments

1 activity (last edit by pomes27 , 6 Nov 2022, 01:33 Etc/UTC )

George Thorogood & the Destroyers

More from this artist.

• More Setlists
• Artist Statistics
• Add setlist

Related News

Setlist History: George Thorogood Plays 50 U.S. States in 50 Days

Fortitude music hall.

• George Thorogood & the Destroyers This Setlist Add time Add time
• Hamish Anderson Add time Add time

George Thorogood & the Destroyers Gig Timeline

• Nov 04 2022 Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre Townsville, Australia Add time Add time
• Nov 05 2022 Cairns Convention Centre Cairns, Australia Add time Add time
• Nov 07 2022 Fortitude Music Hall This Setlist Brisbane, Australia Add time Add time
• Nov 08 2022 Fortitude Music Hall Brisbane, Australia Add time Add time
• Nov 10 2022 Thebarton Theatre Adelaide, Australia Start time: 8:45 PM 8:45 PM

2 people were there

Share or embed this setlist.

Use this setlist for your event review and get all updates automatically!

<div style="text-align: center;" class="setlistImage"><a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/george-thorogood-and-the-destroyers/2022/fortitude-music-hall-brisbane-australia-3bbe109c.html" title="George Thorogood &amp; the Destroyers Setlist Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane, Australia 2022, Good to Be Bad Tour: 45 Years of Rock" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.setlist.fm/widgets/setlist-image-v1?id=3bbe109c" alt="George Thorogood &amp; the Destroyers Setlist Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane, Australia 2022, Good to Be Bad Tour: 45 Years of Rock" style="border: 0;" /></a> <div><a href="https://www.setlist.fm/edit?setlist=3bbe109c&amp;step=song">Edit this setlist</a> | <a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/george-thorogood-and-the-destroyers-73d6d6f9.html">More George Thorogood & the Destroyers setlists</a></div></div>

Last.fm Event Review

[url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/george-thorogood-and-the-destroyers/2022/fortitude-music-hall-brisbane-australia-3bbe109c.html][img]https://www.setlist.fm/widgets/setlist-image-v1?id=3bbe109c[/img][/url] [url=https://www.setlist.fm/edit?setlist=3bbe109c&amp;step=song]Edit this setlist[/url] | [url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/george-thorogood-and-the-destroyers-73d6d6f9.html]More George Thorogood & the Destroyers setlists[/url]

Tour Update

Marquee memories: quarters of change.

• Quarters of Change
• Jun 6, 2024
• Jun 5, 2024
• Jun 4, 2024
• Jun 3, 2024
• Jun 2, 2024
• Jun 1, 2024
• FAQ | Help | About
• Terms of Service
• Ad Choices | Privacy Policy
• Feature requests
• Songtexte.com

• Girlfriend Undermined Perry
• Oates Hates This Hall & Oates LP
• Best '90s American Rock Bands
• Albums Without Their Title Songs
• Prince’s Sister Recalls Last Talks
• New Pete Townshend Live Box

George Thorogood Announces 50th Anniversary Tour for 2023

George Thorogood will celebrate his 50th anniversary in 2023 with an extensive tour. The Bad All Over the World – 50 Years of Rock trek will include the guitarist's first Canadian dates in three years.

A list of currently announced dates can be found below, with more shows expected to be added.

Thorogood played his first gig with longtime backing band the Destroyers on Dec. 1, 1973. Drummer Jeff Simon, the only other remaining founding member of the group, remembered quickly overcoming the crowd's initial disinterest with a set that featured future classics such as "Madison Blues" and "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer."

"It was like someone flipped a switch,” he recalled in a press release. By the second set, the dance floor was packed. "After the gig,” Thorogood added. “Jeff and I thought, ‘Maybe we’re onto something.’”

As Thorogood told UCR in 2022, it was also Simon who helped shift the group's direction in an important way. "I was a little too serious. Jeff was trying to lighten me up a little bit, saying, 'You know, George, there’s only one Taj Mahal. There’s only one John Hammond,'" he recalled. "Jeff said, 'Be George. Be what you are.' He was the one who encouraged me and helped me to find myself as a performer."

For more information regarding the Bad All Over the World tour, visit Thorogood's official website .

George Thorogood, Bad All Over the World - 50 Years of Rock Tour 2023

Feb. 13 - Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. @ Rock Legends Cruise Feb. 17 - Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. @ Rock Legends Cruise March 17 - Lincoln City, Ore. @ Chinook Winds Casino Resort. March 18 - Lincoln City, Ore. @ Chinook Winds Casino Resort March 19 - Airway Heights, Wash. @ Northern Quest Resort & Casino March 21 - Redding, Calif. @ Redding Civic Auditorium March 22 - Santa Rosa, Calif. @ Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. March 24 - Highland, Calif. @  Yaamava’ Resort & Casino March 25 - Las Vegas, Nev. @ Pearl Theater at Palms Casino Resort April 27 - Vancouver, British Columbia @ Commodore Ballroom April 28 - Vancouver, British Columbia @ Commodore Ballroom April 29 - Penticton, British Columbia @ Trade and Convention Centre April 30 - Prince George, British Columbia @ CN Centre May 2 - Grand Prairie, Alberta @ Bonnetts Energy Centre May 4 - Edmonton, Alberta @ The Venue at River Cree May 5 - Calgary, Alberta @ Grey Eagle Resort & Casino Event Centre May 6 - Regina, Saskatchewan @ Casino Regina May 8 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan @ TCU Place May 9 - Winnipeg, Manitoba @ Burton Cummings Theatre May 12 - Sudbury, Ontario @ Sudbury Arena May 13 - Peterborough, Ontario @ Peterborough Memorial Centre May 14 - Montreal, Quebec @ MTelus May 16 - Kitchener, Ontario @ Centre in the Square May 17 - Niagara Falls, Ontario @ Fallsview Casino Resort

Top 50 American Bands

More from ultimate classic rock.

George Thorogood & The Destroyers tickets

2 upcoming events

George Thorogood & The Destroyers international tour dates

Gainesville

Jiffy Lube Live

Find tickets

Pine Knob Music Theatre

Can't make it to see George Thorogood & The Destroyers?

Sell your tickets for cash on Tixel

Frequently asked questions

Why fans love tixel.

George Thorogood and the Destroyers

July 21, 2023

On the evening of December 1 st , 1973 at The University of Delaware’s Lane Hall, a guitarist, a drummer, and their rhythm guitarist set up on the small bandstand. Though the three-piece band had barely rehearsed, guitarist George Thorogood and drummer Jeff Simon had been bashing out covers of songs they loved – including ‘No Particular Place To Go’, ‘Madison Blues’ and ‘One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer’ – in suburban Wilmington basements since they were teens. The Lane Hall audience was wary at first. “Then it was like somebody flipped a switch,” Simon recalls. “Everybody hit the dance floor all at once.”

“We had the place rockin ’,” Thorogood says. “From that very first show, Jeff and I knew we were onto something.” Five decades, 15 million albums and more than 8,000 performances later, few bands can still rock the house like George Thorogood & Destroyers. And for Thorogood, Simon, and long-time Destroyers Bill Blough, Jim Suhler and Buddy Leach, their Bad All Over The World – 50 Years of Rock Tour will be a celebration like no other.

But when asked to pick a career highlight, maybe one night over the past half century that changed everything for George Thorogood & The Destroyers, he shakes his head, flashes a huge grin and heads off to soundcheck. “My highlight is when I step on that bandstand,” Thorogood says. “The promoters invited us, the fans came to hear us, and we’re ready to rock. Every night I play for people can be the biggest night of my life.”

July 21 - July 21, 2023

Concert Schedule

Plaza doors open at 6:00 pm

Concessions in the plaza begin at 6:00 pm

Amphitheatre seating starts a 6:30 pm

Concert starts at 7:30 pm

About Hamish Anderson (Opener)

Australia’s Roots Rock artist Hamish Anderson has been generating global attention since 2013. In 2016 Hamish independently released his critically acclaimed debut album, Trouble, produced and mixed by Grammy-winner Jim Scott. “No Good,” “Breaking Down,” and “What You Do To Me” singles all received radio support - the latter reaching the #39 at Americana in 2019.

Also in 2019, The AGE/Sydney Morning Herald profiled him in advance of his Australian shows supporting Gary Clark Jr. Then, after touring the world, Hamish returned to Australia to open for George Thorogood & The Destroyers on his sold out tour. In 2020 Hamish’s sophomore album Out of My Head was awarded the Independent Music Award for Best Album - Blues category. Later that year, he was featured in Guitar Player Magazine (Aug 2020) which resulted in a cover mention as well. 

Throughout 2021 and 2022, Hamish released three singles “Morning Light” and "Everything Starts Again" and "Tea & Sympathy” all from his forthcoming album. Notably, "Everything Starts Again" spent several months in Top 40 AAA Radio in the US - debuting at #26. 

In 2022, he appeared at Blues on BroadBeach (AUS) for the second time and did eleven dates in support of George Thorogood & The Destroyers upon their return to Australia.

Now in 2023, Hamish is thrilled to announce his return to the USA on tour with George Thorogood marking his FIRST shows in America since 2019. 

Concessions and Policies

Concessions.

This year, food concessions are provided by   Organic Roots Catering   - featuring locally made, delicious sandwiches, nachos, salads and more. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

Pre-orders for these menu items are available up to four days before each summer concert. 

Place Preorders Here

Please note that NO outside food or beverages are allowed in the venue.

Amphitheatre Policies

Concerts are held rain or shine.

No outside food or picnics allowed in the venue. 

Factory sealed water bottles or empty bottles only. No outside beverages, glass containers or alcohol allowed. Beer, wine, soft drinks, bottled water, lemonade and iced tea are for sale inside the venue.

Lawn chairs with legs are not allowed - visit our website for details on types that are permitted.

Designated service animals only.

The Arvada Center is a non-smoking facility, which includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaporizers and pipes.

Read the full list of Amphitheatre Policies at the link below!

SEE POLICIES

Copyright 2019 Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities

View this profile on Instagram George Thorogood & The Destroyers (@ georgethorogoodofficial ) • Instagram photos and videos

JUNE 2024 BOOGIE PEOPLE FAN OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to the Boogie People Fan of the Month for June 2024, Debbie! Learn more about Debbie below!

Where are you from?:  Denver, CO

How many years have you been a fan?:   40+ Years

What is your favorite George Thorogood song: "Bad to the Bone"

How many times have you seen George Thorogood live? What was your favorite show?  4 times, July 2023 Arvada Center | Arvada Colorado, June 2015 | Littleton, CO, Sept 1982 Red Rocks | Paramount May 2024.

What’s one thing that sets you apart from other George Thorogood fans?:  Probably one of a handful that has been a fan this long, , and watched him continue to gain a new generation of fans. I so wish I could get a front row seat so I could watch him play his guitar. I just admire him so much, a great musician and a genuinely kind soul.

Want a chance to be featured as the Boogie People Fan of the Month?  Join NOW!

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] Read More

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

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." 

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."

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?”

Artists - A-H

• & Young
• .38 Special
• Aaron Lewis
• Aaron Neville

Artists - I-P

• Iron Butterfly
• Iron Maiden
• Izzy Stradlin

Artists - Q-Z

• Queens of the Stone Age
• Queensrÿche
• Classic Rock

• Keyboardist Jim Beard, Known for His...
• 12 Rock Legends Who Openly Dislike...
• 10 Rock Stars Who Can’t Stand...

• Legendary Motorhead Frontman, Lemmy, To Be...
• Happy 76th Birthday Tony Iommi: How...
• Metallica Secures Best Metal Performance at...

• Unveiling Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Top 10...
• Album Review: “Two Steps From The...
• The Facts In The Early Life...

John Fogerty and George Thorogood Announce 2024 Tour Dates

via Milwaukee Live / YouTube

John Fogerty has announced new tour dates for his Celebration Tour, which marks the first time the former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman has performed the songs since acquiring the rights to them early last year. The tour will feature opening support from George Thorogood & the Destroyers.

Fogerty and Thorogood Set to Kick Off Tour

The tour is set to begin on June 2 in Simpsonville, South Carolina and will span nearly 20 shows. While Fogerty and Thorogood have appeared on concert bills in the past, this summer’s run marks the first time they’ve gone on tour together. According to Fogerty, “George and I have done shows together before, but for years we’ve talked about doing a full tour together. This summer we decided time is short, we better do this now.”

The announcement comes on the heels of a serious medical condition that George Thorogood battled last year causing him to cancel some tour dates. Thankfully, he has since made a recovery and is preparing to launch a tour on April 5 before joining Fogerty on the road two months later.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by George Thorogood & The Destroyers (@georgethorogoodofficial)

Fogerty’s Celebration Tour

After the Fogerty and Thorogood tour kicks off in June, the shows will work their way through Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut. Fogerty will also play a few dates with his band without Thorogood as a support act. The Celebration Tour is the first time Fogerty has performed his classic Creedence Clearwater Revival songs as the owner of them. He had signed away the publishing rights to his work in 1967, the year the band signed to Fantasy Records.

Over the years, Fogerty has fought with Fantasy Records owner Saul Zaentz, who sued him in 1985, claiming that his solo hit “The Old Man Down the Road” sounded too similar to CCR’s “Run Through the Jungle.” Fogerty bought back the publishing rights to his songs in early 2023, although Fantasy Records still owns the master recordings of Creedence’s records.

Tickets for Fogerty and Thorogood’s tour will go on sale March 15 at 10 a.m. local time, with presale tickets available on Tuesday starting at 10 a.m. local time. To get more information or tickets, visit Fogerty’s website.

Below is a list of the tour dates and venues:

June 2 – Simpsonville, SC – CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park June 4 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium June 5 – Raleigh, NC – Ted Hat Amphitheater June 7 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion June 8 – Scranton, PA – The Pavilion at Montage Mountain June 9 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live June 11 – Canandaigua, NY – Constellation Brands – Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center June 12 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center June 14 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts June 15 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center June 16 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun June 19 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion June 20 – Lenox, MA – Tanglewood Music Center July 12 – Weert, NL – Bospop Festival 2024 July 13 – Zottegem, BE – Rock Zottegem 2024 July 16 – Lucca, IT – Lucca Summer Festival July 18 – Saint Julien en Genevois – FR Guitar en Scene August 26 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre (without George Thorogood) September 11 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah State Fair (without George Thorogood)

So, classic rock fans, get your tickets and mark your calendars now for what is sure to be an unforgettable summer tour!

Don’t Miss Out! Sign up for the Latest Updates

• Uncategorized

I Love Classic Rock

Find your perfect polygamy dating match today

In depth summary of superior 5 Gay Sites Like Grindr

Discover the many benefits of dating bi ladies

Embrace your adult diaper lover side in order to find love

10 Aging Classic Rock Icons Still Rocking in 2024

8 Classic Rock Bands We Wish Would Reunite

10 Greatest Military-Themed Rock Songs of All Time

Premium partners.

Interested in becoming a partner?

Contact us for more info.

© 2024 Society Of Rock

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy

Q&A: George Thorogood previews summer Delaware return; Camden show with John Fogerty

How long has it been since George Thorogood last performed at Delaware's beaches? Probably longer than you think.

He was just 17 years old rocking a Rehoboth Beach party in 1967 to an audience that included ― get this ― Lynda Bird Johnson, daughter of then-U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson.

So when Wilmington-born Thorogood and his trusty Destroyers make their debut June 22 at Freeman Arts Pavilion near Selbyville just 10 miles west of Bethany Beach, it will be a bit of a First State full circle moment for the rocker.

But when he's reminded at the end of his recent interview with Delaware Online/The News Journal about the venue's proximity to the beach, "Fun, Fun, Fun" was not quite what the 74-year-old Brandywine High School alumni is suddenly thinking about.

"Please, please, please do this for me Ryan since you and I go back so far. Please tell everybody there to leave the beach balls home," he says, revealing a major pet peeve. "We are not The Beach Boys. We're not Jan and Dean. I hate it when they start hitting beach balls while I'm performing. I feel like stopping the show.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

"If you want to play with a beach ball, go to Rehoboth Beach. This is a rock performance."

You have been warned.

Thorogood and his band, anchored by original members Bill Blough (bass) and Jeff Simon (drums), are in the midst of their 50th anniversary tour, postponed last year due to a "very serious medical condition" for Thorogood. It required emergency surgery from which he has since recovered.

Not only does the tour bring the blues-based rock act to the Selbyville area, but the band also will open for John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival fame on June 7 at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey.

It's a celebration marking more than a half-century of barroom bruisers ― "Bad to the Bone," "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer," "Who Do You Love?," "I Drink Alone." And it all started on Dec. 1, 1973, when Thorogood and the then-Delaware Destroyers drove a Volkswagen bus to Lane Hall at the University of Delaware in Newark for their first show together.

They have since performed more than 8,000 live shows, sold more than 15 million albums and even once performed in front of 100,000 people.

We caught up with Thorogood to talk about his health scare, coming up as a young band in Delaware, his 50th anniversary tour and the day he performed at Live Aid in Philadelphia in front of that massive crowd 39 years ago.

Question: Is there anything particularly special planned for these anniversary shows?

Answer: All of our shows are special. We don't need an anniversary to express that.

So you're not gonna be digging deeper into the songbook or anything?

That's impossible. The songbook goes back so far I couldn't even remember how to play some of those songs.

Your tour was postponed last year for your surgery. I don't know if you've spoken about this, but can you shed any light on on what you went through?

Pain. It's hard to shed light on pain.

Can you tell us anything about what it was?

Sure I could, but why bother? That's in the past. Let's move on.

You're feeling good now though. You have a lot of dates on the books, I see.

They still want us, you know, so we're grateful for that, Ryan.

What's it like when you play shows in Delaware? Do you look out at the crowd and see faces you remember or maybe some faces you don't want to remember from your past?

At my age, I don't see any faces I remember. They're all too young.

I was curious about your Delaware show memories, particularly from the early days. Do you have any standout shows? Maybe a bar show or bigger show that stands out as a particularly good time or when a light bulb went off?

Those were our pre-record days. I won't say we were struggling, but we were working hard to get to a level to get a record out. So we made the most out of the work we were doing then. We were trying to achieve the level that we've achieved now. And in the Delaware area, we were grateful for the shows we had.

You have to remember that it's a very small state. And we were a blues trio. They didn't have that much live entertainment and the live entertainment they did have was cover bands or international big acts coming through. So we spent a lot of time in the Delaware Valley, but playing Delaware was very limited because the place is small. We also played a lot in Philadelphia and Baltimore and New England. We spread ourselves around. In those days when we were just getting going ― you don't have an agent, you don't have a record deal ― work was scarce. The Buggy Tavern [in Brandywine Hundred] was a good one.

Who were your contemporaries in terms of Delaware bands that were playing out at the Buggy or The Deer Park Tavern in Newark at that time? Do you remember any of them in particular?

All of them. There was Lisa Jack and the Boys in the Back. The fabulous Watson Brothers. Blind Johnny [Neel] who was a genius and should have been a superstar. "Socco" [Lawrence Wright] should have been a superstar. One of my contemporaries and good friends was Gary Watson, rest in peace. There was many people in the Delaware area that I thought were much more talented than me. To this day, I scratch my head and wonder why they didn't break internationally. Of course, they didn't have a record, but still.

I always thought people like Socco, Lionel White, Gary Watson and Larry Tucker were extremely talented people. And they really had a great thing going. And I kind of used Gary as a marker. We knew each other since high school and he was always in a successful band and it was when he was with the Watson Brothers with Dale Melton and Dennis Melton, rest in peace, that he really could have gone all the way. I thought he could have been another Kenny Loggins to tell you the truth. He had the look. He wrote great songs. And he definitely had chick appeal and that don't hurt.

Summer concert season: 12 hot Delaware concerts to see this summer, from rock and rap legends to country & more

So I remember doing a gig after our first record came out and it wasn't going real good for me psychologically and mentally. Breaking into show business wasn't quite what I thought it would be when I was a kid. And I went to see the Watson Brothers and they were so good. Gary was doing such a great job that I sat there and said, "Am I going to quit this business?" And I thought to myself ― and this is where my competitive juices are flowing ― "There is no way I am going to let Gary Watson become more famous than me." So he was the barometer for me to keep pushing and keep pushing. There was so much talent there. How three s--t-kickers like me and Billy and Jeff got to where we are ― two chords and a foghorn voice ― but we somehow pulled it off.

I saw your gigs with John Fogarty were recently announced. When you guys were starting out, where did CCR land in terms of what you were into?

We listened to everything back then because there wasn't that much to listen to. It wasn't the vast amount of artists that's out there today. There's 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 acts played on Sirius radio and everything all over the world. So in those days, it was radio Top 40. And Creedence Clearwater dominated those charts. Right after The Beatles broke up, Creedence Clearwater was all over the charts ― the kings of the No. 1 singles. So yeah, of course, I listened to that. I said, "Wow, that's what I want to do with my life." But trust me, I'm never going to be able to sing and write like John, but they were a big inspiration for me to do what it is I do now.

John Fogerty tour: George Thorogood and Delaware Destroyers touring this summer with John Fogerty

I watched your Live Aid set from 1985 for the first time just a couple of days ago. I didn't realize you brought Bo Diddley and Albert Collins up there with you. So it was a 15-minute set in front of 90,000 people? Was it like being shot out of a cannon?

It was 100,000. Get it right. Come on, man. I remember that. The great television actor George Segal was the man who was going to introduce us to the audience. And while I'm standing backstage getting ready to go on, I notice this man coming across the stage towards me. He looked like he was dressed to go bowling, you know? He comes up to me, he goes [doing Jack Nicholson impression], "Georgie, Jack." And I said, "Jack! Oh man. Jack Nicholson. Too much. You know who I am?" And he says, "Sure, Georgie. I always follow the rough boys."

When you were starting out there obviously weren't any rock acts where the band members were in their 70s or 80s. Was that ever a thought of as a possibility when you're starting to get some fame? Like, "Hey, we can do this for a living forever."

No. Forever is a big word, right? Nobody uses the word forever. But when we did break with our first record, I knew we had the stuff to make it. And it didn't have anything to do with just plain confidence or blatant ego. My ears work. I could hear the sound coming out of my guitar, you know? I knew was a good sound that could attract people's attention. And it did. But it took so damn long and that's what really irked me. So when we finally broke through, I was very bitter for a few years. We had all these big booking agents and big record labels coming after us and I was thinking, "Well, where have you been in the last 10 years?" It took me a while to get over that.

Do you do anything differently these days to prepare for a tour? Is there a workout? Because just doing all that traveling is a lot, never mind putting on the show each night.

I have always appreciated the rewards of a good night's sleep.

Have a story idea? Contact Ryan Cormier of Delaware Online/The News Journal at [email protected] or (302) 324-2863. Follow him on Facebook ( @ryancormier ) and X ( @ryancormier ).