GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS Rock Party at House of Blues “Thoro-ly Good and Dirty!”

–

Michael Hepworth

GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS

THE ROCKIN’ & REELIN’ PARTY TOUR 2017

“Thoro-ly Good and Dirty!”

By Michael Cohan

Anaheim (Perfectmusictoday.com) 3/9/2017 – The House of Blues GardenWalk/Anaheim hosted a middle-of-the week sold out Thoro-ly good and dirty slide guitar blues extravaganza on March 8th! This reviewer somewhat remembers from decades ago his first George concert held in a gymnasium back in Connecticut. These days, the 67 year old Mr. Thorogood (February 24, 1950) is backed by a stunning and electric boogie woogie style bunch of very talented musicians. His drummer and percussionist Jeff Simon has been a staple since 1973. In 1976 bass player Billy “The Doctor” Blough joined cementing their driving Chicago Blues sound and rock and roll rhythms. Jim Suhler, his rhythm guitarist, is a Texas bluesman from Dallas who also has his own band Monkey Beat. He has performed with many notable and legendary musicians including Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, and AC/DC among others. Rounding out their distinctive “Destroyer” approach to rock and roll would be the incorporation of pianist and saxophonist Buddy Leach. He is known for his amazing sax “growl!”

The House of Blues chain is nationwide with approximately 20 locations. Their iconic landmark, a four ton water tower, placed on top of the concert hall was a find by one of the eccentric co-founders of the House of Blues, Isaac Tigrett. He is known for his keen eye and unique personality in finding one – of – a kind art memorabilia. During one of his trips out west in the 90’s, in his lavish and expertly curated train car he would travel in, he saw what he needed. At the next town, he got off the train, hired a car, and went to see the owner of the water tower he spotted. Isaac knew it would make the perfect welcome statement for the Downtown Disney West Side location that opened in 1997! Bringing art and music together under one enormous roof!

Getting back to the music, George & the Delaware Destroyers finally gained mainstream attention in 1981 when they were selected as a support act for The Rolling Stones U.S. tour that year. By this time, George had released his first album in 1977 titled George Thorogood & the Destroyers. In 78 he came out with a cover of Hank Williams “Move it on Over.” This album also contained a rework of the Bo Diddley song “Who Do You Love?” Both became huge hits for the band. In October of 1982 they were featured as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live. They also became known for their rigorous touring schedule and embarked in 1981 on what they called a 50/50 tour in which they played all 50 U.S. states in 50 days. In addition, they played Washington, D.C. and Maryland on the same day thereby completing 51 shows in 50 days!

Their most popular song has got to be “Bad to the Bone” released in 1982 on the album of the same name. This track has been used frequently in tv and film, including the tv drama Miami Vice, Stephen King’s Christine, and in the introduction to the movie Major Payne and a host of other sports and shows. Other tracks that rocked the crowd was the extended version of “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” that’s one of my favorite songs and asked the bartender for one bourbon (maker’s mark) one scotch (Dewar’s) one beer (ice cold Budweiser) and the always popular “I Drink Alone.” George also seemed to introduce almost every song of the approximate 100 minute concert with “Time to get dirty” and egging the crowd on with “Are we having fun yet?” We were always with him every step of the way singing with him and getting loud and dirty, too. I knew it would be just a damn lot of fun to be part of the raucous and loving crowd.

His 17 year old daughter, Rio Thorogood, came out halfway through and created a four guitar blues attack belting out her young yet bluesy and raspy voice while combining forces with Daddy-O. They performed a rollicking version of Chuck Berry’s “Living/Back in the USA” letting us know that she is definitely a blues force to be reckoned with. Other favorites included “Night Time” a Strangeloves cover and “Shake your Moneymaker” an Elmore James cover. At the encore, George introduced all the members of the band and then finished us off with another Elmore James cover, “Madison Blues.”

When he was growing up he would try to work at a regular job doing manual labor but always messed up. He didn’t want to be like his two older brothers who were always in trouble with the law being bikers. His parents knew that he was destined for only one occupation because he lived his life as a rock star and he was rewarded. They said you can’t sleep all day in the basement and once he picked up the guitar, an electric Gibson 125, his folks knew he was destined for greatness.

He and his drummer played semi-pro baseball for a few years but then rock and roll took center stage. It’s been over 45 years and George Thorogood and his band are still center stage! His new venture is out now titled 2120 South Michigan Avenue which is the address of the Chicago Chess Studios. Featured performers are the legendary Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Sonny Boy Williamson and new songs from the King of the Slide blues sound! Because he’ll take that classic tune and twist it the only way he knows. Catch their new show coming to a venue near you this spring!

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211