Concert George Thorogood & The Destroyers Tickets Toronto
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George Thorogood & The Destroyers: Rock’s Hard-Driving Blues Survivors
George Thorogood & The Destroyers have been delivering hard-hitting, high-energy blues rock since the 1970s. Known for their gritty sound, blistering slide guitar, and barroom-ready attitude, the band carved out a place in American rock history with a string of blues-infused anthems and tireless touring.
Band History
The band was formed in 1973 in Wilmington, Delaware by guitarist and vocalist George Thorogood. Inspired by blues legends like John Lee Hooker, Elmore James, and Hound Dog Taylor, Thorogood sought to blend traditional blues with the louder, faster edge of rock and roll. With a lineup that eventually solidified around bassist Billy Blough and drummer Jeff Simon (a childhood friend of Thorogood), the band quickly developed a reputation for raucous live shows and no-nonsense musicianship.
Their self-titled debut album, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, dropped in 1977 and featured standout covers of classic blues tracks, like John Lee Hooker’s “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.” The follow-up, Move It on Over (1978), propelled them into the national spotlight with their revved-up take on the Hank Williams title track.
By the early 1980s, the band had hit their commercial stride. In 1982, they gained national exposure opening for The Rolling Stones and embarked on their legendary “50/50 Tour,” playing 50 states in 50 days. Their music became a staple of rock radio, and their fanbase continued to grow.
Band Members
Over the years, the core of the band has remained consistent. George Thorogood, with his snarling vocals and fierce slide guitar, remains the group’s unmistakable frontman. Jeff Simon held down the drums for decades, and Billy Blough anchored the band on bass from 1977 until his retirement in 2022.
Other longtime members include:
- Jim Suhler – rhythm guitar (since 1999)
- Buddy Leach – saxophone (joined in 2003)
These additions brought even more depth to their sound, adding layers of boogie-woogie energy and tight instrumental interplay.
Biggest Hits
The band is best known for a string of iconic hits that showcase Thorogood’s love for blues and rock and roll swagger:
- “Bad to the Bone” (1982) – Their signature track, driven by a killer riff and cocky lyrics. It became a pop culture mainstay, featured in countless films and commercials.
- “Move It on Over” – A rockabilly-flavored romp that helped the band break into the mainstream.
- “I Drink Alone” – A fan favorite that mixes humor with a biting blues groove.
- “Who Do You Love?” – Their hard-edged cover of the Bo Diddley classic remains one of their most powerful live staples.
Legacy
George Thorogood & The Destroyers have released over 15 studio albums and sold more than 15 million records worldwide. Despite changes in the music industry, they’ve stayed true to their roots, delivering raw, no-frills rock and roll. With over five decades of relentless touring and recording, they’ve earned their place as legends of American blues rock.
Still active and touring, the band continues to prove that rock and roll—and the blues—are very much alive and well.
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