By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa Bay
Venue: Ruth Eckerd Hall, May 18, 2017–George Thorogood & the Destroyers “Rock Party Tour” and The Damon Fowler Band
When I think of George Thorogood and the Destroyers, the first image that comes to mind is driving around in my Fiat Spyder convertible, with the top down, and listening to “Bad to the Bone” on repeat. I’m sure the pounding bass annoyed the drivers while sitting at the light–but who cares? It’s rock ‘n’ roll, baby! I think I wore out the cassette and then it melted after sitting in the car.
Fast forward to the Millennium and George Thorogood and the Destroyers are showing no sign of slowing down! Thorogood and the boys performed at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, Florida on Thursday to a very warm and welcoming crowd! Prior to his stepping on the stage to a set with flashing colored spotlights, local blues favorite The Damon Fowler Band warmed up the crowd. He spoke between songs, saying how grateful he was to be touring with George Thorogood and the Destroyers and definitely got the audience moving early on in the evening.
The song “Eve of Destruction” played and George Thorogood came out on stage wearing dressed in black, wearing black wraparound sunglasses, and a wide snakeskin material headband. He was all smiles and animated, prancing on the stage (I kept thinking of Mick Jagger or Keith Richards) and doing the “Rock God” poses. He was extremely entertaining and the crowd loved him! The Destroyers (Jeff Simon, Bill Blough, Jim Suhler, and Buddy Leach) were fantastic and I especially loved the songs which incorporated the sax.
Thorogood played some of his classic recorded songs, covers albeit, but much loved such as “Who Do You Love?” and “Night Time”. He sang the beloved “I Drink Alone” and gave the crowd a little PSA about drinking after “One Bourbon, One Scotch, and One Beer.”
Thorogood spoke to the crowd between songs and expressed how appreciative he was of his Florida following and how Florida is the “Party State”. With amusing banter, Thorogood had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand. After playing many of his hit songs, he was greeted to standing ovations by the appreciative crowd. Of course, they kept yelling a request for “Bad to the Bone” which he finally played toward the end of the concert. One would have to be brain dead to not tap a foot or bust-a-move when hearing this song.
Honestly, this was a great concert (and I go to a lot on a regular basis). Thorogood’s voice was bluesy and gravelly and the slide guitar was rocking and just plain fun. I hope he comes around again because this girl will definitely be there! Thorogood is just as good as he ever was!
**Other news, on August 4th look for George Thorogood’s new solo album “A Party of One”.
Photo Gallery
George Thorogood & the Destroyers
The Damon Fowler Band
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I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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