Live Review: Thorogood and the Destroyers Rock the Park
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
Live Review: Thorogood and the Destroyers Rock the Park
Slideshow: George Thorogood and the Destroyers Rock the Park
George Thorogood
A classic rock show came to the Park Theatre on Sunday March 8, where George Thorogood and the Destroyers played an outstanding set of Rock and Roll. Thorogood's trademark big guitar sound and his full-throated vocals were on display throughout the evening. The "Badder than Ever" tour was a rock show if there ever was one.
Opener Danielle Nicole
Opening act Danielle Nicole put together a nice set of Blues-Rock that won over the crowd. The Kansas City native and her band punched out a set of inspired originals closing with the Led Zepplin classic "Trampled Under Foot," which is also the name of her previous band. The rousing version featuring Destroyer guitarist Jim Suhler had many in the crowd on their feet.
Thorogood and Leach
Opening with his upbeat hit "Rock Party," Thorogood and his band held court throughout the evening. More than once, he noted "The party is just getting started;" indeed the energy level rose continuously throughout the hour and a half set. The tune featured a powerful solo from Destroyer Sax man Buddy Leach.
Who Do You Love?
Playing to a sold out house, Thorogood mentioned it was his first show in the former movie theatre noting, "I hope this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship." Those assembled were treated to Destroyer hits like "I Drink Alone" and a nice slow version of the Bo Diddley cover "Who Do You Love."
Crowd Pleaser
Its a formula that works. Bare-knuckled Rock and Roll from a veteran of dive bars and big stages. Thorogood and the Destroyers played small clubs up and down the East Coast when they were starting out in the 70's. They went on to play festivals like Live Aid and their iconic riffs have been heard in sports arenas ever since.
Thorogood and Blough
Thorogood is blessed with a great voice and great guitar tone. His voice is exceptionally strong, even after 40+ years of incessant touring. He's pictured here with longtime Bass player Bill Blough on the Johnny Cash classic "Cocaine Blues."
Rocking the House
You won't find a lot of slow ballads in this setlist. Its pure Rock and Roll all night long. Thorogood closed the show with hits like (Hank Williams cover) "Move it on Over," "Gear Jammer," and his classic "Bad to the Bone."
Drive Safe
Although his songs seemingly endorse the party life ("One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer"), Thorogood displayed his trademark sense of humor (and serious message) reminding the crowd about finding a designated driver ... "from a friend, or a girlfriend, or your friend's girlfriend."
