George Thorogood Interview: Blues Rock Legend Talks Music, Touring, and Legacy

Speaking with George Thorogood, the iconic blues rock guitarist, over the phone was an unforgettable experience. As a nervous interviewer, I was thrilled by Thorogood’s legendary charisma and ease, living up to his reputation as a rock 'n' roll titan. Known for hits like "Bad to the Bone" and "I Drink Alone," George Thorogood and The Destroyers have been a cornerstone of American blues rock since forming in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1974.

About George Thorogood and The Destroyers

George Thorogood and The Destroyers, a powerhouse blues rock band, consist of George Thorogood (vocals, guitar), Jeff Simon (drums), Bill Stuverud (bass), Jim Suhler (guitar), and Buddy Cianciulli (harmonica). With 20 studio albums, 12 live albums, and 13 compilation albums, the band has sold over 15 million records worldwide. Their signature sound—a blend of blues, rock, and boogie-woogie—has produced timeless tracks like "Bad to the Bone," "I Drink Alone," and "Move It On Over." The iconic guitar riff from "Bad to the Bone" remains one of the most recognizable in rock music history. For 50 years, Thorogood and his band have delivered electrifying performances, inspiring generations of rock fans.

Q&A with George Thorogood

Ahead of his May 10, 2022, performance at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, as part of the "Live & Unzoomed" tour with REO Speedwagon and Styx, Thorogood shared insights on his career, songwriting, and the enduring power of rock 'n' roll.

On addressing the misconception that the band only does covers:

"People in and out of the music business would say, 'How come you never do originals, just covers?' They used the word 'never,' and I’d say, 'Wait a minute, that’s not true.' Just because you hear 'One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer' on the radio, we have originals in our catalog. So, Matt from Capital and our manager, Adam, put together a collection of our originals—a whole CD. I’m not saying I’ve written great songs, but I’ve written songs to set the record straight. With today’s global music platforms, the timing couldn’t be better."

On the "Live & Unzoomed" tour and favorite venues:

The tour, featuring George Thorogood and The Destroyers alongside Styx and REO Speedwagon, was moved from Pinewood Bowl Amphitheater to Pinnacle Bank Arena due to weather.

What’s your favorite type of venue to perform in—clubs, theaters, arenas, festivals, or amphitheaters?

"Good venues," Thorogood said.

Define a good venue:

"What do you prefer—tall people or short people? You don’t care as long as they’re good people."

Favorite region to play in?

"All of them. To me, every night is Carnegie Hall."

On writing great songs:

"It’s easy to write a song, difficult to write a good song, and harder to write a great song. The key is having a great songwriter. People still love 'Jumpin’ Jack Flash' and 'Like a Rolling Stone.'"

On memorable Midwest performances:

"I played a small club in Omaha while visiting relatives. They hired me on the spot. I was fortunate to get a break in Nebraska."

On the greatest performance moment of his career:

"Every night."

On advice for aspiring guitarists:

"Rest in peace to Johnny Winter. He said, 'Always play for fun.' If it’s fun, you’ll do it more. The more you do it, the better you get, and the better you get, the more fun you have."

On the enduring nature of rock 'n' roll:

"Rock 'n' roll will never die because there’s too much money in it. It’s a natural phenomenon, in your soul. When you’re born, your mom rocks you to sleep. Your parents rocked to create you. Later, they put you in a rocking chair. It’s natural. That’s why people in the ‘50s and ‘60s couldn’t understand why kids went wild for it—it’s in the body."

On the power of a guitar riff:

"Can you imagine a world without the opening lick to 'Johnny B. Goode' or 'Satisfaction'? Chuck Berry and The Rolling Stones knew to get the lick first, then build the song around it."

On Charlie Watts asking for his autograph:

In a previous interview with Katy Daryl of AXS TV, Thorogood recounted Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones asking for his autograph. "It was huge then, and it’s even bigger now since his passing. Charlie was the most influential rock drummer. The Stones’ sound came together with him—a jazz drummer blending blues and rhythm and blues. We talk about him every day. I tell our drummer, Jeff Simon, to sneak in Charlie’s lick from 'When the Whip Comes Down.' It’s too heavy to ignore."

On being a lifelong fan and collecting autographs:

"I was a fan at 15, and I’m still a fan. That’ll never leave me. My first autograph was Chuck Berry’s, then Tom Jones, Suzanne Pleshette, and Joe DiMaggio. Vikki LaMotta once wrote, 'George, can I have YOUR autograph?' Yes, you may! I practiced my autograph in high school during free periods, not my guitar!"

The "Live & Unzoomed" Concert Experience

The May 10, 2022, concert at Pinnacle Bank Arena was a rock 'n' roll spectacle. George Thorogood and The Destroyers, Styx, and REO Speedwagon each delivered electrifying sets, proving their headliner status. The show was a testament to the timeless appeal of classic rock, leaving fans buzzing with energy.

For more on George Thorogood’s music, tour dates, and legacy, visit his official website or follow him on social media.