Legendary! George Thorogood & the Destroyers at the House of Blues Chicago (March 9, 2025)

George Thorogood enters with a great stage presence. “I can’t believe it’s really me!” he says. It’s a great start to his fun and charming personality. 

Early on in their set, they play “Who Do You Love?” by Bo Diddley, which was on their 1978 album, Essential Recordings: One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer. They truly have made this song their own and it still sounds fantastic. 

Soon afterwards is “I Drink Alone” from their 1985 album, Maverick. The whole crowd is joyfully singing along: “Yeah, you know when I drink alone / I prefer to be by myself”. The guitar playing on this song is excellent as well. 

Next up is “One Bourbon, Once Scotch, One Beer” from their self-titled album in 1977. This song has such a great buildup which leads perfectly into the chorus. It’s a timeless classic. 

A bit later they play “Get A Haircut” from the 1993 album, Haircut. “Get a haircut and get a real job / Clean your act up and don’t be a slob!” This is another great one to sing along to, especially for those who don’t have a “real” job. 

At last, they play their mega hit, “Bad to the Bone” from the 1982 album of the same name. This song has over 262 million streams on Spotify. The riff on this song is legendary along with the iconic saxophone solo.  It’s also used on the soundtrack for over 80 films including Terminator 2, Problem Child, and Bull Durhum.  

Cost of a ticket: $70

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It +

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

See the full setlist here

Quinn Delaney

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