Wanted All Over the World – George Thorogood and The Destroyers – New Jersey 1978

This is one of a series of posts expanding on my 50 States in 50 Dates blog by documenting the global touring adventures of George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers and the earlier years of their career.

Quick Links:

• March 17, 1978 – Glassboro State College Student Center. Glassboro, NJ.
• December 4, 1978 – Rutgers University Student Center. New Brunswick, NJ.
• December 11, 1978 – Wilkins Theater. Kean College. Union, NJ.
• December 14, 1978 – Fast Lane. Asbury Park, NJ.

Glassboro State College Student Center.

Date:  March 17, 1978.

Venue: Student Center Ballroom. Glassboro State College. 201 Mullica Hill Rd. Glassboro, NJ. 08028. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/VuEjxWpDzEq71jdn7

Venue Exterior: 

1984:

Source: Rowan University / Facebook.

2022:

Venue Interior:

1985:

Source: Rowan University. Image Yearbook. 1985. Pg. 160.

Opening Act: Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill:  I have not (yet) come across a poster, flyer or handbill for the Destroyers’ 1978 concert at Glassboro State College.  Please get in touch if you have a scan or a photo that you can share.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Vineland Times Journal. March 10, 1978. Pg. 12.

Source: Courier Post. March 17, 1978. Pg. 11.

Ticket Price:  $1.50 with student ID; $3 for others.

Ticket Stub: I have yet to see a ticket stub for this concert. If you have a scan or a photo to share, please send me a note.

Attendance: Unknown.

Set List: Unknown.

Was the Concert Recorded?  Unknown. Please get in touch if you have any information.

Concert Photos: I am still looking for photos of this concert. Please get in touch if you know of any.

Concert Reaction: I have not yet found a contemporary written review of this concert, circa March 1978. Please get in touch if you know of one.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: Glassboro State College was renamed Rowan College of New Jersey in 1992, then renamed again as Rowan University in 1997. The student center was named the ​Chamberlain​ ​Student​ ​Center​ in 2006.

Rutgers University Student Center.

Date:  December 4, 1978.

Venue: Rose Room. Rutgers University Student Center. 126 College Ave. New Brunswick, NJ. 08901. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/1AmrZcoZcwWSNTm87

Venue Exterior: 

1969:

Source: Central New Jersey Home News. March 2, 1969. Pg. 18.

2022:

1970:

Source: Central New Jersey Home News. Jan. 26, 1970. Pg. A10.

2022:

Venue Interior: I am still looking for a photo of the Rutgers University Student Center’s Rose Room, circa 1978.

Opening Act:  Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill:  I have not (yet) come across a poster, flyer or handbill for the Destroyers’ 1978 show at the Rutgers University Student Center.  Please get in touch if you have a scan or a photo that you can share.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Daily Targum. Dec. 1, 1978. Pg. 9.

Source: Newark Star Ledger. Dec. 3, 1978. Pg. 5.

Ticket Price:  $5.

Ticket Stub: I have yet to see a ticket stub for this concert. If you have a scan or a photo to share, please send me a note.

Attendance: Unknown. The Rose Room in the Rutgers University Student Center had capacity for 700 people at this time. This concert was sold out.

Source: Central New Jersey Home News. May 2, 1979. Pg. 39.

Set List:

• Who Do You Love?
• Johnny B. Goode.

Source: Daily Targum. Dec. 6, 1978. Pg. 1.

Was the Concert Recorded?  Unknown. Please get in touch if you have any information.

Concert Photos:

Source: Daily Targum. Dec. 6, 1978. Pg. 1.

Concert Reaction: I have not yet found a contemporary written review of this concert, circa December 1978. Please get in touch if you know of one.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: There are now six student centers serving the five campuses of Rutgers University. As of this writing, the Rutgers University Student Center at 126 College Avenue continues to serve as a hub of student activity.

Kean College.

Date:  December 11, 1978.

Venue: Wilkins Theater. Kean College. 1000 Morris Ave. Union, NJ. 07083. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/d7zTgZbn21L27oaF6

Venue Exterior: 

1978:

Source: Kean College. Memorabilia Yearbook. 1978. Pg. 182.

2018:

Venue Interior:

1978:

Source: Kean College. Memorabilia Yearbook. 1978. Pg. 182.

Opening Act:  Allen Harris Band.

Source: Kean College. Memorabilia Yearbook. 1979. Pg. 125.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill:  I have not (yet) come across a poster, flyer or handbill for the Destroyers’ 1978 show at Kean College.  Please get in touch if you have a scan or a photo that you can share.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Kean College Independent. December 7, 1978. Pg. 15.

Source: Kean College Independent. December 7, 1978. Pg. 15.

Source: Kean College Independent. December 7, 1978. Pg. 15.

Ticket Price:  $3 in advance; $4.50 at the door.

Ticket Stub:

Above: Ticket stub for the December 11, 1978 concert at Kean College by George “Thurogood” and the Destroyers and the “Allan” Harris Band.

Attendance: Unknown. Wilkins Theatre had capacity for 1,000 people at this time.

Source: Kean College. Memorabilia Yearbook. 1978. Pg. 183.

Set List: Unknown.

Was the Concert Recorded?  Unknown. Please get in touch if you have any information.

Concert Photos:

Allen Harris Band:

George Thorogood & the Destroyers:

Source: Kean College. Memorabilia Yearbook. 1979. Pg. 125

Source: The Record. Dec. 26, 1978. Pg. A27.

Concert Reaction:

Bruce Rosen of The Record newspaper had a mixed review of the Destroyers’ 1978 concert at the Wilkins Theatre in Union, New Jersey:

“Thorogood is said to be totally oblivious to current pop music, but his delivery is, to use a worn but apt term, fresh and raw.

A recent show at Kean College in Union showed Thorogood to be a terrific entertainer.  He kicked his heels, duck walked like Berry, and his vocals were clean and energetic.  Only the moat around the stage seemed to stop him from jumping into the crowd with his incredibly long amplifier cord.

Thorogood, who is accompanied by only two destroyers – bassist Billy Blough and drummer Jeff Simon – unfortunately never seemed to reach his full intensity at the Kean show. By the middle of his act, it was apparent that he could have used a bit more percussion, a harmonica, or – to be extreme – a raunchy blues piano.

But when he was at his best, he captivated the audience and made his band sound like a team of guitars with driving bass and heavy rock drums.”

Source: The Record. Dec. 26, 1978. Pg. A27.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: As of this writing, Wilkins Theatre continues to function as a venue for live events in Union, NJ. Kean College was renamed Kean University in 1997.

Fast Lane.

Date:  December 14, 1978.

The Destroyers performed two concerts at the Fast Lane in this date.

Venue: Fast Lane. 207 4th Ave. Asbury Park, NJ. 07712. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/8m7U1a9Ggk7VqQVDA

Venue Exterior: 

1982:

2019:

Venue Interior:

1980:

Source: Asbury Park Press. May 25, 1980. Pg. H5.

Opening Act:  Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: 

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Village Voice. Dec. 4, 1978. Pg. 101.

Source: Asbury Park Press. Dec. 12, 1978. Pg. B7.

Source: Asbury Park Press. Dec. 12, 1978. Pg. B7.

Ticket Price:  $4 advance; $5 day of the show.

Ticket Stub: I have yet to see a ticket stub for this concert. If you have a scan or a photo to share, please send me a note.

Attendance: Unknown.

Set List: Unknown.

Was the Concert Recorded?  Unknown. Please get in touch if you have any information.

Concert Photos:

Concert Reaction: I have not yet found a contemporary printed review of this concert, circa December 1978.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: This version of the Fast Lane was renovated and renamed “Hitsville South” in October 1981. The venue reverted to the Fast Lane name in 1982. After operating on and off for many years, the Fast Lane was ultimately demolished in 2013. The site is currently a parking lot.

Source: Red Bank Daily Register. Oct. 11, 1981. Pg. C13.

Source: Asbury Park Sun. July 17, 2013

Wanted All Over the World – George Thorogood and The Destroyers – Massachusetts 1980

This is one of a series of posts expanding on my 50 States in 50 Dates blog by documenting the global touring adventures of George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers and the earlier years of their career.

Quick Links:

• November 2, 1980 – Berklee Performance Center. Boston, MA.
• November 6, 1980 – Rusty Nail Inn. Sunderland, MA.

Berklee Performance Center.

Date:  November 2, 1980.

The Destroyers performed two concerts at the Berklee Performance Center on this date.

Venue: Berklee Performance Center. 136 Massachusetts Ave. Boston, MA. 02115. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/ZyJTP6PnhDtgCSj17

Venue Exterior: 

Circa 1977:

Source: Berklee College of Music. Course Catalog, 1980-1981. Pg. 98.

2020:

Venue Interior:

Circa 1983:

Source: Berklee College of Music. Course Catalog, 1983-1984.

Opening Act: The Needles.

There have been several groups around the world calling themselves the Needles over the years. The version of the Needles that opened for the Destroyers’ this night was a rock and R&B group from Brookline, MA.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I have not yet seen a poster, flyer or handbill to promote these concerts. Please send me a note if you have a lead.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Boston Globe. Oct. 23, 1980. Pg. 18.

Source: Boston Phoenix. Oct. 28, 1980. Pg. 10.

Source: Boston Phoenix. Nov. 4, 1980. Pg. 39.

Ticket Price:  $8.50.

Ticket Stub:

Above: Concert ticket for the Destroyers’ late show at the Berklee Performance Center on November 2, 1980.

Attendance:  Unknown. The Berklee Performance Center had capacity for an audience of 1,227 people at this time.

Source: Boston Globe. Feb. 1, 1976. Pg. 16.

Set List: Unknown.

Was the Concert Recorded? Unknown.

Concert Photos:

Above: Two of the many outstanding photos of George Thorogood and the Destroyers taken by Benjamin Levy on November 2, 1980. Please visit his Flickr account to see the entire set.

Concert Reaction: I not yet found a contemporary printed review of these concerts from 1980. If you have a lead, please send me a note.

Other Notes:

Above: Backstage pass for the Destroyers’ concerts at the Berklee Performance Center on November 2, 1980.

Fate of the Venue: At the time of this writing, the Berklee Performance Center continues to operate as a venue for concerts and other live events.

Rusty Nail Inn.

Date:  November 6, 1980.

Venue: Rusty Nail Inn. 500 Hadley Rd. Sunderland, MA. 01375. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/fCmepvHZc8UYAzQ48

Venue Exterior: 

1978:

Above: The band Loose Caboose outside the Rusty Nail Inn. Source: Facebook.

2011:

Venue Interior:

1977:

Above: The band Bricker on stage at the Rusty Nail Inn. Source: Facebook.

Opening Act: Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I have not yet seen a poster, flyer or handbill to promote this concert. Please send me a note if you have a lead.

Press & Promotion:

Source: UMass-Amherst Daily Collegian. Oct. 23, 1980. Pg. 12.

Source: UMass-Amherst Daily Collegian. Oct. 24, 1980. Pg. 5.

Source: UMass-Amherst Daily Collegian. Oct. 27, 1980. Pg. 9.

Source: UMass-Amherst Daily Collegian. Nov. 4, 1980. Pg. 12.

Source: UMass-Amherst Daily Collegian. Nov. 6, 1980. Pg. 9.

Source: Mount Holyoke Choragos. Nov. 6, 1980. Pg. 9.

Ticket Price:  $5.

Ticket Stub: I have not (yet) seen a ticket stub to the Destroyers’ concert at the Rusty Nail Inn in 1980. If you have a scan or a photo to share, please send me a note.

Attendance:  Unknown. Differing sources indicate the Rusty Nail Inn had official occupancy of 600 or 1,000 people at this time. This concert was sold out. The Daily Hampshire Gazette reported that the Destroyers played to “a wall-to-wall hall of frenzied fans”.

Source: UMass Amherst Daily Collegian. June 16, 1976. Pg. 6; The Transcript. July 29, 1985. Pg. 2; Daily Hampshire Gazette. Nov. 11, 1980. Pg. 5.

Set List:

• Who Do You Love?
• The Sky is Crying.
• Cocaine Blues.
• It Wasn’t Me.
• Madison Blues.
• So Much Trouble.
• One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.
• House of Blue Lights.
• Ruby Ann*
• Reelin’ and Rockin’.
• I Can’t Stop Lovin’.
• Move It On Over (encore).

* Ruby Ann was a hit song originally recorded by Marty Robbins in 1962. It is a true rarity to see it in a Destroyers’ set list.

Source: UMass Amherst Daily Collegian. Nov. 12, 1980. Pg. 6 & Daily Hampshire Gazette. Nov. 11, 1980. Pg. 5.

Was the Concert Recorded? Unknown.

Concert Photos:

Source: Daily Hampshire Gazette. Nov. 11, 1980. Pg. 5.

Concert Reaction:

Reviewer Ed Levine of the UMass Amherst Daily Collegian sacrificed his hearing to file this positive report of the Destroyers’ concert at the Rusty Nail Inn on November 6, 1980:

“Almost six days later, my ears are still ringing […] with the catchy blues sound of George Thorogood and the (Delaware) Destroyers. 

When Thorogood and company left the stage, the full extent of the aural damage became evident to the sold-out throng in attendance. But instead of seeking quiet surroundings, the crowd cried out for more, and the Destroyers returned to play two more of their favorite tunes. The show, to say the least, was impressive. Often called “the master of the slide guitar,” Thorogood played the blues like few others can. His stage presence is awesome, and he controls the house. Exchanging barbs with members of the audience and cracking witty jokes, Thorogood keeps the tempo of the show up. And the music never gives up, with a hard driving beat and piercing sound.

Backed by a saxophone player [Hank Carter], bassist Billy Blough and drummer Jeff Simon, the Destroyers (once called the Delaware Destroyers, after their native state) provided a fine accompaniment to Thorogood’s talents. The band played material from all three of their albums, including the entire first side from their second and most popular effort, Move it on Over.”

Source: UMass Amherst Daily Collegian. Nov. 12, 1980. Pg. 6.

Reviewer David Geary of the Daily Hampshire Gazette also had positive things to say about the Destroyers’ November 1980 concert in Sunderland, MA:

“Just when you thought rock and roll had degenerated into depressing, three-chord slugfests or evolved into atonal, intergalactic space drivel, along comes George Thorogood and the Destroyers to let the good times roll again.  Thursday at the Rusty Nail, Thorogood brought his hyperkinetic blend of white blues and straight-ahead, late 50s and early 60s rockers to a wall-to-wall hall of frenzied fans.

Thorogood performance was a genuine throwback to those guitar-crazed days a decade ago when the likes of Johnny Winter and Alvin Lee left their bands in the dust and audiences howling on their feet with [a] lightning-fast, screaming guitar extravaganza. While the Destroyers, bassist Jeff Simmons (sic), saxophonist Hank Carter and drummer Billy Blough, laid down an impressively solid rhythm foundation, it was Thorogood and his guitar who dominated the stage. With seemingly limitless energy, he propelled the audience with him… Duck-walking back and forth across the stage, snapping his head back manically as he reached for and found every note he wanted […] Thorogood played as if he were possessed.

Although not technically as proficient as better-known guitarists […], nor a particularly good singer, Thorogood transcends his limitations through sheer drive and instinct.  He was not only able to sustain the momentum of his opening number but came back to eclipse it with an encore of ‘Move It On Over.’

By the end of this rock tour de force, the crowd appeared more exhausted than the performer.  “Do ya’ll like rock and roll?”, Thorogood shouted to the audience.  The answer was deafeningly predictable. George Thorogood and the Destroyers are about as good as rock and roll gets.”

Source: Daily Hampshire Gazette. Nov. 11, 1980. Pg. 5.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue:

The Rusty Nail Inn was completely destroyed (no pun intended) in a large, early morning fire on July 28, 1985. The wood and metal building was “a burning inferno” when firefighters arrived at 5am.

Source: The Transcript. July 29, 1985. Pg. 2.

Wanted All Over the World – George Thorogood and The Destroyers – Virginia 1981

This is one of a series of posts expanding on my 50 States in 50 Dates blog by documenting the global touring adventures of George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers and the earlier years of their career.

Quick Links:

• November 26, 1981 – Much More Club. Richmond, Virginia.
• December 18 & 19, 1981 – Hampton Coliseum. Hampton, Virginia.

Hampton Coliseum.

Date:  December 18 & 19, 1981.

Venue:  Hampton Coliseum.  1000 Coliseum Dr. Hampton, VA. 23666. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/oEVa59NJmKbYr9rdA

Venue Exterior: 

December 18, 1981:

Source: WAVY TV 10 Archives.

2019:

Venue Interior:

December 18, 1981:

Above: The Rolling Stones perform at the Hampton Coliseum on December 18, 1981. Source: YouTube.

Opening Act:  George Thorogood and the Destroyers opened for the Rolling Stones on these dates.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I have not yet seen a poster specifically for these concerts.  Please get in touch if you have a photo or image you can share.

Press & Promotion:  

Above: After months of negotiations, the final arrangements for the Rolling Stones’ 1981 concerts in Hampton, VA came together very quickly. Contracts for these shows were signed on December 8th, 1981 and tickets went on sale to the public on December 9th, 1981.

Source:  Daily Press. Dec. 9, 1981. Pg. 9 & Dec. 10, 1981. Pg. 25.

Source: Daily Press. Dec. 10, 1981. Pg. 25.

Above: Any information about a possible opening act for these concerts was not revealed to the public until very close to the actual concerts. Source:  Cashbox. Dec. 12, 1981. Pg. 14.

Source: Billboard. Dec. 26, 1981. Pg. 7.

Ticket Price:  $15.75.

Ticket Stubs:  

Of note, both of these concerts had unreserved, general admission seating for the entire venue.

Attendance:  13,000 per show. These concerts were sold out.

In addition to the in-person crowds at the venue, an estimated 850,000 people reportedly watched the December 18, 1981 concert on pay per view television.

Source:  Billboard.  January 5, 1982.  Pg. 22 & Twin Falls Times News. Dec. 20, 1981. Pg. A7.

Set List:

George Thorogood and the Destroyers:

• House of Blue Lights.
• Kids from Philly.
• Who Do You Love?
• Cocaine Blues.
• One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.
• It Wasn’t Me.
• Move It On Over.
• Reelin’ and Rockin’.

The Rolling Stones:

• Under My Thumb.
• When The Whip Comes Down.
• Let’s Spend The Night Together.
• Shattered.
• Neighbors.
• Black Limousine.
• Just My Imagination.
• Twenty Flight Rock.
• Going To A Go Go.
• Let Me Go.
• Time Is On My Side.
• Beast Of Burden.
• Waiting On A Friend.
• Let It Bleed.
• You Can’t Always Get What You Want.
• Happy Birthday (for Keith Richards’ 38th birthday).
• Little T & A.
• Tumbling Dice.
• She’s So Cold.
• Hang Fire.
• Miss You.
• Honky Tonk Women.
• Brown Sugar.
• Start Me Up.
• Jumping Jack Flash.
• Satisfaction.

Were these Concerts Recorded?  Yes. The December 18, 1981 concert from Hampton Coliseum was broadcast live on pay-per-view television and a network of terrestrial radio stations. Video and audio from the Rolling Stones’ portion of the concert was subsequently issued as “From the Vault – Hampton Coliseum 1981”. 

Concert Photos: 

Concert Reaction:

Source: Cashbox. Jan. 9, 1982. Pg. 18.

The Richmond Times Dispatch included mention of the Destroyers’ performance at the Hampton Coliseum as part of a larger review of the December 18, 1981 concert:

“George Thorogood and the Destroyers, the Wilmington, Del., blues-rock band, opened their warm-up set about half an hour before the scheduled 9pm. curtain time.  The seamless floor and most of the fixed-seat tiers were long since jammed with humanity. Thorogood and co. in their familiar set of vintage rock ‘n’ roll tunes and duckwalking, high-stepping stage hijinks ignited the crowd – a multiplication by at least 10 of the crowd usually accommodated in the bars Thorogood plays.

‘How Sweet It Is!’ the singer-guitarist exulted as the throng howled in appreciation after Chuck Berry’s ‘It Wasn’t Me.’ The quartet offered Hank Williams’ ‘Move It on Over’ as an encore and seemed loath to quit the stage.“

Source: Richmond Times Dispatch. Dec. 19, 1981. Pg. B7.

A second review in the Richmond Times Dispatch for the December 19, 1981 concert compared the performances of the Rolling Stones and the Delaware Destroyers:

“From the crowd perspective, security was so easygoing that the concert emcee was able to coax an ovation for the police – unheard of from a rock audience. The show itself pitted the veteran Rolling Stones, complete with Mick Jagger’s campy mugging and skittish dance steps, against the comparatively wholesome antics of George Thorogood and the Destroyers, a young act that revived the duckwalking acrobatics spawned in blues and rock of the 1950s.

On purely musical grounds, the result was a near standoff. The Stones had a full array of production effects and Jagger’s stage presence going for them; the Destroyers had the true grit of classic repertory – Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, John Lee Hooker, Hank Williams, Sr. – and Thorogood’s colorful pipes and boundless energy. It was a historic encounter between rock talents, as the superstars of the ’60s met the brightest new force in ’80s rock.”

Source: Richmond Times Dispatch. Dec. 20, 1981. Pg. B1.

Other Notes: 

The Delaware Destroyers were joined by Ian Stewart from the Rolling Stones on piano for this performance.

Above: George Thorogood speaks with Keith Richards and Ron Wood in the Rolling Stones’ dressing room following the Destroyers’ opening set on December 18, 1981.

Above: Concert promoter Bill Graham wears the special t-shirt made up to recognize Keith Richards’ 38th birthday at the December 18, 1981 concert at Hampton Coliseum.

Above: Backstage passes from the Rolling Stones’ concerts at Hampton Coliseum on December 18th and 19th, 1981, respectively. Source: Record insert sleeve from the Rolling Stones’ “Still Life” album, 1982.

Above: Full page Billboard magazine ‘thank you’ ad from George Thorogood and the Destroyers and the Rosebud Agency to the Rolling Stones, including a mention of the Hampton Coliseum concerts. Source: Billboard. Dec. 26, 1981.

Above: The Rolling Stones’ December 1981 concerts at the Hampton Coliseum were a focus of a full page ad in Billboard magazine in early 1982. Source: Billboard. Jan. 23, 1982. Pg. 15.

Fate of the Venue: As of this writing, Hampton Coliseum continues to host concerts and other live events.  

Wanted All Over the World – George Thorogood and The Destroyers – Iowa 1980

This is one of a series of posts expanding on my 50 States in 50 Dates blog by documenting the global touring adventures of George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers and the earlier years of their career.

Quick Links:

• November 29, 1980 – Hoyt Sherman Auditorium. Des Moines, Iowa.
• November 30, 1980 – Iowa Memorial Union. Iowa City, Iowa.

Hoyt Sherman Auditorium.

Date:  November 29, 1980.

Venue: Hoyt Sherman Place. 1501 Woodland Ave. Des Moines, IA. 50314. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/AkqePwsBfXd5wr2J9

Venue Exterior: 

1977:

Source: U.S. Department of Interior. National Register of Historic Places. Registry Application. 1977. Pg. 8.

2012:

Source: Wikipedia.

Venue Interior:

1979:

Source: U.S. Department of Interior. National Register of Historic Places. Registry Application. 1977. Pg. 10.

Opening Act: Warren County String Ticklers.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I am still looking for a poster, flyer or handbill used to promote this concert. Please send me a note if you have any leads.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Des Moines Tribune. Nov. 20, 1980. Pg. 14D.

Source: Des Moines Tribune. Nov. 27, 1980. Pg. 7D.

Source: Des Moines Register. Nov. 28, 1980. Pg. 6A.

Source: Des Moines Register. Nov. 29, 1980. Pg. 1B.

Ticket Price:  $8.75.

Ticket Stub:

Attendance:  1,256.

Source: Des Moines Register. Dec. 1, 1980. Pg. 7B.

Set List:

• House of Blue Lights.
• Night Time.
• Madison Blues.
• Reelin’ and Rockin’.

Source: Des Moines Register. Dec. 1, 1980. Pg. 7B.

Was the Concert Recorded?  Unknown.

Concert Photos: I am still looking for any photos of the Destroyers’ concert at the Hoyt Sherman Auditorium in November 1980. Please send me a note if you have any.

Concert Reaction:

Des Moines Staff Writer Jim Healey penned these words about the Destroyers’ concert at the Hoyt Sherman Auditorium in 1980:

“Des Moines concertgoers have learned a couple of new words, courtesy of George Thorogood and the Destroyers: “rockin'” and “cookin'”. Most everyone knows, of course, what the first of those is supposed to mean, but the 1,256 people who experienced the Destroyers’ show at Hoyt Sherman Place Saturday night would testify that’s what it means – energy: pure, raw, and beautiful in its fury.

And cookin’. That’s what musicians say is going on when they’re on a roll, when the playing is hot. There was plenty of that too, at normally staid Hoyt Sherman. The audience, in fact, cooked as hard as the rhythm and blues quartet did.  The band walked onstage at 9:05 p.m., and the joint didn’t cool down until they left, exhausted, one hour and 45 minutes later – after two encores.

[…]

At various times, Thorogood, a willing prisoner of some rhythm and blues mania, contorted his face and danced to the edge of the stage apron.  He wailed his licks, then bent over and anointed those close with the neck of his guitar. He duck-walked in Chuck Berry fashion from one side to the other, adding to that funky step his own flashy hijinks. He kicked higher than his shoulder without missing a beat.  He strutted and showed off, a brash and insouciant punk who never let his friendly, knowing smile fade too far.  The fans were delirious with appreciation.

He didn’t let them down musically, either, although his blast-off velocity guitar playing wore slightly thin as the evening progressed.  Too, the public address system suffered problems – a lack of vocal clarity, especially up close, and frequent feedback.  But the sheer exuberance of the set overcame that, and most concertgoers had nothing bad to say afterward.

One of the best pieces was ‘Night Time’, a driving, hypnotic number with repetitive lyrics…  Jeff Simon’s unvarying drums – hardly a stick on anything but the high-hat and the snare – created the illusion that the listener was on a Hades-bound express train with no brakes. It was weird, stark and darkly exciting.

The show was opened by the Warren County String Ticklers, a quasi-bluegrass band of local repute.  The quartet put on its tightest show so far to a genuinely appreciative crowd.”

Source: Des Moines Register. Dec. 1, 1980. Pg. 7B.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: At the time of this writing, Hoyt Sherman Place continues to host concerts and other public events.

Iowa Memorial Union.

Date:  November 30, 1980.

Venue: Main Lounge. Iowa Memorial Union. University of Iowa. 125 N. Madison St. Iowa City, IA. 52245. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/zQ8ahioBaDCYPjdC7

Venue Exterior: 

1970s:

Source: University of Iowa Archives.

2021:

Venue Interior:

1950:

Source: University of Iowa Archives.

Opening Act: Warren County String Ticklers.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I am still looking for a poster, flyer or handbill used to promote this concert. Please send me a note if you have any leads.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Daily Iowan. Nov. 13, 1980. Pg. 10.

Source: Daily Iowan. Nov. 26, 1980. Pg. 9.

Source: Des Moines Register. Nov. 28, 1980. Pg. 6A.

Source: Des Moines Register. Nov. 29, 1980. Pg. 1B.

Ticket Price:  $8.75.

Ticket Stub: I am still looking for a ticket stub to the Destroyers’ 1980 concert in Iowa City. Please get in touch if you have a scan or photo to share.

Attendance:  Unknown. The Iowa City Citizen reported that the Destroyers played to a “wall-to-wall crowd” at the Iowa Memorial Union on this night. The IMU’s Main Lounge currently has capacity for an audience of 1,200 people for concerts.

Source: Iowa City Citizen. Dec. 6, 1980. Pg. 14D.

Set List: Unknown. Please get in touch if you have any details.

Was the Concert Recorded?  Unknown.

Concert Photos: I am still looking for any photos of the Destroyers’ concert at the IMU in November 1980. Please send me a note if you know of any.

Concert Reaction:

Press-Citizen reporter Curt Seifert penned these words about the Destroyers’ November 1980 concert at the Iowa Memorial Union:

“[George Thorogood] put on the sort of flamboyant show he’s famous for – complete with duck walks across the stage and lots of tortured rock and roll grimacing as a backdrop for screaming guitar solos.  He delighted the ballroom’s wall-to-wall crowd enough that many of them spent much of the evening standing on chairs bouncing to the pervasive rock beat.

Unfortunately, however, the visual aspect of Thorogood’s show, though interesting, was not not enough to make up for its audio shortcomings.  Due to an incredibly poor sound system, the guitarist’s performance was largely unintelligible throughout most of the hall.  The system was plenty loud enough – perhaps a little too loud at times. But it lacked the clarity that could have made individual instruments, most notably Thorogood’s guitar, distinguishable from the roar of the rest of the band – which, in addition to Thorogood, consisted of Hank Carter on saxophone, Billy Blough on bass and Jeff Simon on drums.

Judging from the reaction of the crowd, the only place the system really sounded good was directly in front of the stage. Few, however, would be able to testify to that fact because only the staunchest of Thorogood supporters – those maniacally bent on a closer encounter with the star – braved the throng that crushed itself to the stage.  The sound situation was really frustrating because Thorogood is a credible, albeit derivative, rock guitarist. Much of his slide work was virtually lost halfway back in the hall.

Thorogood was preceded by the Warren County String Ticklers, a pleasant but boring bluegrass act.”

Source: Iowa City Citizen. Dec. 6, 1980. Pg. 14D.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: At the time of this writing, the Main Lounge at the Iowa Memorial Union continues to host concerts and other public events.

Wanted All Over the World – George Thorogood and The Destroyers – Tennessee 1980

This is one of a series of posts expanding on my 50 States in 50 Dates blog by documenting the global touring adventures of George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers and the earlier years of their career.

Quick Links:

• March 28, 1980 – Tennessee Theatre. Nashville, TN.
• March 29, 1980 – P.O.E.T.S. Music Hall. Memphis, TN.

Tennessee Theatre.

Date:  March 28, 1980.

Venue: Tennessee Theatre. 535 Church St. Nashville, TN. 37219. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/tNARfQwsMK6Vqn3a7

Venue Exterior: 

1980s:

2022:

Venue Interior:

1952:

Source: Nashville Public Library.

Opening Act:  Billy Joe Shaver.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I am still looking for a poster, flyer or handbill for this concert. Please send me a note if you have a photo to share. 

Press & Promotion: 

Source: The Tennessean. March 16, 1980. Pg. 52.

Source: Bowling Green Daily News. March 21, 1980. Pg. 6B.

Source: Jackson Sun. March 28, 1980. Pg. 2.

Source: The Tennessean. March 28, 1980. Pg. 52.

Ticket Price:  $6.75 “limited advance”; otherwise $7.75.

Ticket Stub:

Attendance: 1,748.

Source: Amusement Business. April 19, 1980. Pg. 5.

Set List: Unknown.

Was the Concert Recorded?  Unknown.

Concert Photos: I am still looking for any photos of the Destroyers performing at the Tennessee Theatre in 1980. Please get in touch if you have a lead.

Concert Reaction: I have not yet found a contemporary print review of this concerts circa 1980. Please send me a note if you know of one.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: The Tennessee Theatre in Nashville was demolished over a ten month period starting in late 1988.

Source: UPI Archives. December 23, 1988.

P.O.E.T.S. Music Hall.

Date:  March 29, 1980.

The Destroyers played two concerts at the P.O.E.T.S. Music Hall in Memphis on this date.

Venue: P.O.E.T.S. Music Hall. 1819 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN. 38104. USA.

“P.O.E.T.S.” is an acronym that means “Piss Off Early, Tomorrow’s Saturday” or “Piss On Everything, Tomorrow’s Saturday”.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/EhDja58nFwzAdn6g8

Venue Exterior: 

1981:

Source: Commercial Appeal. July 17, 1981. Pg. 22.

2016:

2019:

Venue Interior:

1978:

Source: Commercial Appeal. Dec. 8, 1978. Pg. 25.

Opening Act: Unknown.  

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I have not yet seen a poster, flyer or handbill to promote the Destroyers’ concerts at the POETS Music Hall in 1980. Please send me a note if you know of any.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Commercial Appeal. March 28, 1980. Pg. 24.

Ticket Price:  Unknown.

Ticket Stub: I have never seen a ticket stub from either of the Destroyers’ concerts at POETS Music Hall in 1980. Please get in touch if you have a photo you can share.

Attendance:  500 people (per show).

Source: Commercial Appeal. March 30, 1980. Pg. C9.

Set List:

• I’m Wanted.
• Who Do You Love?
• Cocaine Blues.
• One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.
• It Wasn’t Me.

Source: Commercial Appeal. March 30, 1980. Pg. C9.

Was the Concert Recorded?  Unknown.

Concert Photos: I am still looking for any photos of these concerts. Please send me a note if you know of any.

Concert Reaction:

Walter Dawson of Memphis’ Commercial Appeal newspaper was left spent by the Destroyers’ 1980 performances at P.O.E.T.S. Music Hall in Memphis:

“What a dangerous band George Thorogood and the Destroyers is.  It is the type of group that gives rock and roll a bad name among some folks and [a] great one among others.

Last night, the group sold out two shows at the 500-seat P.O.E.T.S. Music Hall, and it was simply awesome. Few bands could understand the rock and roll form as well as Thorogood and his group, and in that regard Thorogood rivals Bruce Springsteen and the early Rolling Stones. Last night’s first show was so totally draining, so consuming — it […] bordered on […] being dangerous to your health and was about as good as rock and roll gets.

Thorogood jumped into the audience, played on tabletops, dipped into a Chuck Berry-like duck walk and broke a guitar string on the very first song. And things got hot from there...

The only problem with Thorogood is that he leaves you with nowhere to go afterwards.  Another band, another club, records, the radio — what’s the use?”

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue:

In August 1981, the P.O.E.T.S. Music Hall moved to a larger location on Lamar Avenue, site of the former Country and Western Ballroom, and was renamed “The Music Hall” (no P.O.E.T.S.). The building at 1819 Madison Ave. was demolished in 2018.