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:
Indiana University Auditorium.
Date: December 2, 1982.
Venue: Indiana University Auditorium. 1211 East 7th Street. Bloomington, IN. 47405. USA.
Find it on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/a2TDzK2VXf6yyiLQ9
Venue Exterior:
1960s:
2017:
Venue Interior:
1942:
Source: Library of Congress.
Opening Act: Unknown.
Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I am still looking for any posters, fliers or handbills used to promote the Destroyers’ 1982 concert in Bloomington, IN. Please send me a note using the Comment box below if you know of any.
Press & Promotion:
Source: Indianapolis Star. Nov. 12, 1982. Pg. 50.
Source: Courier Journal. Nov. 28, 1982. Pg. H2.
Ticket Price: $7.75 & $8.75.
Source: Courier Journal. Nov. 28, 1982. Pg. H2.
Ticket Stub:
Attendance: 2,200.
Source: Indiana University. Arbutus Yearbook. 1983. Pg. 194.
Set List:
- Nobody But Me.
- House of Blue Lights.
- Who Do You Love?
- I’m Wanted.
- Cocaine Blues.
- Move It On Over.
Source: Indiana University. Arbutus Yearbook. 1983. Pg. 194.
Was this Concert Recorded? Unknown. Please get in touch if you have any information.
Concert Photos:
Source: Indiana University. Arbutus Yearbook. 1983. Pg. 194.
Concert Reaction:
Joseph Lilley from the Indiana University’s Arbutus Yearbook did not enjoy the Destroyers’ concert at IU on December 2, 1982:
“George Thorogood and his Destroyers left the IU Auditorium in shambles Dec. 2 and practically left 2,200 fans deafened for at least a week. Was it worth it? Not really. This man, with the famous stutter in his voice (b-b-b bad) and his tiger-skinned (sic) leather outfit desperately attempted to sing but was only mildly successful with tunes like “Nobody But Me” and “House of Blue Lights.”
However, one must give this man credit on one point. He can move. He looked like Richard Simmons as he demonstrated leg bends, toe touches and the sits. Utilizing the stage area, Thorogood danced his way across the sound system and even into the audience. Tunes like “Who Do You Love?” “[I’m Wanted],” and “Wild Eyes” (?) had the audience on their feet screaming, yelling, and throwing beer cans and marshmallows onstage. At one point Thorogood yelled, “Where do you dance in this dump . . . place?” And later he said, “We’re going to party till 5 a.m.”
Saxist Hank Carter screeched out some piercing horns with “Cocaine Blues” and “Move It Closer” (sic). Other band members could barely be seen as Thorogood was the focus of attention throughout the three hour show. Back for two encores, Thorogood closed with hits from his recent album, Bad to the Bone.
Thorogood is an entertainer and a rocker. If not for the excessive volume of this show, his presentation may have been an enjoyable one. But for this show, let’s play it safe and say that George Thorogood and the Destroyers should have been seen and not heard.”
Source: Indiana University. Arbutus Yearbook. 1983. Pg. 194.
Other Notes:
Above: Progress on ticket sales for the Destroyers’ concert was noted in a report to the Indiana University Board of Directors. Source: IU Board of Directors Minutes. Nov. 12, 1982. Pg. 2.
Above: Backstage pass for George Thorogood and the Destroyers’ concert at the IU Auditorium on December 2, 1982.
Fate of the Venue: At the time of this writing, the Indiana University Auditorium continues to operate as an arts and entertainment venue.
50 States in 50 Dates 
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