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:
- February 28 & March 1, 1981 – Euphoria Tavern. Portland, OR.
- October 25, 1981 – Paramount Theatre. Portland, OR.
Euphoria Tavern.
Date: February 28 & March 1, 1981.
The Destroyers played two shows at the Euphoria Tavern on each of these days.
Venue: Euphoria Tavern. 315 SE 3rd Ave. Portland, OR. 97214. USA.
Note: The address on the matchbook cover above is from before the 1979 renovation that switched the Euphoria Tavern’s entrance from the 2nd Ave side of the building to the 3rd Ave side of the building.
Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/bedvS3XH8NRkEDrd8
Venue Exterior:
1979:
Source: The First Portland Catalogue. 1979. Pg. 82.
2018:
Venue Interior:
1979:
Source: The First Portland Catalogue. 1979. Pg. 82.
Opening Act:
Skyboys (February 28, 1981 concert):
Liquid Blues Band (March 1, 1981 concert):
Photo Source: Facebook.
Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I am still looking for any posters, flyers or handbills used to publicize these concerts.
Press & Promotion:
Source: Statesman Journal. Feb. 20, 1981. Pg. 11D.
Source: Oregon Journal. Feb. 26, 1981. Pg. 32.
Source: Oregonian. Feb. 27, 1981. Pg. E9.
Source: Oregonian. Feb. 27, 1981. Pg. E9.
Ticket Price: Unknown.
Ticket Stub:
Above: Ticket stub for the Destroyers’ early (7pm) performance at the Euphoria Tavern on Saturday, February 28, 1981.
Above: Ticket stub for the Destroyers’ late (11pm) performance at the Euphoria Tavern on Saturday, February 28, 1981. From the collection of Doug Turner.
Attendance: After a major renovation in 1979, the Euphoria Tavern had capacity for an audience of 500 per show. The Destroyers’ two shows on March 1, 1981 were sold out.
Source: Oregonian. Jan. 12, 1979. Pg. G1.
Set List:
- House of Blue Lights.
- One Way Ticket.
- Reelin’ and Rockin’.
- Move It On Over.
- Cocaine Blues.
- One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.
- Who Do You Love?
Was the Concert Recorded? Unknown.
Concert Photos: I am still looking for any photos of the Destroyers’ concerts at the Euphoria Tavern in 1981. Please send me a note if you have any.
Concert Reaction:
Oregon Journal Special Writer Dan DePrez penned these words about the Destroyers’ concerts at the Euphoria Tavern in 1981:
“Music, energy, lights, incredible sounds, sassiness, and personality conspired Saturday and Sunday nights at Euphoria by George Thorogood and the Destroyers. Thorogood is a firm believer in basics, be it in his music or business affairs… While the entourage of most rock bands usually resembles an army, Thorogood’s total road crew is closer to a basketball team in size. In music, also, Thorogood sticks to the basics. His reputation has been built on authentic reproductions of almost forgotten blues and rock classics, delivered with uncommon energy.
The guitarist and his three-piece backup band hit the stage at Euphoria greeted by more anticipation than this writer has ever seen from an audience. From the opening Chuck Berry-style guitar riff that kicked off “House of Blue Lights,” Thorogood’s opener, the crowd was on its feet, clapping and dancing as if it was the encore.
Primitive societies had their shamans, holy men who would exhaust themselves calling forth good or evil spirits for the benefit of the tribe… Thorogood expended more energy in one song than most fat-cat rock stars put out in an evening. After just a couple of songs, the guitarist told the crowd, “Don’t sit down now,” and it was clear that he was not going to let that happen.“
Source: Oregon Journal. March 2, 1981. Pg. 11.
Other Notes: None.
Fate of the Venue: The Euphoria Tavern switched from a music focus to a sports focus in 1983:
Source: Oregonian. April 27, 1983. Pg. C5.
50 States in 50 Dates 