Wanted All Over the World – George Thorogood and The Destroyers – Massachusetts 1974 – Part 4

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:

• Sept 27, 1974 – Sons of Italy Hall. North Adams, MA.
• Oct 2-6, 1974 – Mt. View Frolics. Chicopee, MA.
• Oct 11, 1974 – The Gallery (?) Springfield Technical Community College. Springfield, MA.
• Oct 14-15, 1974 – Bunratty’s. Boston, MA.
• Oct 16-19, 1974 – The Hide-A-Way. Granby, MA.

Sons of Italy Hall.

Date:  September 27, 1974.

This concert date comes from Jeff Simon’s official list of Destroyers’ shows. At the time of this writing, I have very few details about this performance. Please send me a note if you have any information to share.

Venue: Sons of Italy Hall. 1492 Christopher Columbus Dr. North Adams, MA. 01247. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yDsW2VkqQNjA2Sbc7

Venue Exterior: 

1974: I am still looking for a good photo of the Sons of Italy Hall in North Adams, circa 1974. Please send me a note if you have one to share.

2022:

Venue Interior: I am still looking for a good photo inside of the Sons of Italy Hall in North Adams. Please send me a note if you have one to share.

Opening Act: Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I have never seen a poster, flyer, or handbill for this concert.

Press & Promotion: I am still looking for any print advertising used to promote this concert. Please send me a note if you know of any. 

Ticket Price:  Unknown.

Ticket Stub: I am still looking for a ticket stub from this concert.

Attendance: Unknown.

Set List: Unknown.

Was this Concert Recorded? Unknown.

Concert Photos: I have not yet seen any photos from this concert. Please send me a note if you have any to share.

Concert Reaction: I am still looking for a contemporary printed review of this concert, circa September 1974.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: The Sons of Italy Hall in North Adams was put up for sale in 2006 due to declining group membership. At the time of this writing, the property is awaiting redevelopment.

Source: North Adams Transcript. Apr. 1, 2009. Pg. B4.

Mt. View Frolics.

Date:  October 2-6, 1974.

These concert dates come from Jeff Simon’s official list of Destroyers’ shows. At the time of this writing, I have very few details about these concerts. Please send me a note if you have any information to share.

Venue: Mt. View Frolics (aka Mountain View Frolics; aka The Frolics). 20 Elizabeth St. Chicopee, MA. 01013. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/h6zuB9Jdk5bGB8Sh6

Venue Exterior: 

1960s:

2019:

Venue Interior: I am still looking for a good photo inside of Mt. View Frolics. Please send me a note if you have one to share.

Opening Act: Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I have never seen a poster, flyer, or handbill for these concerts.

Press & Promotion: I am still looking for any print advertising used to promote these concerts. Please send me a note if you know of any. 

Ticket Price:  Unknown.

Ticket Stub: I am still looking for a ticket stub from these concerts.

Attendance: Unknown. Mt. View Frolics had a performance space on the main floor and a bowling alley and bar in the basement. Newspaper articles indicate the venue regularly held events for 125 to 200 people.

Set List: Unknown.

Were these Concerts Recorded? Unknown.

Concert Photos: I have not yet seen any photos from these concerts. Please send me a note if you have any to share.

Concert Reaction: I am still looking for a contemporary printed review of these concerts, circa September 1974.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: A venue called The Northern Comfort was operating at 20 Elizabeth St. as of December 11, 1975. The Northern Comfort was destroyed (no pun intended) in a fire on December 15, 1976.

Source: Holyoke Transcript Telegram. Dec. 4, 1975. Pg. 19.

Source: Holyoke Transcript Telegram. Dec. 16, 1976. Pg. 19.

The Gallery (?)

Date:  October 11, 1974.

This concert date comes from Jeff Simon’s official list of Destroyers’ shows. At the time of this writing, I have very few details about this performance. Please send me a note if you have any information to share.

Venue: The Gallery*. Springfield Technical Community College. Building 27. 1 Federal St. Springfield, MA. 01105. USA.

* This is a ‘best guess’ about the venue for this show. School catalog and yearbook entries from this time indicate that concerts and other student events on the STCC campus were regularly held in The Gallery coffee house / cafeteria space on the second floor of Building 27. If you have any further details about this show, please send me a note using the Comment box below.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/aUz7Gi43Jdk5Bbwi9

Venue Exterior: 

1976:

Above: Building 27 on the STCC campus. Source: Springfield Technical Community College. STCC Catalog 1976. Pg. 127.

2021:

Venue Interior:

1981:

Source: Springfield Technical Community College. STCC Yearbook 1981. Pg. 106.

Opening Act: Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I have never seen a poster, flyer, or handbill for this concert.

Press & Promotion: I am still looking for any print advertising used to promote this concert. Please send me a note if you know of any. 

Ticket Price:  Admission to concerts in the Gallery was free for students and $1 for guests.

Source: Springfield Technical Community College. STCC Catalog 1975. Pg. 10.

Ticket Stub: I am still looking for a ticket stub from this concert.

Attendance: Unknown.

Set List: Unknown.

Was this Concert Recorded? Unknown.

Concert Photos: I have not yet seen any photos from this concert. Please send me a note if you have any to share.

Concert Reaction: I am still looking for a contemporary printed review of this concert, circa October 1974.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: Unknown. I can find records of The Gallery up to the early 1980s, but the trail goes cold after that. At the time of this writing, Building 27 houses STCC’s Adult Education Center, Workforce Development Center, and support service departments.

Bunratty’s

Date:  October 14 & 15, 1974.

Venue: Bunratty’s. 186 Harvard Ave. Allston, MA. 02134. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/x3yHMxePiF37MUZc6

Venue Exterior: 

1975:

Source: Boston Phoenix. Sept. 16, 1975. Pg. 18.

Date Unknown:

Source: Music Museum of New England

2018:

Venue Interior:

Unknown date:

Source: Music Museum of New England

Opening Act: Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I have never seen a poster, flyer, or handbill for these concerts.

Press & Promotion:

Source: Boston Phoenix. Sept. 24, 1974. Pg. 25.

Source: Boston Phoenix. Oct. 8, 1974. Pg. 25.

Source: Boston Phoenix. Oct. 8, 1974. Pg. 27.

Source: Boston Phoenix. Oct. 15, 1974. Pg. 26.

Ticket Price:  No cover. No minimum drink purchase.

Source: Boston Phoenix. Oct. 8, 1974. Pg. 25.

Ticket Stub: I am still looking for a ticket stub from these concerts.

Attendance: Est. 350.

Set List: Unknown.

Were this Concerts Recorded? Unknown.

Concert Photos: I have not yet seen any photos from these concerts. Please send me a note if you have any to share.

Concert Reaction: I am still looking for a contemporary printed review of these concerts, circa October 1974.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue:

Bunratty’s operated at 186 Harvard Ave. until it was sold in the Summer of 1993. A new nightspot called Local 186 replaced Bunratty’s at that location in August 1993.

Source: Boston Globe. Aug. 12, 1993. Pg. 7.

The Hide-A-Way

Dates:  October 16-19, 1974.

Venue: The Hide-A-Way (aka The Hide-A-Way Lounge). 148 West St. Granby, MA. 01033. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/y1vG12YEbt7drLqVA

Venue Exterior: 

1975:

Source: Holyoke Transcript Telegram. Feb. 8, 1975. Pg. 13.

2019:

Venue Interior: I am still looking for a good photo inside the Hide-A-Way circa 1974. Please send me a note if you have one to share.

Opening Act: From October 16 to 19, 1974, George Thorogood and the Destroyers opened for John Hammond at the Hide-A-Way.

Above: Photo of John Hammond, circa 1970. Source: Getty Images / Michael Ochs Archives.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I am still looking for any posters, flyers or handbills used to promote these concerts.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: UMass Amherst Daily Collegian. Oct. 9,1974. Pg. 4.

Source: UMass Amherst Daily Collegian. Oct. 16,1974. Pg. 5.

Source: UMass Amherst Daily Collegian. Oct. 17,1974. Pg. 9.

Source: UMass Amherst Daily Collegian. Oct. 17,1974. Pg. 12.

Ticket Price: 

• Oct. 16, 1974: $2.50.
• Oct. 17, 1974: $2.50.
• Oct. 18, 1974: $3.00.
• Oct. 19, 1974: $3.00.

Source: UMass Amherst Daily Collegian. Oct. 9,1974. Pg. 4.

Ticket Stub: I have not yet seen any ticket stubs from the Destroyers’ run of concerts at the Hide-A-Way in October 1974. Please get in touch if you have a photo or scan to share.

Attendance: Unknown. The Hide-A-Way had capacity for 215 people up to November 1974 when a mandated “occupancy capacity figure” limited capacity in the venue to 180. The occupancy figure was revised again in early 1975 to allow 255 people in the lounge and 95 people in the barroom.

Source: Holyoke Transcript Telegram. Feb. 8, 1975. Pg. 13 & March 12, 1975. Pg. 7.

Set List: Unknown.

Were these Concerts Recorded?  Unknown.

Concert Photos: I have not yet seen any photos from these concerts. Please send me a note if you know of any.

Concert Reaction: I am still looking for any reviews of these concerts, circa October 1974. Please send me a note if you can point me in the right direction.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue:

From the time it opened in August 1973, the Hide-A-Way was mired in ongoing battles with the local town council, building inspectors, and complaining neighbors. Records show the venue remained in operation up to April 1975.

Source: Holyoke Transcript Telegram. Feb. 8, 1975. Pg. 13 & April 10, 1975. Pg. 14.

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Wanted All Over the World – George Thorogood and The Destroyers – Massachusetts 1974 – Part 3

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:

• Sept 1, 1974 – Mt. View Frolics. Chicopee, MA.
• Sept 2-3, 1974 – Speakeasy. Cambridge, MA.
• Sept 6, 1974 – Leavitt Hall (?) Grahm Jr. College. Boston, MA.
• Sept 13, 1974 – Student Center (?) Bentley College. Waltham, MA.
• Sept 17, 1974 – Foundress Hall (?) Anna Maria College. Paxton, MA.
• Sept 18-21, 1974 – The Hide-A-Way. Granby, MA.

Mt. View Frolics.

Date:  September 1, 1974.

This concert date comes from Jeff Simon’s official list of Destroyers’ shows. At the time of this writing, I have very few details about this performance. Please send me a note if you have any information to share.

Venue: Mt. View Frolics (aka Mountain View Frolics; aka The Frolics). 20 Elizabeth St. Chicopee, MA. 01013. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/h6zuB9Jdk5bGB8Sh6

Venue Exterior: 

1960s:

2019:

Venue Interior: I am still looking for a good photo inside of Mt. View Frolics. Please send me a note if you have one to share.

Opening Act: Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I have never seen a poster, flyer, or handbill for this concert.

Press & Promotion: I am still looking for any print advertising used to promote this concert. Please send me a note if you know of any. 

Ticket Price:  Unknown.

Ticket Stub: I am still looking for a ticket stub from this concert.

Attendance: Unknown. Mt. View Frolics had a performance space on the main floor and a bowling alley and bar in the basement. Newspaper articles indicate the venue regularly held events for 125 to 200 people.

Set List: Unknown.

Was this Concert Recorded? Unknown.

Concert Photos: I have not yet seen any photos from this concert. Please send me a note if you have any to share.

Concert Reaction: I am still looking for a contemporary printed review of this concert, circa September 1974.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: A venue called The Northern Comfort was operating at 20 Elizabeth St. as of December 11, 1975. The Northern Comfort was destroyed (no pun intended) in a fire on December 15, 1976.

Source: Holyoke Transcript Telegram. Dec. 4, 1975. Pg. 19.

Source: Holyoke Transcript Telegram. Dec. 16, 1976. Pg. 19.

Speakeasy.

Date:  September 2 & 3, 1974.

These concert dates come from Jeff Simon’s official list of Destroyers’ shows. At the time of this writing, I have very few details about these performances. Please send me a note if you have any information to share.

Venue: Speakeasy (aka The Speak). 24 Norfolk St. Cambridge, MA. 02139. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/qeTGMuzZAu2gm9hF7

Venue Exterior: 

1974:

Source: Boston Phoenix. Sept. 17, 1974. Pg. 17.

2020:

Venue Interior:

Source: thebluesaudience.com

Opening Act: Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I have never seen a poster, flyer, or handbill for these concerts.

Press & Promotion:

Above: Generic listing for “roaring entertainment” at the Speakeasy in late August/early September 1974. Source: Boston Phoenix. Aug. 27, 1974. Pg. 16.

Ticket Price:  Unknown.

Ticket Stub: I am still looking for a ticket stub from these concerts.

Attendance: Unknown.

Set List: Unknown.

Were these Concerts Recorded? Unknown.

Concert Photos: I have not yet seen any photos from these concerts. Please send me a note if you have any to share.

Concert Reaction: I am still looking for a contemporary printed review of these concerts, circa September 1974.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: The Speakeasy closed in December 1980 when its lease ran out. The building was razed in January 1981.

Source: Boston Globe. January 15, 1981. Pg. Calendar-5.

Leavitt Hall (?)

Date:  September 6, 1974.

This concert date comes from Jeff Simon’s official list of Destroyers’ shows. At the time of this writing, I have very few details about this performance. Please send me a note if you have any information to share.

Venue: Leavitt Hall*. Grahm Junior College. 645 Beacon St. Boston, MA. 02215. USA.

* This is a ‘best guess’ about the venue for this show. Grahm Junior College operated out of several buildings in the Kenmore Square area of Boston. Newspaper listings from this time indicate that jazz, rock, and blues concerts were held regularly at Leavitt Hall. If you have any further details about this show, please send me a note using the Comment box below.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/GVPYEz3xBrkNx5XC7

Venue Exterior: 

1973:

Source: Flickr.

2022:

Venue Interior:

Source: Grahm Junior College “Lion” Yearbook. 1976. Pg. 108.

Opening Act: Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I have never seen a poster, flyer, or handbill for this concert.

Press & Promotion: I am still looking for any print advertising used to promote this concert. Please send me a note if you know of any. 

Ticket Price:  Unknown.

Ticket Stub: I am still looking for a ticket stub from this concert.

Attendance: Unknown.

Set List: Unknown.

Was this Concert Recorded? Unknown.

Concert Photos: I have not yet seen any photos from this concert. Please send me a note if you have any to share.

Concert Reaction: I am still looking for a contemporary printed review of this concert, circa September 1974.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: After struggling through extreme financial difficulties for several years, Grahm Junior College closed in 1979 after losing its status as a degree granting authority from the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. Leavitt Hall operated as a rooming house and a hotel in the years that followed.

Source: Berkshire Eagle. March 19, 1979. Pg. 24; Boston Globe. April 17, 2020. Pg. B3.

Bentley College Student Center (?)

Date:  September 13, 1974.

This concert date comes from Jeff Simon’s official list of Destroyers’ shows. At the time of this writing, I have very few details about this performance. Please send me a note if you have any information to share.

Venue: Student Center*. Bentley College. 175 Forest St. Waltham, MA. 02452. USA.

* This is a ‘best guess’ about the venue for this show. After moving to Waltham in 1968, Bentley College operated out of five main buildings. Institutional publications from this time indicate that larger gatherings and concerts were held in the Student Center, so that is my starting point. If you have any further details about this show, please send me a note using the Comment box below.

Find it on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zyHhbitibCVfoxq57

Venue Exterior: 

1968:

Source: The Bentley Alumnus. Fall 1968. Pg. 3.

1975:

Source: Digital Commonwealth.

Venue Interior:

1971:

Source: The Bentley Alumnus. Winter 1971. Pg. 3.

Opening Act: Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I have never seen a poster, flyer, or handbill for this concert.

Press & Promotion: I am still looking for any print advertising used to promote this concert. Please send me a note if you know of any. 

Ticket Price:  Unknown.

Ticket Stub: I am still looking for a ticket stub from this concert.

Attendance: Unknown.

Set List: Unknown.

Was this Concert Recorded? Unknown.

Concert Photos: I have not yet seen any photos from this concert. Please send me a note if you have any to share.

Concert Reaction: I am still looking for a contemporary printed review of this concert, circa September 1974.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: Bentley College was renamed Bentley University in 2008. A new Student Center in a different location on the Waltham campus opened in 2002. At the time of this writing, the original Student Center building (aka the LaCava Center) is a venue for conferences and other public events.

Source: Financial Times. October 3, 2008; The Vanguard. Jan. 31, 2002. Pg. 1.

Foundress Hall (?)

Date:  September 17, 1974.

This concert date comes from Jeff Simon’s official list of Destroyers’ shows. At the time of this writing, I have very few details about this performance. Please send me a note if you have any information to share.

Venue: Foundress Hall*. Anna Maria College. 50 Sunset Ln. Paxton, MA. 01612. USA.

* This is a ‘best guess’ about the venue for this show. Newspaper articles from this time indicate that larger gatherings and concerts were held in Foundress Hall on the Paxton campus, so that is my starting point. If you have any further details about this show, please send me a note using the Comment box below.

Find it on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6ZaWVJFFpptMJLhVA

Venue Exterior: 

1960s:

Circa 2024:

Source: Anna Maria College.

Venue Interior:

1960s:

Opening Act: Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I have never seen a poster, flyer, or handbill for this concert.

Press & Promotion: I am still looking for any print advertising used to promote this concert. Please send me a note if you know of any. 

Ticket Price:  Unknown.

Ticket Stub: I am still looking for a ticket stub from this concert.

Attendance: Unknown.

Set List: Unknown.

Was this Concert Recorded? Unknown.

Concert Photos: I have not yet seen any photos from this concert. Please send me a note if you have any to share.

Concert Reaction: I am still looking for a contemporary printed review of this concert, circa September 1974.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: At the time of this writing, Foundress Hall houses the school’s admission office and the Zecco Performing Arts Center.

The Hide-A-Way

Dates:  September 18-21, 1974.

Note: The Destroyers played two sets each night during this run of concerts.

Venue: The Hide-A-Way (aka The Hide-A-Way Lounge). 148 West St. Granby, MA. 01033. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/y1vG12YEbt7drLqVA

Venue Exterior: 

1975:

Source: Holyoke Transcript Telegram. Feb. 8, 1975. Pg. 13.

2019:

Venue Interior: I am still looking for a good photo inside the Hide-A-Way circa 1974. Please send me a note if you have one to share.

Opening Act: From September 18 to 21, 1974, George Thorogood and the Destroyers opened for the legendary Howlin’ Wolf (and his backing band The Wolfmen) at the Hide-A-Way.

Above: Photo of Howlin’ Wolf from the Ann Arbor Blues Festival in August 1970. Source: Ann Arbor District Library.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I am still looking for any posters, flyers or handbills used to promote these concerts.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Holyoke Transcript Telegram. Sept. 21, 1974. Pg. 2.

Source: UMass Amherst Daily Collegian. Sept. 19, 1974. Pg. 8.

Ticket Price: 

• Sept. 18, 1974: $2.50.
• Sept. 19, 1974: $2.50.
• Sept. 20, 1974: $3.00.
• Sept. 21, 1974: $3.00.

In addition, concert attendees could pay $3 to sit in and play with Howlin’ Wolf during his set.

Source: Holyoke Transcript Telegram. Sept. 21, 1974. Pg. 2; UMass Amherst Daily Collegian. Sept. 26, 1974. Pg. 6.

Ticket Stub: I have not yet seen any ticket stubs from the Destroyers’ run of concerts at the Hide-A-Way in September 1974. Please get in touch if you have a photo or scan to share.

Attendance: Unknown. The Hide-A-Way had capacity for 215 people up to November 1974 when a mandated “occupancy capacity figure” limited capacity in the venue to 180. The occupancy figure was revised again in early 1975 to allow 255 people in the lounge and 95 people in the barroom.

Source: Holyoke Transcript Telegram. Feb. 8, 1975. Pg. 13 & March 12, 1975. Pg. 7.

Set List:

Howlin’ Wolf (September 18, 1974):

• Spoonful.
• Wang Dang Doodle.
• Highway 49.

George Thorogood and the Destroyers (September 20, 1974):

• No Particular Place to Go.

Howlin’ Wolf (September 20, 1974):

• Spoonful
• Highway 49
• Killing Floor
• The Little Red Rooster
• How Many More Years

Source: Holyoke Transcript Telegram. Sept. 20, 1974. Pg. 6; UMass Amherst Daily Collegian. Sept. 26, 1974. Pg. 6.

Were these Concerts Recorded?  Unknown.

Concert Photos: I have not yet seen any photos from these concerts. Please send me a note if you know of any.

Concert Reaction:

George Wm. Murphy of the Holyoke Transcript Telegram had this to say about the concert by Howlin’ Wolf and George Thorogood and the Destroyers on Wednesday, September 18, 1974 at the Hide-A-Way in Granby:

“The blues revival that hit this country five years ago may be past its prime as far as the record charts are concerned, but an aging and ailing Howlin’ Wolf has proven that he can still pack more people into a local club on a Wednesday night, than the rock and rollers can do on a weekend.

The Wolf, 63 years old and still suffering from a 1973 car crash, opened a four day engagement at the Hide-A-Way, Granby, Wednesday night, before a capacity crowd. Backed up by the five man “Wolfmen”, he played a wee bit of harp, stayed clear of guitar, and concentrated on his singing, featuring his old standards like Spoonful, Wang Dang Doodle and Highway 49, many of which have become rock classics.

One of the great pleasures of the evening was the way in which the crowd handled itself.  They managed to be undemanding, letting the Wolf choose his own material, and fairly attentive, keeping quiet when the Wolf started playing. Through all this they were very alive, clapping, stomping, standing on chairs.

But the Wolf is showing his age. To start with, there was a Boston (sic) band, George Thorogood and the Destroyers that played two sets.  Then there were the Wolfman, who played at least four long songs before the Wolf came on for a disappointingly short stint. But considering that he has outlived the majority of the people he started with, and that for blues men reaching the age of 63 and still be able to talk, let alone sing, make Wolf remarkable and his brevity excusable.”

Source: Holyoke Transcript Telegram. Sept. 20, 1974. Pg. 6.

Mike Kostek II of the UMass Amherst Daily Collegian filed this mostly positive review of the concert by Howlin’ Wolf and George Thorogood and the Destroyers on Friday, September 20, 1974 at the Hide-A-Way:

“The other must on last week’s local music shopping list was at the Hide-A-Way, where Howlin’ Wolf and His Chicago Blues Band played for four nights and tore it all up.

George Thorogood and the Destroyers were the opening and interim band, and settled about half-way up. It certainly is George, a street-cross of Lou Reed and Todd Rundgren, who provided all the excitement and talent in this three-man combo. Their rough edges showed when they tried to blues-boogie a la Hound Dog Taylor, though they seem to be coming along, and they seemed much more at home levitating straight rock and roll like Chuck Berry’s “No Particular Place To Go”.  Even though he picked his spots (two forty minute appearances) [and] carried a band that […] barely kept the crowd from howling for Wolf…

Even though his legendary voice is little more than a feathery growl now, Chester Burnett a.k.a. Howlin’ Wolf may just be, as he was repeatedly introduced by his band, “the world’s greatest blues singer”. For $3.00 you could go and sit in […] on a legend, as Wolf sang “Spoonful”, “Highway 49”, “Killing Floor”, “The Little Red Rooster” and “How Many More Years” (those’re just the biggest) in a way no one else has ever been able. He does look like your uncle or grandfather, sitting up on stage, but he can still bring it.

If you were a blues fan, last weekend you look a trip to the Hide-A-Way. No two ways about it.”

Source: UMass Amherst Daily Collegian. Sept. 26, 1974. Pg. 6.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue:

From the time it opened in August 1973, the Hide-A-Way was mired in ongoing battles with the local town council, building inspectors, and complaining neighbors. Records show the venue remained in operation up to April 1975.

Source: Holyoke Transcript Telegram. Feb. 8, 1975. Pg. 13 & April 10, 1975. Pg. 14.

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Wanted All Over the World – George Thorogood and The Destroyers – Alabama 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 27, 1980 – Brothers Music Hall. Homewood, AL.

Brothers Music Hall.

Date:  March 27, 1980.

Venue: Brothers Music Hall (aka Brother’s Music Hall). 665 Rumson Road. Homewood, AL. 35209. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fu3usZywFAZV81mi8

Venue Exterior: 

Circa 1978:

2022:

Venue Interior:

1978:

Source: Birmingham Post Herald Kudzu. Dec. 15, 1978. Pg. 8.

Opening Act: Unknown.

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

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Birmingham Post Herald Kudzu. March 21, 1980. Pg. 18.

Source: Anniston Star. March 22, 1980. Pg. 2B.

Ticket Price:  $6.

Ticket Stub: I have not (yet!) seen a ticket stub from this concert. Please send me a note if you have a scan or photo to share.

Attendance:  Unknown. When the former Hollywood Country Club first opened as Brothers Music Hall in December 1978, the venue reportedly had capacity for between 400 and 650 people. That said, some newspaper articles note crowds of up to 900 people for concerts.

Source: Anniston Star. Dec. 23, 1978. Pg. 25A; Birmingham Post Herald Kudzu. Dec. 15, 1978. Pg. 8.

Set List: Unknown.

Was the Concert Recorded?  Unknown.

Concert Photos: I have not uncovered any photos from this concert to date. Please get in touch if you have any to share.

Concert Reaction: I am still looking for a printed review of this concert, circa March 1980. Please send me a note if you know of one.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: 

Brothers Music Hall closed in December 1980 following an extended disagreement with the building owner about a constantly leaking roof and other needed repairs. The building then became a religious meeting place called “The Gathering”. After sitting vacant for two years, the building was destroyed (no pun intended) in a massive fire on June 4, 1984. At the time of this writing, a hotel operates at that location.

Source: Birmingham Post Herald. Jan. 8, 1981. Pg. B7; Birmingham Post Herald. June 5, 1984. Pp. A1 & A2.

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Wanted All Over the World – George Thorogood and The Destroyers – Ohio 1979

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:

• January 22, 1979 – Agora Ballroom. Cleveland, OH.
• January 23, 1979 – Fifth Floor Recording Studios. Cincinnati, OH.
• January 24, 1979 – Bogart’s. Cincinnati, OH.

Agora Ballroom.

Date:  January 22, 1979.

Venue:  Agora Ballroom (aka the Cleveland Agora). 1730 E. 24th St. Cleveland, OH. 44114. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/b4x62BhXhxzaPiYG7

Venue Exterior: 

May 1977:

2019:

Venue Interior:

1976:

Above: The Michael Stanley Band performs at the Cleveland Agora in 1976. Source:  Facebook.

Opening Act:  Robert Jr. Lockwood with Jimmy Ley.

Above: Jimmy Ley (left) and Robert Jr. Lockwood (right).

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I have not yet seen a poster, flyer or handbill for the Destroyers’ 1979 concert at the Cleveland Agora.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Scene. Dec. 21 – 27, 1978. Pg. 20.

Source: Scene. Jan. 11 – 24, 1979. Pg. 6.

Source: Scene. Jan. 11 – 24, 1979. Pg. 4.

Source: Akron Beacon Journal. Jan. 18, 1979. Pg. F5.

Ticket Price:  $4.50 advance; $5.50 at the door.

Ticket Stub: I am still looking for a photo or scan of the ticket stub for this concert. Please send me a note if you have one to share.

Attendance:  Est. 800.

Set List:

• Baby Please Set a Date.
• New Hawaiian Boogie.
• One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.
• Cocaine Blues.
• It Wasn’t Me.
• Who Do You Love?
• Madison Blues.
• No Particular Place to Go.
• Reelin’ and Rockin’.
• Johnny B. Goode.

Source: Concert recording; Cleveland Plain Dealer. Jan. 26, 1979. Pg. 36; Scene. Jan. 25 – Feb. 7, 1979. Pg. 25.

Was the Concert Recorded?  Yes. This concert was recorded and re-broadcast on numerous radio stations across the United States in 1979 and 1980.

Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer. Jan. 19, 1979. Pg. 29.

Concert Photos:

Source: Scene. Jan. 25 – Feb. 7, 1979. Pg. 25.

Concert Reaction:

Jane Scott of the Cleveland Plain Dealer wrote a positive review of the Destroyers’ concert at the Cleveland Agora on January 22, 1979:

“He doesn’t bring any roadies.  He doesn’t even do a sound check.  He just brings his bass player and drummer he calls the Destroyers.  But George Thorogood’s rocking rhythm and blues had the Cleveland Agora audience enthralled for more than two hours Monday night in one of the most intense and exciting shows the Agora has ever booked.

You’ve heard the songs before – Hank Williams’ “Move It On Over,” Elmore James’ “Baby, Please Set a Date,” Bo Diddley’s ‘Who Do You Love,” Chuck Berry’s “Reelin’ and Rockin’.” But you may never have heard them played with such fervor and downright affection.

Thorogood plugged his guitar into a box on a chair, much like your kid brother might do, and he played like a madman. He did an excellent imitation of a Chuck Berry duck walk, but that wasn’t enough. Later, he did a Berry walk backwards and sidewards, “skated” up and down the stage, played with his guitar over the back of his neck and jumped down into the audience, never missing a beat.  With Jeff Simon on drums and Billy Blough on bass there was enough sound to fill a Coliseum. Then when you think he could never keep up the pace, Thorogood played double time.

“It ain’t over, is it?” he asked. “I’m just getting warmed up.  “Hope everyone is having as much fun listening as we have playing for you. Now I feel like playing rock ‘n’ roll.”

Later Thorogood asked the crowd – hardly anyone was sitting down by then – if they knew what the rock alma mater was. Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode,” of course, and Thorogood and the Destroyers gave it an outing that Chuck Berry would have cheered.

“I love Chuck Berry,” Thorogood said in his dressing room after the show. He looked as happy, energetic and enthusiastic as he had during the concert.  “And I love to leave people happy.  That’s what they pay their money for.”

Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer. Jan. 26, 1979. Pg. 36.

Gary Lupico of the ‘Scene’ music and entertainment newspaper was similarly impressed by what he witnessed at the Cleveland Agora in January 1979:

“The man in black doesn’t look a day over 25.  But when he steps out on stage and grinds out “Baby, Please Set A Date,” his presence and authority reminds one of any number of great bluesmen more than twice that age.  The man in black plays a beat up old Gibson through a little Princeton amp but dissipates more energy than anyone who blasts through four stacks of Marshalls.  Any of you wimps that think “boogie” is what Foreigner and Bad Company do better check out the man in black, because the man in black is George Thorogood and he’s forgotten more about rock and roll than most people that call themselves “rock and rollers” will learn in a lifetime.

George Thorogood’s set at the Agora set a standard for the rest of the year that will be plenty hard to beat.  He kicked, jumped and duck walked his way through an unbelievable repertoire of rockin’ rhythm and blues that included most of what he’s recorded.

It took about two songs to loosen up and burst into “Madison Blues,” “It Wasn’t Me” and “Cocaine Blues,” Johnny Cash’s (the original man in black) story of a man who “done wrong and done paid his price.”

“One Bourbon One Scotch, One Beer” was the longest cooker all night and finally got people up on their feet as George had requested.  “Is that how you people dance here?” he questioned the stationary crowd.  “That’s a new one on me.” Say no more; they were up and jumpin’ along with George, and he was down on the dance floor jumpin’ along with them, kicking his left leg in and out…

Visually, Thorogood is the whole show and commands absolute attention.  The Destroyers lay back and put down the steady beat that he does his stuff to. Billy Blough, the bassist, just sat down and stared like he didn’t know / didn’t care (choose one) where he was.  An award here goes to the coolest stage presence around.

George brought the total ambiance of the place to a finger-stuck-in-the-light-socket pitch and told the congregation to “come out of the pews and up to the altar.”  Communion was served to the tune of Chuck Berry’s Reelin’ and Rockin’,” greatly improvised upon by George in an exquisitely down-and-dirty manner.

An encore yielded “Move It On Over” while George moved on into the crowd, something he frequently does. The finale was “the Anthem”: a singalong “Johnny B. Goode” in a manner that was not stagnant, as it is in the hands of most people.

[…]

So, here it is six hours later and I still can’t get this stupid grin off my face.  If you missed this one, all I can say is buster, you’re outta luck. George Thorogood, the man in black, is just too much.

Robert Jr. Lockwood opened the evening, but as is the case with many large blues ensembles (seven pieces – I think it was pretty impromptu) much of the sound was lost.  Norman Tischler was outstanding on sax, but Lockwood himself had little chance to stretch out…”

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue:

This version of the Cleveland Agora was destroyed by fire on October 25, 1984.  The venue re-opened at a new, larger location at 5012 Euclid Avenue, in the former Metropolitan Theatre building.

Source: Bryan Times. Oct. 27, 1984. Pg. 3 & Akron Beacon Journal. Aug. 15, 1985. Pg. D3.

Fifth Floor Recording Studios.

Date:  January 23, 1979.

Venue:  Fifth Floor Recording Studios. Big Four Building. 517 W. Third Street. Cincinnati, OH. 45202. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WxtNB9YzbvixrPJ96

Venue Exterior: 

January 1978:

Source: Cincinnati Enquirer. Jan. 22, 1978. Pg. F12.

2023:

Venue Interior:

1986:

Source:  Cincinnati Magazine. March 1986. Pg. 16.

Opening Act:  None.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I have not yet seen a poster, flyer or handbill for the Destroyers’ 1979 concert at the Fifth Floor Recording Studio in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Billboard Magazine. March 3, 1979. Pg. 102.

Ticket Price:  Unknown, but likely free.

Ticket Stub: I am still looking for a photo of the ticket stub for this concert, if such a thing exists. Please send me a note if you have one to share.

Attendance:  Unknown. Other concerts from the Fifth Floor Recording Studios reportedly had audiences of up to 300 people.

Source: Cincinnati Post. Feb. 8, 1975. Pg. 15.

Set List:

• Who Do You Love?
• One Way Ticket.
• New Boogie Chillun.
• Manhattan Slide.
• Goodbye Baby.
• New Hawaiian Boogie.
• Talk To Me Baby.
• Cocaine Blues.
• I’m Wanted.
• It Wasn’t Me.
• King Of The Road (Roger Miller).
• Move It On Over.
• Hey Bo Diddley.

Source: Concert recording.

Was the Concert Recorded?  Yes. This concert was broadcast live on WEBN radio in Cincinnati. The recording was issued in 1991 as a bootleg called, “I Am Wanted”. In addition to mis-identifying the concert as “New York 1989”, the bootleg is missing the last two songs of the show and sections of banter with the audience and radio DJs.

Concert Photos: I am still looking for any photos from this concert.

Concert Reaction: I have not yet found a contemporary, printed review of this concert, circa January 1979. Please send me a note if you can point me in the right direction.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue:

The Big Four Building, including many art studios and the Fifth Floor Recording Studios, was destroyed in a fire on February 11, 1987.

Source: Cincinnati Post. Feb. 12, 1987. Pg. A1.

Bogart’s.

Date:  January 24, 1979.

The Destroyers performed two concerts at Bogart’s on this date.

Venue:  Bogart’s. 2621 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH. 45219. USA.

Note: Vine Street was officially re-named “Short Vine” Street in 2017.

Find it on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PT4Aio6ZwGRbXPT78

Venue Exterior: 

Circa 1985:

2019:

Venue Interior:

1987:

Above: Lonnie Mack performs at Bogart’s in 1987. Source:  Facebook.

Opening Act:  Deno Koumoutsos.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I have not yet seen a poster, flyer or handbill for the Destroyers’ 1979 concerts at Bogart’s in Cincinnati.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Cincinnati Enquirer. Dec. 30, 1978.

Source: Cincinnati Enquirer. Jan. 11, 1979. Pg. C9.

Source: Lexington Leader. Jan. 18, 1979. Pg. C2.

Ticket Price:  $5.

Ticket Stub:

Source: Facebook

Attendance:  Est. 800 (400 per show).

Set List:

Deno Koumoutsos:

• Yankee Town.
• Guilty (Randy Newman).
• Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? (Carole King)

George Thorogood and the Destroyers:

• One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.
• Cocaine Blues.
• It Wasn’t Me.
• Madison Blues.
• The Sky is Crying.
• Johnny B. Goode.
• Move It On Over.

Source: Cincinnati Enquirer. Jan. 26, 1979. Pg. E6 & University of Cincinnati News Record. Jan. 30, 1979. Pg. 2.

Were these Concerts Recorded?  Unknown.

Concert Photos: I am still looking for any photos of the Destroyers’ concerts at Bogart’s in January 1979. Please send me a note if you have any to share.

Concert Reaction:

Cincinnati Enquirer pop music critic Cliff Radel filed a positive review of the Destroyers’ early evening concert at Bogart’s on January 24, 1979:

“What a night for the blues.  The wind howled.  Dogs began to bark.  Snow fell.  The temperature crashed.  Bones ached.  For their first show Wednesday night, George Thorogood and the Destroyers bolted onto Bogart’s stage.  For the next 83 minutes the trio played the blues with the fury of a blizzard.

Some say Thorogood is the new king of rock guitarists.  He has assumed the throne left vacant by the deaths of Jimi Hendrix and Duane Allman and abdicated by the artistic languor of Eric Clapton.  That is not so.  The crown is Thorogood’s for the asking.  He must, however, grow into it.  For now he is a highly talented prince.  Someday he will make a fine king. That day will arrive sooner if Thorogood preserves the passion in his performances and elaborates upon the ideas suggested in his solos.

Without making a sound Thorogood gives an exciting performance. He darts from move to move.  Wednesday evening he topped a patented, Chuck Berry, one-legged, across-the-stage duck walk with a quick left-legged kick.  The kick coincided with drummer Jeff Simon’s cymbal crash.  Thorogood followed with a quick flop to his knees, a shimmy to the edge of the stage, a stroll along a footpath of ringside chairs and a duck walk down the aisle before heading for the stage.

During his journey Thorogood never stopped playing. What he played showed him to be a riff-o-phil.  He can reproduce, better than its originator, every motif Chuck Berry ever created.  Thus, it came as no surprise when Thorogood called his set-closer, Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode,” his alma mater. Nor was it surprising that the guitarist and the Destroyers, the aforementioned drummer Simon, a persuasive musician in his own right, and bass guitarist Billy Blough, an alumnus of the Bill Wyman Plant-Your-Feet-On-The-Stage-And-Play school of bass guitar, were called back by a roaring standing ovation...

Deno Koumoutsos began the evening with 20-minutes of pleasurable music. With every hearing, his “Yankee Town” grows smoother and sounds better. His renditions of other composers’ material, specifically Randy Newman’s “Guilty” and Carole King’s “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?”, also shone. The singer-guitarist’s unadulterated voice and original phrasing stamped these songs with the Koumoutsos touch.”

Source: Cincinnati Enquirer. Jan. 26, 1979. Pg. E6.

Chuck Horn from the University of Cincinnati’s News Record wrote a short, but similarly positive review of the Destroyers’ concerts at Bogart’s in January 1979:

“Neither the snow nor the cold stopped the two-weeks-sold-out George Thorogood shows at Bogart’s last Wednesday.  George Thorogood and the Destroyers were warmly welcomed as they heated up their first set […] and continued through nine tunes from their repertoire of country-blues-rock’n’roll in a style vaguely reminiscent of ZZ Top or Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The house was on its feet for the more heavily-aired “One Bourbon, One Scotch, and One Beer” and “Move It On Over” which they saved for their encore.  Other high points in the show were spirited renditions of Johnny Cash’s “Cocaine Blues,” Chuck Berry’s “It Wasn’t Me” and “Johnny B. Goode.”

George’s slide guitar riffs and raspy vocals characterize the Destroyers’ remarkable full sound.  Destroyers Jeff Simon on drums and Billy Blough on bass go back with George Thorogood to their roots in Wilmington, Delaware.  On their first national tour, the Destroyers’ are promoting their second album with Rounder Records of Boston, Mass., with a third album under contract.”

University of Cincinnati News Record. Jan. 30, 1979. Pg. 2.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue:

This version of Bogart’s in Cincinnati was extensively renovated and expanded in 1982. At the time of this writing, Bogart’s still operates as a venue for live concerts.

Source: Cincinnati Post. January 7, 1982. Pg. 5B.

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Wanted All Over the World – George Thorogood and The Destroyers – Maryland 1983

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:

• May 5, 1983 – Parrot Club. Baltimore, MD.

Parrot Club.

Date:  May 5, 1983.

Venue: Parrot Club. 1817 Maryland Ave. Baltimore, MD. 21201. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/8AXELCGETgH1ZWEr8

Venue Exterior: 

1982:

Source: Baltimore Sun. March 18, 1982. Pg. 16.

2022:

Venue Interior:

1982:

Source: Baltimore Sun. June 22, 1982. Pg. C3.

Opening Act:  Not applicable. On his way home from attending Muddy Waters’ funeral in Chicago, George Thorogood (solo) sat in as an unannounced special guest during a concert by Scott Cunningham and John Hammond.

Scott Cunningham:

Source: Baltimore Sun. June 22, 1982. Pg. C3.

John Hammond:

Source: Fort Worth Star Telegram. March 18, 1983. Pg. 6D.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill:  I have not (yet) come across a poster, flyer or handbill for this concert.  Please get in touch if you have a scan or a photo that you can share.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Baltimore Sun. May 5, 1983. Pg. B11.

Ticket Price:  Unknown.

Ticket Stub: I have not yet seen 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. George Thorogood, Scott Cunningham and John Hammond played a blues jam in tribute to Muddy Waters.

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

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

Concert Reaction:

Above: George “Thurgood’s” (sic) surprise appearance at the Parrot Club on May 5, 1983 was noted in a Baltimore Sun article the following week.

Source: Baltimore Sun. May 11, 1983. Pg. C2.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: This version of the Parrot Club opened in 1982 and was closed in late 1983. A nightspot called the Trenton Street Stop was operating at 1817 Maryland Ave. as of November 1983. The building formerly housing the Parrot Club was destroyed in a fire in 2017 and demolished in 2018.

Source: Baltimore Sun. November 13, 1983. Pg. Y13.

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 – Australia 1981 – Part 3

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.

• Part 1 – George Thorogood & the Destroyers’ 1981 Australian Tour.
• Part 2 – George Thorogood & the Destroyers’ 1981 Australian Tour.
• Part 3 – George Thorogood & the Destroyers’ 1981 Australian Tour.

Above: George Thorogood and the Destroyers on tour in Australia in 1981. Exact date and venue unknown. Jeff Simon’s kick drum is from the “Billy Hyde Drum Clinic”, a one-time chain of music stores that started in Melbourne. Source: Juke. Jan. 15, 1983. Pg. 9.

Quick Links:

• Sept. 1, 1981 – Granada Tavern. Hobart, TAS.
• Sept. 2, 1981 – Bombay Rock. Melbourne, VIC.
• Sept. 3, 1981 – Thebarton Theatre. Adelaide, SA.
• Sept. 6, 1981 – Nookenburra Hotel. Perth, WA.
• Sept. 7, 1981 – Raffles Hotel. Perth, WA.
• Sept. 8, 1981 – Sundowner Hotel. Sydney, NSW.

Granada Tavern. Hobart, Tasmania.

Date:  September 1, 1981.

Venue: Granada Tavern. 666 Main Road. Berriedale, Tasmania. 7011. Australia.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/BBCYtd31vdC7aoK28

Venue Exterior: 

1978:

Source: YouTube.

2022:

Venue Interior: I am still looking for a good photo inside the Granada Tavern, circa 1981. Please send me a note if you know of any.

Opening Act:  Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill:  I have not (yet) come across a poster, flyer or handbill for the Destroyers’ 1981 show at the Granada Tavern.  Please get in touch if you have a scan or a photo that you can share.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Roadrunner. August 1981. Pg. 18.

Ticket Price:  Unknown.

Ticket Stub: I have not yet seen a ticket stub to this concert. If you have a photo or scan to share, please get in touch!

Attendance:  Unknown.

Set List: Unknown. Please send me a note if you have any information.

Was the Concert Recorded? Possibly. In a 1981 Billboard Magazine interview, Mike Kappus of the Rosebud Agency announced plans to record the Destroyers’ 1981 shows in Australia and New Zealand.

Source: Billboard Magazine. Aug. 29, 1981. Pg. 37.

Concert Photos:

Source: Facebook.

Concert Reaction: I have not (yet) found a contemporary printed review for this concert, circa 1981. Please send me a note if you can point me in the right direction.  

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: As of this writing, the Granada Tavern continues to operate as a pub and restaurant that hosts concerts, conferences, weddings and other public events.

Bombay Rock. Melbourne, Victoria.

Date:  September 2, 1981.

Venue: Bombay Rock. 303 Sydney Rd. Brunswick, Victoria. 3056. Australia.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/zjJQbkS1Vemo5BVU6

Venue Exterior: 

1990:

Above: Screenshot from the 1990 movie “Death in Brunswick”. Source: YouTube.

2022:

Venue Interior: I have not yet found a photo inside Bombay Rock, circa 1981. Please send me a note if you can point me in the right direction.

Opening Act:  Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill:  I have not (yet) come across a poster, flyer or handbill for the Destroyers’ September 2nd, 1981 show at Bombay Rock in Melbourne.  Please get in touch if you have a scan or a photo that you can share.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: The Age. Aug. 28, 1981. Pg. 14.

Ticket Price:  Unknown.

Ticket Stub: I have not yet seen a ticket stub to this concert. If you have a photo or scan to share, please get in touch!

Attendance:  Unknown.

Set List: Unknown. Please send me a note if you have any details.

Was the Concert Recorded? Possibly. In a 1981 Billboard Magazine interview, Mike Kappus of the Rosebud Agency announced plans to record the Destroyers’ 1981 shows in Australia and New Zealand.

Source: Billboard Magazine. Aug. 29, 1981. Pg. 37.

Concert Photos: I am still looking for any photographs of this concert. Please send me a note if you have any leads.

Concert Reaction: I have not (yet) found a contemporary printed review for this concert, circa 1981. Please send me a note if you can point me in the right direction.  

Other Notes:

Above: Backstage pass for the Destroyers’ September 2, 1981 concert at Bombay Rock in Melbourne, Australia.

Fate of the Venue:

A nightspot called “The World Club” was operating at this location as of October 1991. The building on Sydney Road that formerly housed Bombay Rock was “gutted” by a fire in May 1995.

Source: The Age. May 19, 1995. Pg. 9.

Thebarton Theatre. Adelaide, South Australia.

Date:  September 3, 1981.

Venue: Thebarton Theatre (aka Thebarton Town Hall). 112 Henley Beach Rd. Torrensville, SA. 5031. Australia.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/6jHaYRFkExPnezzq6

Venue Exterior: 

1928:

2022:

Venue Interior:

Date Unknown:

Opening Act:  Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill:  I have not (yet) come across a poster, flyer or handbill for the Destroyers’ 1981 show at the Thebarton Theatre.  Please get in touch if you have a scan or a photo that you can share.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Roadrunner. August 1981. Pg. 18.

Ticket Price:  Unknown.

Ticket Stub: I have not yet seen a ticket stub to this concert. If you have a photo or scan to share, please get in touch!

Attendance:  Unknown.

Set List: Unknown. Please send me a note if you have any information.

Was the Concert Recorded? Possibly. In a 1981 Billboard Magazine interview, Mike Kappus of the Rosebud Agency announced plans to record the Destroyers’ 1981 shows in Australia and New Zealand.

Source: Billboard Magazine. Aug. 29, 1981. Pg. 37.

Concert Photos: I am still looking for any photographs of this concert. Please send me a note if you have any leads.

Concert Reaction: I have not (yet) found a contemporary printed review for this concert, circa 1981. Please send me a note if you can point me in the right direction.  

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: At the time of this writing, the Thebarton Theatre continues to host concerts and other public events.

Nookenburra Hotel. Perth, Western Australia.

Date:  September 6, 1981.

Venue: Nookenburra Hotel. 401 Scarborough Beach Rd. Innaloo, Western Australia. 6018. Australia.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/fZQpBVpSUdSUPbqQ6

Venue Exterior: 

1976:

Source: State Library of Western Australia.

2020:

Venue Interior:

1981/1982:

Above: The Troupadores perform at the Nookenburra Hotel, circa 1981 or 1982. Source: Facebook.

Opening Act:  Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill:  I have not (yet) come across a poster, flyer or handbill for the Destroyers’ 1981 show at the Nookenburra Hotel.  Please get in touch if you have a scan or a photo that you can share.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Roadrunner. August 1981. Pg. 18.

Ticket Price:  Unknown.

Ticket Stub: I have not yet seen a ticket stub to this concert. If you have a photo or scan to share, please get in touch!

Attendance:  Unknown.

Set List: Unknown. Please send me a note if you have any information.

Was the Concert Recorded? Possibly. In a 1981 Billboard Magazine interview, Mike Kappus of the Rosebud Agency announced plans to record the Destroyers’ 1981 shows in Australia and New Zealand.

Source: Billboard Magazine. Aug. 29, 1981. Pg. 37.

Concert Photos: I am still looking for any photographs of this concert. Please send me a note if you have any leads.

Concert Reaction: I have not (yet) found a contemporary printed review for this concert, circa 1981. Please send me a note if you can point me in the right direction.  

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue:

The Nookenburra Hotel was redeveloped in 2006 and 2007. An establishment called “Botanica” was operating at the site as of 2008.

Raffles Hotel. Perth, Western Australia.

Date:  September 7, 1981.

Venue: Raffles Hotel. 70-72 Canning Beach Rd. Applecross, WA. 6153. Australia.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/An7WSpvmAzPHmY3T8

Venue Exterior: 

1980s:

2022:

Venue Interior: I am still looking for a good photo from inside Raffles Hotel, circa 1981. Please send me a note if you know of one.

Opening Act:  Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill:  I have not (yet) come across a poster, flyer or handbill for the Destroyers’ 1981 show at the Raffles Hotel in Perth.  Please get in touch if you have a scan or a photo that you can share.

Press & Promotion:  I am looking for any print ads for this concert. Please send me a note if you have any leads.

Ticket Price:  Unknown.

Ticket Stub: I have not yet seen a ticket stub to this concert. If you have a photo or scan to share, please get in touch!

Attendance:  Unknown.

Set List: Unknown. Please send me a note if you have any information.

Was the Concert Recorded? Possibly. In a 1981 Billboard Magazine interview, Mike Kappus of the Rosebud Agency announced plans to record the Destroyers’ 1981 shows in Australia and New Zealand.

Source: Billboard Magazine. Aug. 29, 1981. Pg. 37.

Concert Photos: I am still looking for any photographs of this concert. Please send me a note if you have any leads.

Concert Reaction: I have not (yet) found a contemporary printed review for this concert, circa 1981. Please send me a note if you can point me in the right direction.  

Other Notes:

Above: Hand-written postcard from Perth, Australia, postmarked on September 9, 1981 and sent by George Thorogood to the I Like It Like That record store in Newark, Delaware. The message reads:

“Found this picture of the Commotions. Sold out in Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand!! Next, Jagger meets George! – Kid Rio”.

To annotate this scene slightly, I Like It Like That records and tapes was located at 58 E. Main Street in Newark, Delaware. I Like It Like That closed in 1987 after more than 10 years in business.

Don Challenger, one of the owners of I Like It Like That, played guitar for The Commotions.

Above: The Commotions perform at the Deer Park Tavern in 1981. Source: University of Delaware Review. Nov. 3, 1981. Pg. 11-1.

Above: The interior of the I Like It Like That record store in 1983.

Source: Wilmington News Journal. Aug. 17, 1978. Pg. 26 & The Morning News. Nov. 17, 1983. Compass Supplement. Pg. 01.

Fate of the Venue: At the time of this writing, the Raffles Hotel continues to function as a venue for parties, corporate functions, and other public events.

Sundowner Hotel. Sydney, New South Wales.

Date:  September 8, 1981.

Venue: Sundowner Hotel. Canterbury Rd & Punchbowl Rd. Punchbowl, NSW. 2196. Australia.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/uHiCa5hpkaLda5ez5

Venue Exterior: 

1977:

Source: Screenshot from the 1977 movie “The FJ Holden”.

1970:

Source: Australian National University Archives.

2022:

Venue Interior:

1977:

Source: Screenshots from the 1977 movie “The FJ Holden”.

Opening Act:  Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill:  I have not (yet) come across a poster, flyer or handbill for the Destroyers’ 1981 show at the Sundowner Hotel.  Please get in touch if you have a scan or a photo that you can share.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Sydney Morning Herald. Sept. 6, 1981. Pg. 104.

Ticket Price:  Unknown.

Ticket Stub: I have not yet seen a ticket stub to this concert. If you have a photo or scan to share, please get in touch!

Attendance:  Unknown.

Set List: Unknown. Please send me a note if you have any information.

Was the Concert Recorded? Possibly. In a 1981 Billboard Magazine interview, Mike Kappus of the Rosebud Agency announced plans to record the Destroyers’ 1981 shows in Australia and New Zealand.

Source: Billboard Magazine. Aug. 29, 1981. Pg. 37.

Concert Photos: I am still looking for any photographs of this concert. Please send me a note if you have any leads.

Concert Reaction: I have not (yet) found a contemporary printed review for this concert, circa 1981. Please send me a note if you can point me in the right direction.  

Other Notes:

Above: The Destroyers’ 1981 tour of Australia was included in an end of the year trade ad from the Frontier Touring Company.

Source: Roadrunner. December 1981. Pg. 58.

Fate of the Venue: The Sundowner Hotel was purchased by the Punchbowl Croatian Club in 1982 and subsequently redeveloped.

Wanted All Over the World – George Thorogood and The Destroyers – Georgia 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:

• Est. March 24 or 25, 1981 – WTBS Studios. Atlanta, GA.
• March 24, 1981 – Agora Ballroom. Atlanta, GA.
• November 29, 1981 – Agora Ballroom. Atlanta, GA.

WTBS Studios.

Date:  March 24 or 25, 1981.

Venue: WTBS Studios. 1050 Techwood Drive.  Atlanta, GA.  30318.  USA.

The Destroyers performed for the WTBS television program Tush on this date.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Y4YnYAHfa5Wxufrw7

Venue Exterior: 

Circa 1980:

Source: Haaretz.com

2022:

Venue Interior: See the Concert Photos section below.

Opening Act: None.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: UNC Carolina Times. July 18, 1981. Pg. 17.

Above: TV promo ad for the Tush program on WTBS.

Above: TV listing for the broadcast of the Tush episode with George Thorogood and the Destroyers. Source: Atlanta Journal. Aug. 23, 1981.

Set List:

• I’m Wanted.
• House of Blue Lights.

Was the Concert Recorded?  Yes.

Concert Photos:

Concert Reaction: I have not yet found a contemporary printed review of the Destroyers’ performance on the Tush program, circa 1981.

Other Notes:

All of the Destroyers (except George) underwent a wardrobe change between recording their first and second songs.

The “amazing five man trio” sign was also added for the second song.

Fate of the Venue: The Techwood Drive campus continues to be the home of several television networks broadcasting from Atlanta.

Agora Ballroom.

Date:  March 24, 1981

Venue:  The Agora (aka the Agora Ballroom).  665 Peachtree Street NE.  Atlanta GA.  30308. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/dCN4CBJxUqMNG2fp8

Venue Exterior: 

1978:

Source: Georgia State Signal. Nov. 20, 1978. Pg. 25.

1982:

1982:

2017:

Venue Interior:

Above:  The Producers perform at Atlanta’s Agora Ballroom in April 1981.  Source:  https://sallanscorner.wordpress.com/2011/05/13/atlantas-great-band-the-producers/

Opening Act:  Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I have not yet seen a poster for this concert.  Please get in touch if you have a photo you can share.

Press & Promotion:  

Source:  Atlanta Journal. March 21, 1981. Pg. 3.

Source:  Atlanta Journal. March 21, 1981. Pg. 3.

Source:  Atlanta Journal. March 22, 1981. Pg. 5E.

Source:  Atlanta Journal. March 22, 1981. Pg. 5E.

Ticket Price:  $5.96.

Ticket Stub:  

Attendance:  Unknown.  Atlanta’s Agora Ballroom had an official capacity of 1,200 in 1981. 

Source:  Billboard Magazine.  September 26, 1981.  Pg. G-10.

Set List: Unknown.  

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

Concert Photos:  I have yet to uncover any photos from the Destroyers’ March 1981 concert at the Agora Ballroom.  Please get in touch if you have any to share.

Concert Reaction: I have not yet found a contemporary printed review of the Destroyers’ concert at the Agora Ballroom, circa March 1981.  

Other Notes:  None.

Fate of the Venue:  

Atlanta’s Agora Ballroom closed as a concert venue in 1983.  After laying derelict for a few years, the site burned in a major fire on August 30, 1987.  

Source:  Marietta Daily Journal.  September 2, 1987.  Pg. 1B. & Atlanta Fire Department.  History of Service Commemorative Yearbook.  1982.

Wanted All Over the World – George Thorogood and The Destroyers – Maryland 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:

• Feb. 10-11, 1978 – Psyche Delly. Bethesda, MD.
• Feb. 12, 1978 – No Fish Today. Baltimore, MD.
• Sept. 8, 1978 – University of Maryland Student Union Grand Ballroom. College Park, MD.

Psyche Delly.

Date:  February 10 & 11, 1978.

Venue: Psyche Delly. 4846 Cordell Ave.  Bethesda, MD.  20814. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/7raW73axDnwAuxyP7

Venue Exterior: 

1978:

2018:

Venue Interior:

1978:

Above: The Nighthawks perform at the Psyche Delly in 1978.

Opening Act:  Unknown.

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

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Evening Star. Feb. 10, 1978. Pg. C3

Source: Unicorn Times. Feb. 1978. Pg. 59.

Ticket Price:  Unknown.

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

Attendance:  Unknown. The Psyche Delly held 250 people in 1977.

Source: Washington Post. Jan. 19, 1983.

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 these concerts. Please get in touch if you know of any.

Concert Reaction: I have not yet found any printed reviews of these shows circa 1978.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue:

The Psyche Delly closed in January 1983.

Source: Washington Post. Jan. 19, 1983.

No Fish Today.

Date:  February 12, 1978.

Venue: No Fish Today. 610 N. Eutaw St. Baltimore, MD. 21201. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/suV1vv4rXrwuC4pd9

Venue Exterior:

1977:

Source: Baltimore Sun. Feb. 11, 1977. Pg. B1-1.

1977:

Source: Evening Sun. Sept. 22, 1977. Pg. 18.

2020:

Venue Interior:

Circa 1977:

1981:

Source: Baltimore Sun. Apr. 17, 1981. Pg. B1.

Opening Act:  Unknown.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill:  I have not (yet) come across a poster, flyer or handbill for the Destroyers’ February 1978 show at No Fish Today.  Please get in touch if you have a scan or a photo that you can share.

Press & Promotion: I am still looking for any advertising to promote this concert. 

Ticket Price:  Unknown.

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. No Fish Today had capacity for 50 people “packed toe-to-toe and shoulder to shoulder”.

Source: The Evening Sun. January 22, 1981. Pg. 16.

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

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 come across a printed review of this concert. Please send me a note if you have any leads.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue:

No Fish Today was heavily damaged in a January 1982 fire. The venue never reopened afterwards.

Source: Baltimore Sun. Jan. 27, 1982. Pg. D6.

University of Maryland Student Union Grand Ballroom.

Date:  September 8, 1978.

Venue: University of Maryland Student Union Grand Ballroom. 3972 Campus Dr. College Park, MD. 20742. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/ftYdjCi1UMUot8Am6

Venue Exterior: 

1979:

Source: Terrapin Yearbook. 1980. Pg. 16.

2019:

Venue Interior:

December 1970:

Source: The Diamondback. Dec. 11, 1970. Pg. 1.

May 1984:

Above: The Slickee Boys perform in the University of Maryland Student Union Grand Ballroom. Source: YouTube.

Opening Act:  Rich Hall

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

Press & Promotion: 

Source: The Diamondback. Aug. 21, 1978. Pg. 15.

Source: The Diamondback. Aug. 24, 1978. Pg. 11.

Ticket Price:  $3.50 for students; $5.50 for non-students.

Ticket Stub: I am looking for a ticket stub from this show. Please drop me a note if you have a photo or scan to share.

Attendance:  Unknown. The University of Maryland Student Union Ballroom had capacity for 1,000 people.

Source: The Diamondback. Feb. 21, 1979. Pg. 8.

Set List: Unknown.

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

Concert Photos:

Source: University of Maryland Terrapin 1979 Yearbook. Pp. 208-209.

Source: University of Maryland Terrapin 1979 Yearbook. Pp. 208-209.

Source: University of Maryland Terrapin 1979 Yearbook. Pg. 215.

Concert Reaction: I am still on the hunt for a printed review of this show circa 1978. Please drop me a note if you know of one.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: The University of Maryland Student Union was renamed the Adele H. Stamp Student Union in 1983. The Grand Ballroom continues to host public and school events.

Wanted All Over the World – George Thorogood and The Destroyers – Nevada 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:

• Mar. 23, 1980 – MGM Grand Hotel. Las Vegas, NV.

MGM Grand Hotel.

Date:  March 23, 1980.

Venue: MGM Grand Hotel. Grand Ballroom. 3645 South Las Vegas Boulevard. Las Vegas, NV. 89109. USA.

This performance was part of the National Association of Recording Merchandisers’ (NARM) 22nd Annual Convention.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/ftYdjCi1UMUot8Am6

Venue Exterior: 

1980:

2021:

Venue Interior:

1970s:

Opening Act:  None.

The Destroyers replaced the Eagles as the Sunday night headliner for the convention. Other performers at the 1980 NARM Convention included Kenny Rogers, the Commodores, the Captain and Tennille, and the Oak Ridge Boys.

Source: Billboard Magazine. April 5, 1980. Pg. 29.

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

Press & Promotion: 

Above: Advertisement for the 1980 NARM Annual Convention in Las Vegas. Source: Cash Box. January 12, 1980. Pg. 11.

Source: Variety. March 19, 1980. Pg. 134.

Source: Record World. March 22, 1980. Pg. 18.

Source: Cash Box. March 29, 1980. Pg. 88.

Above: Excerpt from the 1980 NARM convention’s official agenda. Source: Cash Box. March 29, 1980. Pg. 124.

Ticket Price:  Unknown.

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. There were 2,000 attendees at the 1980 NARM Annual Convention in Las Vegas, but not all of them attended the Sunday night reception and concert. Billboard Magazine reported that the band performed to “a respectable crowd”.

Source: Cash Box. April 5, 1980. & Billboard Magazine. April 5, 1980. Pp. 27 & 29.

Set List:

• King of the Road (Roger Miller).

The Destroyers played two sets.

Source: Billboard Magazine. April 5, 1980. Pg. 29.

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

Concert Photos:

Source: Billboard Magazine. April 5, 1980. Pg. 26.

Source: Cash Box. April 5, 1980. Pg. 38.

Source: Facebook.

Concert Reaction:

Roman Kozak of Billboard Magazine provides some additional details about the Destroyers performance at the 1980 NARM convention in a larger article about the changing musical tastes of the day:

“Where last year the closest NARM entertainment got to rock was Willie Nelson performing at a luncheon, this year NARM went out of its way to get a rock’n’roller on stage.  The convention tried to get the Eagles, couldn’t, but was happy to get George Thorogood instead… 

Joe Cohen, vice president of NARM, saw George Thorogood at a Record Bar convention and asked Rounder Records, his small independent label, if he would be available.  He was.  He and his band showed up wearing obvious Rent-A-Tux suits apparently thinking they were all playing a wedding.  “What do all you people do for a living?” he innocently asked during his show.

Unlike the other acts at the convention which immediately followed their record company-sponsored dinners and […] played to a captive audience, Thorogood had to attract his own crowd.  There was a 90-minute gap between the end of the opening night cocktail party and the start of Thorogood’s performance.  But competing with everything else there is in Vegas, he attracted a respectable crowd, most of which sat through two sets.”

Source: Billboard Magazine. April 5, 1980. Pg. 29.

Other Notes:

Above: Hank Carter, Bill Blough and George Thorogood show off their NARM tuxedos. “It was prom week and we could only find [two] black tuxes.”

Source: Facebook.

Above: Commemorative t-shirt from the March 1980 NARM convention in Las Vegas.

Fate of the Venue:

On November 21, 1980, the original MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas was the site of a horrific fire that killed 85 people. At the time, it was the second deadliest hotel fire in U.S. history. The MGM Grand was rebuilt with new fire safety features in 1981. The hotel was bought in 1986 and renamed Bally’s Las Vegas. As of this writing, Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino continues to operate at this location.

Please note that the current MGM Grand Hotel is an entirely different building, located on a different part of the Las Vegas strip. 

Source: Oakland Tribune. Nov. 22, 1980. Pg. 1.

Source: Reno Gazette Journal. Nov. 21, 1980. Pg. 1.

Source: University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) Archives.

Wanted All Over the World – George Thorogood and The Destroyers – Before the Destroyers

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.

Although the Destroyers’ first official concert was at the University of Delaware’s Lane Hall dormitory on December 1, 1973, their musical journey began even before that important day. Given the general unreliability of online information and peoples’ long term memories, I am only including performance dates up to November 1973 that I can confirm from primary sources.

Quick Links:

• Jan. 13, 1965 – Sweet 16 Birthday Party. Brandywood, DE. USA.
• Sep. 11, 1971 – Arden Center YWCA. Ardentown, DE. USA.
• Nov. 13, 1971 – Goldie’s Door Knob. Newark, DE. USA.
• Apr. 11-16, 1973 – Max’s Kansas City. New York, NY. USA.
• May 1-6, 1973 – Joe’s Place. Cambridge, MA. USA.
• Jul. 27-28, 1973 – Sandy’s North Shore. Beverly, MA. USA.
• Oct. 4, 1973 – Bridgewater State College. Bridgewater, MA. USA.

Sweet 16 Birthday Party.

Date:  January 13, 1965.

Source: Facebook.

Venue: Private home. Brandywood, Delaware. USA.

Source: The News Journal. Feb. 2, 1963. Pg. 8.

Source: Brandywood Civic Association.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/xdYZ5g8mkyHRNGHHA

Set List: “The band played all the current music of 1965”.

Source: Facebook.

Was the Concert Recorded?  Yes. There is a short snippet of silent film footage of this event on YouTube.

Concert Photos:

Source: https://youtu.be/-kiTJEFCyGc

Other Notes: In the description accompanying his YouTube video, Peter Christy provides helpful details about this event:

“George Thorogood was invited to perform at a party in my wife’s parents’ basement during her high school years in Wilmington, Delaware. George and my wife were classmates at Brandywine High School although he was a year behind [her]. They both were in Mr. Pro’s World History class where my wife became aware of George’s musical talents and she invited him to perform at her party. The party was during the winter of 1965… George performed with his original band. My father-in-law took this brief home movie of his daughter’s party, hardly realizing that the band would become famous. George and his band are playing in the basement corner and he can be seen with his tambourine.”

One online commenter suggests that Thorogood and company were performing under the name “Midnight Sun” at this time. That is consistent with info from a 1983 interview with George’s parents:

Source: University of Delaware Review. May 10, 1983. Pg. 10.

Arden Center YWCA.

Date:  September 11, 1971.

Venue:  Arden Center YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association). 2210 Swiss Lane. Ardentown, DE. 19810. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/diJ5jEZjGVzkFZ3MA

Venue Exterior: 

1973:

Source: The Morning News. Jan. 27, 1973.g 10

2019:

Press & Promotion:

Source: Delaware Morning News. Sept. 11, 1971. Pg. 34.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: The Arden Center YWCA was sold in 1986 and redeveloped into a retirement home.

Goldie’s Door Knob.

Date:  November 13, 1971.

Venue:  Goldie’s Door Knob. University of Delaware Student Center. Dover Room. 325 Academy St. Newark, DE. 19716. USA.

Source: University of Delaware Review. Nov. 12, 1971. Pg. 10.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/nGG82rHkiT1CdaYF7

Venue Exterior: 

1963:

2019:

Venue Interior:

1968:

Source: University of Delaware Review. Oct. 1, 1968.

Press & Promotion:

Source: University of Delaware Review. Nov. 12, 1971. Pg. 10.

Ticket Price:  Free.

Other Notes: None.

Max’s Kansas City.

Dates:  April 11-16, 1973.

Note: I am not able to confirm if George Thorogood played all of these dates, some of these dates or just one of these dates. Please get in touch if you have more information.

Venue:  Max’s Kansas City. 213 Park Avenue S. New York, NY. 10003. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/16bgsMjLCAU3La527

Venue Exterior: 

1970s:

Source: Ray Stevenson. Shutterstock.

2018:

Venue Interior:

November 1977:

Above: Devo perform at Max’s Kansas City. Source: www.bobgruen.com/maxs-kansas-city/

Opening Act:  George Thorogood (solo) opened for Bonnie Raitt and Little Feat.

Above: Bonnie Raitt performs with Little Feat at the Roxy in Los Angeles, 1976. Source: Erica Echenberg/Getty Images.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Village Voice. April 12, 1973.

Source: Village Voice. April 12, 1973. Pg. 58.

Concert Reaction:  

Dan Nooger of the Village Voice reviewed the April 11th date from this run of concerts at Max’s Kansas City. While George Thorogood is not mentioned in the review, the article provides a nice overview of what these shows were like.

“On Wednesday, Warner Bros. hosted a fried-chicken box dinner party for Little Feat at Max’s to celebrate their new album, “Dixie Chicken.” Despite the catering, Little Feat are anything but greasy. Recently expanded from four to six men, the group is built around former Mothers guitarist Lowell George, who produced the album as well as writing most of the songs.  They sometimes use blues and R&B structural devices, but the finished product is their own and it wails…  Their incredibly humorous “Fat Man in the Bathtub” and “Dixie Chicken”, a tale of loving and losing in the moist Southern night with a jaunty chorus by the boys at the bar, highlighted a set of songs from their three fine albums. 

Topping the bill was Bonnie Raitt, who despite a cold that had her coughing and half-whispering “You’re gonna see a first tonight; singer dies onstage at Max’s”, turned in a fine set about equally divided between blues and ballads.  Her treatment of Joni Mitchell’s lovely “Midway”, with its octave-jumping vocal line, was nothing short of awe-inspiring.  On Chris Smithers’ ballsy blues “Love Me Like a Man” she was helped out by the Feat’s Lowell George on bottleneck, conga player Sam Clayton, and Bill Payne, who played some fine barrelhouse piano, as well as her longtime bassman Freebo.”

Source: Village Voice. April 19, 1973. Pg. 67.

Other Notes:

In various interviews over the years, George Thorogood has pointed to his performance at Max’s Kansas City as an important early breakthrough in his music career. Inspired after seeing John Hammond, Jr. at the Gaslight in New York in 1970, Thorogood headed to northern California to break into the local scene as a solo acoustic act. After a time in the San Francisco Bay area, Thorogood introduced himself to Hammond who, in turn, introduced George to “a couple of managers”. Soon after, George landed a guest spot opening up for Bonnie Raitt and Little Feat at Max’s in April 1973. The connections from that New York gig led to George being hired by music promoter (and Bonnie Raitt’s manager) Dick Waterman to open a week of shows for Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee at a blues club called Joe’s Place in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Source: Crawdaddy. May 1978. Pg. 25; RecordOnline.com; YouTube.

Fate of the Venue: 

This version of Max’s Kansas City went bankrupt in July 1974 and closed in December 1974. The club re-opened and closed a few more times before finally shutting its doors for good in 1981.

Source: Billboard Magazine. August 17, 1974. Pg. 4.

Joe’s Place.

Dates:  May 1-6, 1973.

Venue:  Joe’s Place. 1281 Cambridge St. Cambridge, MA. 02139. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/8AmPfkY8umLY5kHk8

Venue Exterior: 

1974:

Source: Boston Phoenix. Sept. 17, 1974. Pg. 6.

2019:

Opening Act:  George Thorogood (solo) opened for Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.

Above: Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee perform in Denmark, 1967. Source: Jan Persson/Getty Images.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Boston Phoenix. May 1, 1973. Pg. 17.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: This version of Joe’s Place was destroyed in a fire on April 1, 1974. Joe’s Place was operating out of the second floor of 11 Windsor Street in Cambridge, MA as of 1975.

Source: Boston Globe. April 3, 1974. Pg. 71 & Boston Phoenix. July 8, 1975. Pg. 2-12.

Sandy’s North Shore.

Dates:  July 27-28, 1973.

Venue:  Sandy’s North Shore. 54 Cabot St. Beverly, MA. 01915. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/3cCQeiLMrynnc3ph6

Venue Exterior: 

2018:

Venue Interior:

1974:

Source: Boston Phoenix. Sept 17, 1974. Pg. 5.

Opening Act:  George Thorogood (solo) opened for Hound Dog Taylor and the House Rockers.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: Boston Phoenix. July 24, 1973. Pg. 16.

Source: Boston Globe. July 26, 1973. Pg. 22.

Other Notes: None.

Fate of the Venue: Sandy’s North Shore was closed in late 1974 for a major renovation. The venue re-opened in April 1975 as Sandy’s Jazz Revival. The venue closed for good in 1986.

Bridgewater State College.

Date:  October 4, 1973.

Blind Jim Brewer and George Thorogood performed two shows on this date: An afternoon show from 1 to 3pm in the Student Union Foyer and an evening show from 7 to 11pm in another location.

Venue:  Bridgewater State College. 19 Park Ave. Bridgewater, MA. 02325. USA.

Find it on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/MzPw9g5r8cQeDGRg9

Venue Exterior: 

1970s:

2019:

Opening Act:  George Thorogood (solo) opened for Blind Jim Brewer.

Press & Promotion: 

Source: The Comment. Sept. 27, 1973. Pg. 6.

Source: The Comment. Oct. 4, 1973. Pg. 7.

Ticket Price:  Free (afternoon show); $0.50 (evening show).

Other Notes:

Above: Blind Jim Brewer and George Thorogood in Newton, MA. September 1973. Source: Facebook.

50 Dates in 50 Posts – Tour Stop # 7 – The Hitching Post Inn, Cheyenne, Wyoming

50/50 Tour Stop:  # 7 (Concert # 7)

Date:  October 29, 1981

Venue:  The Hitching Post Inn (aka The Hitch).  1700 West Lincolnway.  Cheyenne, WY.  82001.  

Find it on Google Maps:  https://goo.gl/maps/S88JNemo4CCX6ixT6

Venue Exterior: 

1960s:

I have not yet found a photo of the exterior of the Hitching Post as it looked circa the 50-50 tour.  Please get in touch if you know of one.

2018:

Venue Interior: 

1980s:

Above:  Ricky and the Red Streaks perform at the Hitching Post Inn sometime in the 1980s.  

Source:  https://www.facebook.com/SueRosoffsRodeoPhotography/

Opening Act:  There was no opening act for this concert.

Source:  Bill Blough / Facebook.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill:  I have not yet seen a poster, flyer or handbill for this show.  If you have a copy or any information, please get in touch!

Press & Promotion:  I am still looking for any advertising used to promote the Destroyers’ 50-50 concert in Wyoming.  Please send me a note if you know of any or have any images you can share.

Ticket Price:  $7.50.

Source:  Bill Blough / Facebook.

Ticket Stub:  I am still looking for an image of the tickets for this show.  If you have a scan or a stub for sale, please get in touch!    

Attendance:  Unknown.  As far as fire regulations were concerned, the Hitching Post’s Coach Room had an official capacity of 150.  The promotor indicated a capacity of 600.  Anecdotally, the Hitching Post’s Coach Room would hold over 1,200 “from time to time”.

Source:  Sue Castaneda.  “Hitching Post Inn:  Wyoming’s Second Capital”.  Wyoming State Archives.  2012.  Pg. 100 & Bill Blough / Facebook.

Set List:  Unknown.

Was the Concert Recorded?  Unknown.    

Concert Photos:  I am still looking for any photos of the Destroyers performing at the Hitching Post during the 50-50 tour.  Please get in touch if you have any!  

Concert Reaction:  I am still looking for a printed review for the Destroyers’ 50-50 concert in Cheyenne.  Please contact me below if you know of one.

Other Notes:  The Destroyers’ 50-50 concert in Wyoming was originally going to take place at the Wyoming State Prison in Rawlins, WY.

Source:  Ottawa Citizen.  Nov. 13, 1981.  Pg. 34 & The Ledger.  Nov. 15, 1981.  Pg. 11D.

Fate of the Venue:  The Hitching Post Inn closed in September 2009 because of financial issues.  A large portion of the hotel was destroyed in a fire on September 15, 2010.  

Source:  Casper Star Tribune.  Jan. 7, 2012.  Pg. A1.

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50 Dates in 50 Posts – Tour Stop # 38 – Agora Ballroom, Atlanta, Georgia

50/50 Tour Stop:  # 38 (Concert # 39)

Date:  November 29, 1981

Venue:  The Agora (aka the Agora Ballroom).  665 Peachtree Street NE.  Atlanta GA.  30308.

Find it on Google Maps:  https://goo.gl/maps/uXh8ABZtaW6hzcbz7

Venue Exterior: 

September 1981:

1982:

1982:

2017:

Venue Interior:

Above:  The Producers perform at Atlanta’s Agora Ballroom in April 1981.  Source:  https://sallanscorner.wordpress.com/2011/05/13/atlantas-great-band-the-producers/

Opening Act:  Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown.

Photo credit:  Lincoln Nebraska Journal Star.  July 28, 1981.  Pg. 8.

Poster / Flyer / Handbill: I have never seen a poster for this concert.  Please get in touch if you have a photo you can share.

Press & Promotion:  

    Source:  Augusta Chronicle.  November 11, 1981.

Source:  Anniston Star.  November 21, 1981.

Source:  Atlanta Constitution.  Nov. 22, 1981.  Pg. 6F.

Source:  Atlanta Constitution.  Nov. 28, 1981.  Pg. 2.

Source:  Atlanta Constitution.  Nov. 28, 1981.  Pg. 6.

Source:  Atlanta Journal.  Nov. 28, 1981.  Pg. 35.

Source:  Atlanta Journal.  Nov. 29, 1981.

Source:  Atlanta Constitution.  Nov. 29, 1981.  Pg. 6.

Source:  Montgomery Advertiser.  December 4, 1981.

Ticket Price:  $7.50.

Ticket Stub:  

Source:  Facebook.

Attendance:  Unknown.  Atlanta’s Agora Ballroom had an official capacity of 1,200 in 1981.  The promoter noted a capacity of 1,300 for this show.

Source:  Billboard Magazine.  September 26, 1981.  Pg. G-10 & Bill Blough.

Set List:  

• Who Do You Love?
• Reelin’ and Rockin’.

Source:  Atlanta Journal.  Nov. 30, 1981.  Pg. 3B.

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

Concert Photos:  I have yet to uncover any photos from the Destroyers’ 50-50 concert in Atlanta.  Please get in touch if you have any to share.

Concert Reaction:  

Atlanta Journal Staff Writer Russ DeVault’s review indicates the Destroyers were still going strong 38 days (39 concerts) into the 50/50 tour:

“At first, it all seems a little droll and more than a little improbable: a rock ‘n’ roll band playing 50 states in 50 days and traveling to all but two of them – Hawaii and Alaska – in a converted Checker cab.  Then you see, and hear, George Thorogood and the Destroyers for more than two hours Sunday night and Monday morning at the Agora and realize there’s nothing to it, nothing at all.

Thorogood and the Destroyers burned up enough energy while here to prove their stamina.  The question is whether the people who hear them will ever regain theirs.

Thorogood, saxophonist Hank Carter, bassist Bill Blough and drummer Jeff Simon started with a standing, full house.  When they finished, the only ones still standing were a few true die-hards.  The majority of the crowd had fled.  It wasn’t because the music was bad… 

Thorogood and the Destroyers come out, launch into a couple of songs along the line of “‘Who Do You Love” and then he warns the crowd. “‘We’re gonna play some rhythm and blues, some country and western, and some rock ‘n’ roll, and then we’re gonna party.”

Two hours later, the frantic, often frenetic, Thorogood scolds the fans still not blown away “You call THAT dancing?” he says.  “That’s the worst dancing I ever saw.”  Three explosions of songs later, he says, “This is my idea of having fun,” proceeds to wear out three more songs, some more of his audience, and finally relents a bit by saying, “I think everybody showed some class by coming out even though the bar wasn’t open.”

No problem, there.  By the time he closed his encore with a raucous version of Berry’s Reelin’ and Rockin’, no song could have been more descriptive of the survivors, and nothing could have been more unnecessary than alcohol.  Thorogood and the Destroyers are strong enough.”

Source:  Atlanta Journal.  Nov. 30, 1981.  Pg. 3B.

Other Notes:  The Destroyer’s 50/50 concert at the Agora was an all-ages show because Atlanta’s laws at that time did not allow liquor sales on Sundays.   

Fate of the Venue:  

Atlanta’s Agora Ballroom closed as a concert venue in 1983.  After laying derelict for several years, the site burned in a major fire on August 30, 1987.  

Source:  Marietta Daily Journal.  September 2, 1987.  Pg. 1B. & Atlanta Fire Department.  History of Service Commemorative Yearbook.  1982.

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50 Dates in 50 Posts – Tour Stop # 15 – Hoch Auditorium, Lawrence, Kansas

50/50 Tour Stop:  # 15 (Concert # 15)

Date:  November 6, 1981

Venue:  Hoch Auditorium.  1455 Jayhawk Boulevard.  University of Kansas.  Lawrence, KS.  66045.

Find it on Google Maps:  https://goo.gl/maps/cJHWU1YdX1SEATfK6

Venue Exterior: 

Circa 1950s:

2012:

Venue Interior:

1940s:

If you have a photo of the inside of Hoch Auditorium circa 1981, please send me a note.  I’d love to update this image with something more relevant.

Opening Act:  Son Seals Blues Band

Poster / Flyer / Handbill:  I have not yet seen a poster, flyer or handbill for this show.  If you have a copy or any information, please get in touch!

Press & Promotion:

Source:  Lawrence Journal-World.

Source: Lawrence Journal-World.

Above:  Concert ad for the Destroyers’ “tour stock” (sic!) at Hoch Auditorium in November 1981.  Kansas City Star.  Oct. 11, 1981.  Pg. 19C.

Ticket Price:  $8 / $9 Reserved Seats

Ticket Stub:

Attendance:  Unknown.  Hoch Auditorium had seating capacity of 3,500.

Set List:  Unknown.  If you have any information, please get in touch.

Was the Concert Recorded?  Unknown.  If you have any information, please contact me using the form at the bottom of this post.

Concert Photos:

Source:  1982 University of Kansas Jayhawker Yearbook. 

Concert Reaction:  On December 5, 1981, Billboard Magazine printed a letter from a University of Kansas Student Union representative praising the “Thorogood entourage” for the low cost of tickets for this show.  The letter goes on, however, to criticize “the performer” for “cranking up” the sound volume to “painful” and “damaging” levels, and for encouraging the audience to leave their assigned seats.

Other Notes:  The CD tray inlay for the album George Thorogood & the Destroyers Anthology (Capitol Records, 2000) shows a sepia tone montage of backstage passes from the 50 50 tour, including one from the Kansas show (Center of photo).

Fate of the Venue: 

On June 15, 1991, Hoch Auditorium was struck by lightning and heavily damaged by the resulting fire.  The re-built and re-designed structure (which now includes three lecture halls, four classrooms, and a computer lab) was re-opened on the same site as Budig Hall in 1997.

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