George Thorogood & the Destroyers - Ridin' Hard While Rockin' Da Blues
By MuzikMan, MusicDish.com

"In the early days, we went out and played every gig like it was our last. For all we knew, it was. Then one day, radio started playing our music. Everything changed."

George Thorogood and The Destroyers (www.georgethorogood.com) have been pumping out blues-rock since the '70s. With a tried and tested formula that has never failed and which lead to a fantastically successful career, George and his loyal crackerjack band have had a worldwide following for what seems forever now. We had the opportunity to ask George some questions and I am sure that reading this feature will give you more evidence of his wherewithal and powerful presence in music. There is a new album out, and if ya didn't know this by now, shame on your blues-rock lovin' soul. George and the boys are still chuggin' right along with the red-hot "Ride 'Til I Die."

RealAudio: You Don't Love Me (You Don't Care)

There is one thing you can always count on with George Thorogood; his music is not going to change, but a few different twist and turns on "Ride 'Til I Die" will continue to please the loyal listener and awaken some new ones. One thing is for certain, his firm grasp of blues-rock is undeniable. Making music now in his fourth decade, there seems to be no stopping him. He can still sing and grind away with his one and only gruff voice and his guitar slung low on hips with the energy and verve of performers half his age.

You had better believe that who is telling the story makes all the difference on "Ride 'Til I Die," and of course, the music provides the navigation. Thorogood makes it all new even though you have heard the stories told a thousand times before. He has the gift of gab and its set to some of the most rousing music you ever hear.

Not only is George a great musician and all around entertainer, he has a great sense of humor. You have to respect the man for his humble and grateful attitude towards life and his fans. It is no wonder he has been so successful since he first walked into the studio to record an album. I think listeners can appreciate the spirit in which he continues to make his music. I think they broke the mold when they made this guy. I am sure he will ride 'til he dies or die tryin'... with a smile.

"One thing that hasn't changed is my insistence to keep this whole rock and roll thing fun."

RealAudio: American Made

I asked George if it actually felt like it was that long ago since when he started, and what it was like then and what it is like now. I also asked how he felt about the music business and how things have changed. George commented with his natural straightforward aplomb.

[from left to right] Jim Suhler (guitar), Jeff Simon (drums),
George Thorogood (guitar), Bill Blough (bass), Arno Hecht (sax)

"It depends what day you are asking. I still recall some of the early days like it were yesterday. Others seem like a million years ago. It all depends on which time you're referring to. In the early days, we went out and played every gig like it was our last. For all we knew, it was. Then one day, radio started playing our music. Everything changed. Now we tour because we have thousands of devoted fans around the U.S. and the world that want to see and hear us. We must have done something right all these years to still be in demand. I think the fact that we never got caught up in the hype has helped. Our music has stayed true to our basic values. I don't concern myself with what's going on in the music industry as a whole. It is hard enough to stay focused on doing the best we can do."