AFTER decades in the industry, some of the music world's biggest stars continue to perform and tour all over the globe.
Australia has been part of the trend, welcoming the likes of old rockers such as The Eagles, The Rolling Stones and David Bowie to the country over the past few years.
George Thorogood is the latest to visit our shores, celebrating 30 years as one of rock's leading figures, having produced a string of jukebox classics such as Bad to the Bone, One Scotch, One Bourbon and One Beer, Movin It On Over and I Drink Alone. He is touring with his band The Destroyers and will perform at Newcastle Panthers on Friday, March 18.
It follows a recent triumph in December which saw the House of Blues in Cleveland unveil a bust of Thorogood to hang permanently in the new venue The Destroyers helped open.
Since forming 30 years ago, Thorogood and The Destroyers have played more than 3000 live shows, including an impressive series of support slots during a late 70s US tour by The Rolling Stones.
The now-legendary tour, which is known as the 50-50 Tour , had the bands play each of the 50 US states in 50 days.
As well as the tour, another treat for fans has arrived with the release of the album George Thorogood & The Destroyers: The Best 30 Years of Rock which boasts 16 of the band's biggest hits.
``When we first started, none of us had any idea we'd still be going strong for this long,'' Thorogood said.
``It's truly living a dream.'' That dream has taken many forms since their first gig at Lane Hall on the University of Delaware campus.
In the early years, the Destroyers got the chance to open for idols such as Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters and Hound Dog Taylor. lw-7 The support and encouragement they received from these veterans fuelled their enthusiasm.
George and original Destroyer, drummer Jeff Simon, experimented with different musicians before inviting bassist Bill Blough to join them in 1976.
The trio has played with different combinations over the years but made a permanent addition of guitarist Jim Suhler in 2000.
Saxophone player Buddy Leach now rounds out the unit.
When the Destroyers' first album on Rounder Records yielded hit singles, the band made a quantum leap in terms of recognition and peer respect.
Throughout the 80s and 90s The Destroyers continued to cement their reputation as one of the hardest working and most successful live attractions in rock.
They headlined numerous tours and festivals in the US and abroad and teamed with artists ranging from Steve Miller, ZZ Top and The Allman Brothers to Little Feat and BB King. Thorogood summed up the Destroyers' musical odyssey with a tip of his cap to the countless loyal supporters who have made their journey possible.
``We'd never be in this position if it weren't for our fans,'' Thorogood said.
``They're the real reason we keep going and as long as they want us, we'll be there.'' Tickets to George Thorogood and the Destroyers cost $50 and are on sale at the club.
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