George Thorogood’ and The Destroyers’ “Baddest Show On Earth Tour” rocks the house at Nashville’s Brown County Music Center
By: Kevin Vickery
Like most natural born Hoosiers, throughout my life I’ve enjoyed traveling down to Brown County, IN to visit what we used to call, “Little Nashville” and enjoy the delicious food, artistic creations, unique shops and natural beauty of the area’s landscape. Admittedly, it has been a few years since I made what used to be an annual pilgrimage to take in the sights and sounds there, so when I learned that George Thorogood was making a stop at Brown County Music Center as part of his, “Baddest Show on Earth” tour, I knew I had to pack up and make the 100 mile South-bound trip.
Along with his band, “The Delaware Destroyers” (now known simply as the “Destroyers”), Thorogood has released over 20 albums, two of which have been certified Platinum, six have been certified Gold and has sold 15 million records worldwide.
Thorogood and his band are known to have a reputation for rigorous touring schedules, including the “50/50” tour in 1981, on which the band toured all 50 US states in 50 days. They continue to tour extensively, and in 2023, the band celebrated their 50th anniversary of performing.
George Thorogood’s high-energy, boogie-blues sound became a staple of 1980s rock radio, with hits like his original songs “Bad to the Bone” and “I Drink Alone”. He has also helped to popularize older songs by American icons, such as Hank Williams’ “Move It on Over”, Bo Diddley’s, “Who Do You Love?”, and his popular medley of John Lee Hooker’s, “House Rent Boogie mixed with his take on the Amos Milburn blues classic, “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer”.
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George Thorogood performs “House Rent Boogie/One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” at at Brown County Music Center in Nashville, IN
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George Thorogood performs Hank Williams’ “Move it in Over”” at at Brown County Music Center in Nashville, IN
Thorogood’s, biggest hit, “Bad to the Bone” has frequently been used in films to highlight a tough, rebellious, or “bad boy” character. Its most iconic movie appearances include: “Christine” (1983), “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991), “Problem Child” (1990), and “The Parent Trap” (1998). In related news, it has also been the only ring tone I’ve ever used since I got my first iPhone eighteen years ago. “The Baddest Show on Earth” at Brown County Music Center didn’t disappoint as George Thorogood and the Destroyers barreled their way through the aforementioned classics along with their other standards like, “Gear Jammer”, “Get a Hair-Cut” and a cool cover versions of Van Morrison’s, “Gloria”.
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George Thorogood performs “Bad to the Bone” at at Brown County Music Center in Nashville, IN
The crowd was on their feet and ready to rock from the opening notes of, “Rock Party” through the encore of “Born to be Bad”. I thought the show was great especially since I was not sure what to expect. I hadn’t seen George Thorogood and the Destroyers perform live since I worked “The Gibson Guitar Festival” held at historic Fort Adams in The Newport, Rhodes Island back in 1998. I’m happy to report that their show packs just as much of an upside-your-head, rockin-blues wallop today as it did when I saw them 28 years ago.
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George Thorogood performs Bo Diddley’s, “Who Do You Love” at at Brown County Music Center in Nashville, IN
Opening the show was a power-trio know as Canyon Lights, a Boston-based blues-rock band formed by guitarist/vocalist Pat Faherty and drummer Tim Carman, formerly of GA-20. They are touring in support of their 2025 debut album, “Breathe Easy” in which features a blend of 70s rock, swampy Americana, and blues.
Along with the rest of the crowd, I enjoyed their set very much and their songs, “Breathe Easy,” “Seventh Son,” “Drivin’ Me,” and “Codeine and Caffeine” as well as their cover of the James Gang’s “Walk Away” were all real crowd pleasers.
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The James Gang’s, “Walk Away” performed by Canyon Lights at Brown County Music Center
I had the opportunity to speak with seven-year-old Thorogood mega-fan, Elijah Gayheart who had made the trip from Lexington, Kentucky with his parents Lawrence Gayheart and Emily Alvarez to attend his first concert ever. He told me that his favorite songs were “Bad to the Bone” and “I Drink Alone”, adding that he liked George Thorogood because, “He’s a good singer, he’s so, so talented, and he’s a rock-star”.
Suffice to say, with over 53 years under their belt, the Destroyers are still going strong and still entertaining crowds of all ages. The band consisting of original drummer, Jeff Simon, bassist of 50 years, Bill Blough, guitarist, Jim Suhler, and Buddy Leach on Saxophone still deliver the raw, gritty blues-boogie sound you’d expect from these well seasoned, road warriors. They also do it all with respect and gratitude towards their loyal fan base.
Jeff Simon says, “We’ve been at it now for more than 50 years, spanning five decades. – Words don’t seem enough to express how grateful I am to be able to do what I love to do and make a living at it. – It’s only possible because of the support of our awesome fans… so, thank you!” He continues, “My family’s support and sacrifices give me the ground to walk on. – I’m not quitting until someone says I have to… Rock on!”
Bill Blough agrees saying, “Performing live never gets old. – We’ve always strived to give the best show possible to our fans around the world. – It’s been a thrill and an honor to perform for over 59 years.”
George Thorogood himself sums it up nicely saying, “For me the highlight is when I step on that bandstand. – The fans come to hear us and we’re ready to rock. – Every night I play for people can be the biggest night of my life.”
This was my first time attending a concert at The Brown County Music Center and I’m also happy to report that the just over 2000 seat venue, nestled on the banks of Salt Creek and located less than one mile from the largest state park in Indiana is a treat for any concert goer. Located near the Village of Nashville, this indoor entertainment venue hosts national level rock, blues, country, pop, jazz, throwback artists, and more.
If you attend a show there, do yourself a favor and make a little extra time to also visit one of the most scenic areas in the Midwest featuring thousands of acres of forests, a myriad of outdoor activities and of course Nashville, Indiana itself which offers an eclectic mix of arts, crafts, specialty shops, treats, an intimate local music scene, and is home to the iconic Brown County Playhouse.
To keep up with George Thorogood and the Destroyers touring schedule or purchase merchandise, you can find them on all social media platforms or visit the official website at georgethorogood.com.
Canyon Lights can be found on their facebook page, their bandcamp page or on their official website at canyonlightsband.com
For more information about future events at Brown County Music Center, visit their official website at browncountymusiccenter.com
Make Some Noise 