A mild December evening in Daytona Beach finds us welcoming George Thorogood to Central Florida. Tonight we are at the Peabody Auditorium on the "beachside" of the city just two short blocks from the beach where the Atlantic ocean laps at large hotels and whose stage has been graced by so many legends of rock, Ozzy (with Randy Rhoads), Alice Cooper, and Ted Nugent to name a few. Heck, I've even performed on that stage when I was in dance school as a kid. So many memories of staring into that Peabody spotlight came flooding back as I awaited to photograph this legend on this night from the orchestra pit. The lobby was swarming with fans getting drinks, snacks, and merch. I saw many familiar local faces and also spied one of my favorite bartenders who works for the city itself at its other events and venues such as the Daytona Beach band shell during the yearly anticipated Summer Concert Series.
George came out with his signature sunglasses on, came to the end of the stage, front and center, to access the crowd, and essentially, say 'Hi - the badd-ass guitar hero is now in the house'. Giving us a bow and the strapped that guitar on. This awesome showman who has been rockin' the music industry for over 45 years blazed through his extensive musical library playing all the favorites. Tonight's set list included, 'Who Do You Love?', 'I Drink Alone', 'Get a Haircut', and, of course, 'Bad to the Bone'. Many of the hits had the crowd almost singing as loud as the sound from the stage such as 'One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer'. A song I was hoping to hear was cover song, 'Move it on Over'. It came towards the end of the evening and I love the way he delivers that one. The show was definitely not lacking all of the fan favorite hits they came to hear. This is something George said during an interview, saying he has no problem playing the hits for fans as that was what they come to hear. Give them what he did!
George had amazing command of the stage with his oh-so-effortless guitar playing. He has an uncanny ability to keep a crowd engaged and singing right along with him. This historic Daytona Beach auditorium is a seated facility but much of the audience was on their feet for the show. You can very much see that a stage performance is where George's happy place is!
This awesome showman who has been rockin' the music industry for over 45 years blazed through his extensive musical library playing all the favorites. Tonight's set list included, 'Who Do You Love?', 'I Drink Alone', 'Get a Haircut', and, of course, 'Bad to the Bone'. Many of the hits had the crowd almost singing as loud as the sound from the stage such as 'One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer'. A song I was hoping to hear was cover song, 'Move it on Over'. I love the way he delivers that one, but it wasn't on the set list for this night BUT the show was definitely not lacking all of the fan favorite hits they came to hear.
He and the band have such great energy and chemistry on stage. They just filled the Peabody Auditorium with his famous brand of bluesy rock. He had a great performance and is showing no signs of slowing down. We look forward to seeing him again soon.
Check out his tour page for a date near you. You will not be disappointed! His Facebook page also has many short ongoing videos from interviews where he answers questions and shares funny stories from the road.
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