George Thorogood & The Destroyers Bring No-Frills Rock and Roll to the Ryman
Ryman Auditorium — Nashville, TN | May 19, 2022
George Thorogood & The Destroyers delivered a loud, swagger-filled performance at the Ryman Auditorium on May 19, 2022, turning one of Nashville’s most revered rooms into a full-on blues-rock barroom. Known for precision acoustics and historic reverence, the Ryman instead became the backdrop for raw volume, humor, and unapologetic attitude as Thorogood leaned fully into the sound that built his career.
From the opening notes, the band made it clear this would be a night about groove, grit, and familiarity. Crowd reactions peaked during unmistakable staples like “Bad to the Bone,” “I Drink Alone,” “Move It on Over,” and “Who Do You Love?”, each delivered with the same bite and confidence that made them enduring anthems. Thorogood’s slide guitar tone cut sharply through the mix—aggressive, dirty, and instantly recognizable—while his vocals carried a seasoned, streetwise edge that resonated throughout the hall.
Rather than stretching songs into extended jams, the band kept the pacing tight and efficient, allowing momentum to build naturally. The Destroyers played with discipline and drive, locking into grooves that never wandered and keeping the focus squarely on rhythm and punch. The stripped-down approach worked especially well in the Ryman, where clarity amplified the impact of every riff and stomp.
Additional selections included One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer, Gear Jammer, and Get a Haircut, rounding out a set that celebrated Thorogood’s catalog without deviation or pretense.
The Nashville stop reinforced exactly why George Thorogood & The Destroyers remain a dependable live draw—no frills, no filler, just straight-ahead rock and roll delivered with conviction and authority.
Band Lineup
George Thorogood — Vocals / Guitar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgethorogoodJeff Simon — Drums
Bill Blough — Bass
Jim Suhler — Guitar
