Sarge Talks with George Thorogood: The Magic Is You

There’s no mistaking it—when you need a party soundtrack, George Thorogood & The Destroyers are the go-to. Loud, gritty, and unapologetically fun. I had the chance to sit down with George himself, and let me tell you—this man is as real as rock ’n’ roll gets.

We talked about magic—not the kind with rabbits and hats, but the kind that happens when the lights go down and the crowd roars. “The magic?” George said, leaning in with that signature grin. “That’s you. The audience. Always has been.”

He told me about his early days, playing acoustic. He gave it a shot but it just wasn’t me. He need the electric guitar and something louder. Something that could shake the walls. And shake them he did.

Back then, club owners wanted demo tapes. George had a better idea, let us play & you sell more beer, Sound like a plan? That’s the kind of confidence that built a career—and packed bars from coast to coast.

But what struck me most was his dedication to the fans. Every show, every riff, every stomp on that stage—it’s all for the people in the crowd.

So next time you hear “Bad to the Bone” or “Move It On Over,” remember: the real magic isn’t just in the music. It’s in the moment. It’s in the crowd. It’s in you.

George Thorogood & The Destroyers at EQC August 3rd