George Thorogood and the Destroyers – Grandstand Stage – Minnesota State Fair – September 4th 2021

Lens on Music at the Fair Day 10   George Thorogood and the Destroyers

Review and Photos by Patrick Dunn

The final weekend at the Minnesota State Fair typically brings out the biggest crowds.  Although this year has had its challenges from undesirable weather to concerns surrounding the current state of the pandemic, Friday finally did feel more like the good old days.  It was also a big night at the Grandstand as George Thorogood and the Destroyers were in town to perform their “Good to Be Bad Tour: 45 Years of Rock” with special guest Night Ranger.

“You Can Still Rock in America” was exactly the right choice for Night Ranger to get the crowd engaged and ready for a marathon of Rock.  Jack Blades and Kelly Keagy did their usual stellar job of supplying the familiar and crucial vocal lines, while Brad Gillis and Keri Kelli dished out blazing guitar riffs, paired with facial expressions that scream Rock-N-Roll!  There set was high energy, loads of fun and a sure crowd pleaser.

After 45 years of performing the same material over and over, some acts might take the easy route and just “dial it in”, collect a check and call it a night.  Fortunately, that was not the case with George Thorogood and his long-time band the Destroyers, who put on the kind of show their loyal fan base was hoping for.  Thorogood was in full character and appeared to be loving every minute of it as he expertly worked all parts of the stage engaging with his band and the audience equally.  His singing was on point and guitar work automatic, but most importantly was how he sold the whole package like the seasoned pro that he is.  Of course, the highest points of the performance happened during his best-known hits, “I Drink Alone”, “Who Do You Love” and “Bad to the Bone”.