Blues-Rock Legend George Thorogood on 2020 Plans and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

With over 15 million albums sold worldwide, George Thorogood has been a successful musician for over 40 years. As the leader of George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Thorogood has been the singer and songwriter behind many blues-rock classics, including “Bad To The Bone,” “I Drink Alone” and “If You Don’t Start Drinkin’ (I’m Gonna Leave),” beyond recording definitive rock-centric versions of “Move It On Over,” “Who Do You Love?” and “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.”

Thorogood continues to record new music—his latest full-length is 2017’s Party Of One—and hit the road regularly. That touring regularly benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, to whom Thorogood presented a substantial check to before his September 25, 2019 headlining show at New York’s Town Hall.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Thorogood by phone earlier this month about that work with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, upcoming plans for him and band, staying fine-tuned as a live act and more. Below are transcribed highlights from the chat, in addition to audio of the full interview.

How did you first get involved with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society cause?

George Thorogood: “People in our organization got me connected with them a couple of years back.”

Are you working with the Leukemia & Lymphona Society long-term? Or was that just for this tour?

George Thorogood: “Until they come up with a cure for it.”

Your most recent album Party Of One was a true solo album. Was that an enjoyable experience for you to make?

George Thorogood: (laughs) “No, not really… I’ve been playing with a band for 40 years, more than that actually, so it was kind of strange. It was a bit of a struggle.”

You and the Destroyers were in fine form, all these years later, when I saw you in New York City a few years ago. What does it take to put on such a high-energy show? Or is it all natural and unrehearsed at this point?

George Thorogood: “Plenty of rest, plenty of liquids and vitamins. That helps.”

What’s coming up for George Thorogood & The Destroyers in 2020?

George Thorogood: “Well, first I’ve got to get through 2019. (laughs) We should be active next year as well. We’ve put together some New Zealand, Australia dates. We’re looking at Canada and some other spots. We should be around next year as well, hopefully.”