Blues That Stand the Test of Time

 George Thorogood knows it’s 2008, but he doesn’t care. He don’t give a flip about your nonironic mullet hair, second-hand smoke, or trans-fats. How ‘bout that naked mermaid tattoo on your neck? He’s not bothered. GT is ugly, loud, probably drunk, and he makes your mama nervous. But guess what? Lonesome George doesn’t care about your mama either.

Judging from his one chord, bad-to-the-bone persona, the Thorogood ethos is equal parts blues, babes, and booze. And it’s been working for 30 years. It’s predictable, sure, but cut the man some slack: he doesn’t pretend to be a genius, and he makes no apologies for having fun. Judging from their ribald enthusiasm, his fans follow suit.

With his gravel voice, slashing right hand, and badass slide, Thorogood honors the likes of Elmore James, John Lee Hooker, Bo Diddley, and other giants of blues and early rock. See him do it on Friday at 8 p.m., his band George Thorogood and The Destroyers (AKA “The World’s Greatest Bar Band”) move it on over to the Pompano Beach Amphitheater (1806 NE Sixth St., Pompano). Tickets cost $29-$39. Call 954-946-2402, or visit www.fantasma.com.
Fri., March 21, 2008