Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Although there’s never any shortage of emerging artists populating the House Of Blues’ nearly nightly calendar, the lauded downtown club is just as committed to bringing established artists to the area.

The Chicago location certainly learned towards its legendary side when George Thorogood And The Destroyers brought “The Baddest Show On Earth” to a full house, where fans of varying ages encountered nothing but an authentic blend of blues, boogie and hard rock and roll.

Considering the leader’s latest project is a compilation by the name of “The Original George Thorogood,” that meant nothing but a retrospective look at a half-century of no nonsense nuggets.

Throughout roughly 90 minutes, singer/guitarist Thorogood regularly defied his 75 years and ripped through the likes of the group’s own “Rock Party” and Bo Diddley’s “Who Do You Love?” in such an assertive manner, it could only be attributed to seasoned expertise.

Longtime backers The Destroyers also charged full steam ahead, especially during a mash-up of “House Rent Blues / One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” the Johnny Cash dedication “Cocaine Blues” and a nameless yet nonetheless noteworthy instrumental jam.

“Gear Jammer” and “Get A Haircut” helped set up the even more iconic “Bad To The Bone,” which Thorogood and company have surely performed thousands of times, but sold it like a much fresher cut filled with lots of little enhancements.

Them’s “Gloria” offered another source of several calls and responses, helping clear the way for Hank Williams’ “Move It On Over” to stretch out in Thorogood And The Destroyers’ downright ballsy tradition.

As the encore verified, everyone was indeed “Born To Be Bad,” though they left listeners purely on the patriotic note of a pre-recorded “Star Spangled Banner” while the House Of Blues exited in awe over one of America’s finest axe-slingers.

For additional information on George Thorogood And The Destroyers, visit GeorgeThorogood.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation concerts, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the House Of Blues include Kim Dracula and HANABIE. (Mar. 11); Spencer Sutherland (Mar. 12); Armor For Sleep (Mar. 13); Gaelic Storm (Mar. 14-15); Chris Olsen & Ryan Trainor (Mar. 16); The Decibel Magazine Tour (Mar. 20); Poppy (Mar. 21); DJ Matt Bennett (Mar. 22); mxmtoon (Mar. 26); Anberlin (Mar. 27); Whitechapel (Mar. 28); Alexandra Kay (Mar. 29); The Used (Mar. 30-31); Josiah Queen (Apr. 1); The Used (Apr. 2); Lady Gaga Night (Apr. 3); Caravan Palace (Apr. 4); Pouya (Apr. 5); Bayside (Apr. 6-7); Meute (Apr. 8); and Jacquees & Dej Loaf (Apr. 10). For additional details, visit HouseOfBluesChicago.com.

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