Ah, Spring is here! Warmer weather, flowers blooming, longer days, grilling out, baseball, etc. And as always, the new concert season gets underway. After the seasonal slowdown in touring that always happens from mid-December through mid-March, it’s always great to get the first big show under your belt. So it was with great joy I checked out George Thorogood at the good old Wildhorse. It was just like opening up the vacation home, but without all the cleanup work. What could be better?

Well, not much, as Thorogood and his Destroyers put on a great show. I saw George a year or two ago at the Wildhorse and he hasn’t missed a beat. Strong vocals, heavy guitar, great slide, and a heap of attitude all made for a great time. You know, you really have to get out and smell those roses.  And the Destroyers, still intact from the last go round, are as tight as ever. Buddy Leach does all those sax licks you know and love to perfection. Jim Suhler rocks on second guitar both on lead and rhythm. And bassist Billy Blough and long-time drummer Jeff Simon keep everything on track. It took me a long time to finally see this band in action (my previous viewing was my first), but since then there’s no going back. If he’s here I’m there.

If you listen to any classic rock radio station you know all the hits. At the Wildhorse we heard them all. Actually, there was little else but hits. “I Drink Alone”, “Bad to the Bone”, “Move It On Over”, “One Bourbon, One Scotch, and One Beer”, “Who Do You Love”, and on and on. Thorogood is celebrating 30 years of rocking, so it’s no surprise there are lots of hits to get through. The crowd was so into it, the house was packed, and the vibe just exhilarating. As always, the Wildhorse sound was excellent, although I would have preferred the open floor setup over the full table setup they went with. Thorogood’s music is just meant to be moved to.

To get more info on the band please check out georgethorogood.com. For info on the Wildhorse you can go to wildhorsesaloon.com. Hey, Three Dog Night will be there in May. If I were you I’d get there – that should be killer. Cinderella is also to be rescheduled for July. Summer’s here and the time is right – let the shows begin!  

George Thorogood & the Destroyers performed at the Wildhorse Saloon on 3/20/2012

This is going to be one helluva great concert year in Nashville. Here are some of my favorites. Most of these shows are on sale now. All you need is (sorry John) MONEY!

• Bonnie Raitt @ The Ryman
• Joe Bonamassa @ TPAC
• Van Halen @ Bridgestone
• Counting Crows @ The Ryman
• Three Dog Night @ The Wildhorse
• Steve Winwood @ Woods Amphitheatre
• Jack White @ The Ryman
• Levon Helm @ The Ryman
• Weir, Robinson, and Greene Acoustic @ The Ryman
• Def Leppard/Poison/Lita Ford @ Bridgestone
• Roger Waters – The Wall @ Bridgestone
• Ringo Star @ The Ryman
• Crosby Stills and Nash @ The Ryman
• Kiss/Motley Crue @ Bridgestone
• Rod Stewart/Stevie Nicks @ Bridgestone

About the author: Pennman bought his first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. He has spent much of his disposable income on music, especially live performances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps a keen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has a BA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbled in music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more of Pennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.html or visit him at www.myspace.com/pennman_bg or www.facebook.com/pennman