George Thorogood and The Destroyers to Make New York State Fair Debut, Promising a “Bad To The Bone” Rock Party

George Thorogood and the Destroyers are bringing their “Bad All Over The World – 50 Years of Rock” Tour to the Great New York State Fair. They’ll rock the Experience Stage at Chevy Park at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, August 26.  

Recognized for massive hits including “I Drink Alone,” “Gear Jammer,” and their biggest anthem, “Bad to the Bone,” the rockers are also known for reinventing blues, country and R&B songs popularized by earlier icons including Bo Diddley, John Lee Hooker and Hank Williams. This has resulted in a transcending stage presence, allowing the band to connect with fans of a vast age range.

“In 50 years of making music, it’s hard to believe this is the first time George Thorogood will sing ‘Bad to the Bone’ during the Fair’s Chevrolet Music Series,” said Interim Fair Director Sean Hennessey. “And we know fairgoers will be excited too. George Thorogood and the Destroyers are relatable in a way that is easy to appreciate walking the Fairgrounds. The band resonates with so many people because of their legendary catalog of hits, sure. But, more than that, they’re down to earth, blue-collar guys who love living life.”

After more than 8,000 performances and 15 million albums sold, George Thorogood admits he still gets a rush when he sees audiences for the first time. When asked recently to describe his favorite career moment, Thorogood said, “My highlight is when I step on that bandstand. The promoters invited us, the audience came to hear us, and we’re ready to rock. When the rush of that ends, I’ll stop. Until then, every night I play for people can be the biggest night of my life.”

The Chevrolet Music Series features daily performances at Chevy Court (located near Gate 1) and the Suburban Park Stage (located on the western end of the Fairgrounds, beyond the Midway.). All of the acts announced thus far at both stages are provided below. Schedules are continuously updated at pages dedicated to Suburban Park and Chevy Court on the Fair’s website.

Chevy Court:

Suburban Park Stage:

The Fair starts Wednesday, August 23, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 4. Admission is $6 for adults, and free for those 65 years and older, and 12 years and younger.

Founded in 1841, the Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment and is a key piece of the state’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States, and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.

The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about the Great New York State Fair online, and follow the fun on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Guests are invited to see photos from the Fair on Flickr and ideas are always welcome. New Yorkers are encouraged to send suggestions via email to statefairideas@agriculture.ny.gov.

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