Get a Haircut

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, your hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning a classic for you today—Get a Haircut by George Thorogood and The Destroyers from their 1993 album Haircut. This rebellious anthem, written by Bill Birch and David Avery, is a tongue-in-cheek middle finger to the suits telling you to clean up and get a “real job.” Did you know George first heard this tune in an Australian club back in 1970? He loved it but struggled to nail the riff in the studio, so he didn’t record it until 1992. That patience paid off—it hit No. 2 on the US Album Rock Tracks chart and became a staple of classic rock radio. The music video is a wild ride too, animated by David Feiss, the guy behind Cow and Chicken and I Am Weasel. George’s raw energy and that gritty slide guitar make this track a perfect fit for our free-spirited Zoo Crew vibe.

Another cool tidbit about Get a Haircut comes from George himself. In an interview, he shared how the song’s lyrics hit home for him as a young musician bucking society’s expectations. The line about growing long hair and breaking all the rules? That was George in his early days, jamming to records and dreaming of the stage. Fans on Facebook and Instagram often post about how this song captures their own defiance, with some sharing stories of blasting it during road trips or at parties. Over on X, you’ll see Zoo Freaks like us tweeting about how the song’s humor and swagger still resonate, especially that bit about being “ten times richer than my big brother Bob” who’s got the haircut and the desk job.

Let’s talk about how George Thorogood got his start, because this guy’s journey is pure rock ‘n’ roll. Born February 24, 1950, in Wilmington, Delaware, George was hooked on music after catching a John P. Hammond concert in the early 1970s. Inspired by blues legends like Robert Johnson and Elmore James, he started as a solo acoustic act, strumming and sliding with raw passion. In 1973, he teamed up with high school buddy Jeff Simon on drums to form The Delaware Destroyers. They honed their high-energy boogie-blues sound in Newark, Delaware, playing dives like the Rathskeller bar and Deer Park Tavern. By 1975, John Forward caught their act and helped them score a deal with Rounder Records. Their 1977 debut album, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, mixed Chicago blues with rock ‘n’ roll, and hits like Bad to the Bone and I Drink Alone later made them 1980s radio royalty. With over 20 albums, two platinum, six gold, and 15 million records sold, George and The Destroyers are still touring, celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2024.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with George and The Destroyers on their official website, where you’ll find tour dates, merch, and news about their Baddest Show on Earth Tour. Check out their Facebook page for fan photos and show updates, or follow them on Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots of George’s fiery slide guitar work. On X, they’re always engaging with fans, sharing tour highlights and throwback pics. Want to connect with other fans? Join the George Thorogood and The Destroyers Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks swap stories, post concert vids, and celebrate George’s blues-rock legacy. There’s also a fan-run site, georgethorogood.net, packed with discographies and tour archives for diehards like us.