I Drink Alone

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning the gritty blues-rock anthem "I Drink Alone" by George Thorogood and The Destroyers from their 1985 album Maverick. This track is a fan favorite, packed with Thorogood’s signature swagger and humor. Did you know this song was originally written as a country tune? George penned it with the hope that country legend George Jones would record it, but EMI America insisted The Destroyers take it on, transforming it into the blues-rock banger we know today. Thorogood revealed in interviews that the song is a comedic tribute to actor Lee Marvin, capturing the vibe of a loner who prefers his own company—and a bottle. The lyrics name-drop a slew of boozy buddies like Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam, and Old Grand-Dad, but in some live versions, George swaps Old Grand-Dad for Wild Turkey, giving a nod to his pet in a penthouse, as heard in a rare live recording where he sings about his “little old wild turkey” that never bothers him.

Another cool tidbit: the song’s iconic pauses in the intro were inspired by the J. Geils Band, adding that dramatic flair that makes it instantly recognizable. The music video for "I Drink Alone" is pure Thorogood—picture him riding a motorcycle to a deserted bar, cracking open a drink, and strumming his guitar. In a classic twist, when a woman shows up at the bar, he mutters, “I drink alone,” and walks out, staying true to the song’s lone-wolf spirit. Fans on Reddit have called it a quintessential Thorogood track, with some praising its raw energy and others debating whether the alcoholism theme is tongue-in-cheek or a bit too real. Either way, it’s a staple in their live sets, often getting the crowd roaring along to those catchy riffs. The song peaked at number 13 on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, cementing its place as one of Thorogood’s high points, as noted by AllMusic critic James Christopher Monger.

Now, let’s dive into how George Thorogood and The Destroyers got their start. Born on February 24, 1950, in Wilmington, Delaware, George Lawrence Thorogood kicked off his musical journey in the early 1970s as a solo acoustic act, channeling the raw, soulful sounds of blues legends like Robert Johnson and Elmore James. Inspired by a John P. Hammond concert, he formed The Delaware Destroyers in 1973 with high school pal Jeff Simon on drums. The band honed their high-energy boogie-blues sound in local Delaware spots like the Rathskeller bar and Deer Park Tavern. To make ends meet, Thorogood worked as a roadie for blues icon Hound Dog Taylor, soaking up the genre’s spirit. By 1975, John Forward discovered the band, leading to a deal with Rounder Records. Their debut album, George Thorogood and The Destroyers, dropped in 1977, blending original tracks with covers of blues standards like Hank Williams’ “Move It On Over” and Bo Diddley’s “Who Do You Love?” This raw, electrifying mix set the stage for their rise, with Thorogood’s fiery slide guitar and larger-than-life stage presence winning over fans worldwide.

Over the decades, Thorogood and The Destroyers have released over 20 albums, with hits like “Bad to the Bone” and “I Drink Alone” becoming 1980s rock radio staples. They’ve sold 15 million records and, in 2024, celebrated their 50th anniversary of performing, a testament to their enduring appeal. Keep up with George and the band on their official website, where you can join the Boogie People Fan of the Month club, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest tour updates and news. Fans can also connect on the George Thorogood and The Destroyers Fan Club on Facebook, a lively group where Zoo Freaks can swap stories, share concert pics, and keep the boogie-blues spirit alive. So, crank up "I Drink Alone," grab your air guitar, and let’s keep the party rockin’!