Who Do You Love?

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the electrifying track "Who Do You Love?" by George Thorogood and The Destroyers from their 1978 album Move It on Over for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song, a high-octane cover of Bo Diddley’s 1956 classic, is a cornerstone of Thorogood’s blues-rock legacy. According to Genius, Thorogood’s version became a major FM radio hit, its raw energy and slashing slide guitar capturing the hearts of rock and blues fans. The song’s gritty vibe, with lyrics like “I walked forty-seven miles of barbed wire, I got a cobra snake for a necktie,” perfectly suits Thorogood’s bad-to-the-bone persona. Fans on Reddit have praised it as one of the “baddest rock songs ever,” with one user noting its testosterone-fueled edge makes it ideal for cruising on a Harley.

In a 2022 X post by @bluezharp, Thorogood’s 1979 performance of “Who Do You Love?” on Rock Goes to College was highlighted, showcasing the song’s enduring live energy. Thorogood himself has spoken about the song’s roots, crediting Bo Diddley’s influence as fundamental to his sound, a sentiment echoed in a band biography where he’s described as reverently reinventing Diddley’s work for the MTV generation. The track’s popularity extends to live recordings, including a version on the 2004 album George Thorogood, 30th Anniversary Tour: Live, which captures the band’s ferocious stage presence. Thorogood’s commitment to the song is evident in its frequent inclusion in setlists, with fans on Reddit recalling epic performances, like one opening for the Rolling Stones in 1981, where Thorogood’s energy reportedly shifted the weather from rainy to sunny during a rendition of “Move It on Over.”

George Thorogood’s journey to blues-rock stardom began in Wilmington, Delaware, where he was born on February 24, 1950. Initially a semi-pro baseball player in the Roberto Clemente League, Thorogood’s life changed after attending a 1970 concert by John P. Hammond, which inspired him to pursue music. As detailed on Wikipedia, he started as a solo acoustic performer, channeling Robert Johnson and Elmore James. In 1973, he formed The Destroyers with high school friend and drummer Jeff Simon, playing their first gig at the University of Delaware’s Lane Hall. Thorogood, who didn’t even own an electric guitar until a week before, bought a Gibson ES-125 from a pawn shop for the show. The band, initially called the Delaware Destroyers, honed their Chicago blues and rock sound in Boston’s blues clubs, securing a deal with Rounder Records after a 1975 demo caught attention.

Their 1977 debut album, George Thorogood and The Destroyers, laid the groundwork, but 1978’s Move It on Over, featuring “Who Do You Love?” and the Hank Williams cover, propelled them to fame. Thorogood’s high-energy boogie-blues, amplified by his animated stage presence and slide guitar, became a 1980s radio staple. Over five decades, the band has sold 15 million records, released over 20 albums, and performed over 8,000 shows, including the record-breaking 1981 “50/50” tour covering all 50 U.S. states in 50 days. In 2024, they celebrated their 50th anniversary, a testament to their enduring passion, as Thorogood noted in a 2025 rockschoolpod X post, where he discussed still rocking hard with The Destroyers.

Stay connected with George Thorogood and The Destroyers through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest updates, tour dates, and charity initiatives like their “Who Do You Love?” holiday campaign supporting causes such as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Fans can join the vibrant community at the George Thorogood Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and Boogie People alike share stories, photos, and love for Thorogood’s music. For more fan-driven content, check out The Boogie People Fan Club on the official site, offering exclusive access and a chance to be featured as Fan of the Month.