Legendary Musician George Thorogood On Being A New York Mets Fan
With over 15 million albums sold worldwide, George Thorogood has been a successful musician for over 40 years. As the leader of George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Thorogood has been the singer and songwriter behind many blues-rock classics, including "Bad To The Bone," "I Drink Alone" and "If You Don't Start Drinkin' (I'm Gonna Leave)"; he has also recorded definitive versions of "Move It On Over," "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer" and "Who Do You Love?".
Thorogood continues to record new music -- his latest full-length was 2017's Party Of One -- and hit the road regularly, and is currently in the midst of North American tour dates while promoting three new vinyl re-issues from Universal Music.
What many people may not realize about George Thorogood is the passion he has for baseball. Rumor is that he played semi-professional ball in the 1970s -- Destroyers drummer Jeff Simons is said to have been on that same baseball team -- prior to finding success with his gold-selling self-titled album.
But what can be confirmed is that Thorogood is a fan of Major League Baseball's New York Mets. While interviewing Thorogood by phone, I had the chance to ask him about how a Delaware native became a fan of the Queens-based Mets. Thorogood, of course, is not the only noteworthy fan of the Mets.
Among the high-profile fanbase are comedians Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Jim Breuer and Kevin James, talk show hosts Jon Stewart, Trevor Noah and Jimmy Kimmel, rappers Nas and Action Bronson, musician Billy Joel, HQ host Scott Rogowsky, actress Glenn Close, UFC champion Chris Weidman, tennis legend John McEnroe, and WWE Superstar Curt Hawkins; the aforementioned Nas opened up a branch of his Sweet Chick restaurant empire within Citi Field, home of the Mets, this season.
Tour dates and other information on George Thorogood & The Destroyers can be found online at www.georgethorogood.com.
Beyond music, people know you to be a big baseball fan. I have read that you are a Mets fan. How did that come about?
George Thorogood: Well, I was a Phillies fan in the 60s when they blew the pennant in '64, I kind of left them and I became a Mets fan. I said, "Well, if I am going to pick a loser, I’ll pick a charming loser." I would say always pick a loser, Darren. You always get a good seat at the park.
Have you been to a game at Citi Field in recent years?
George Thorogood: No, they have been winning too much for me lately. They are starting to lose their charm.
Does the upcoming season of the Mets have you excited? Or you're just more of a fan of you know the concept of the team?
George Thorogood: I'm sure they'll live up to my expectations and corner their way to mediocrity.