There's no doubt that rock and blues legend George Thorogood and his band The Destroyers were having a thoroughly good week in Nashville. On Tuesday, February 10, 2026 the famous five-piece arrived in the morning early at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum to celebrate the opening of their "Baddest Show on Earth" exhibit with an obligatory ribbon-cutting ceremony. This public appearance came soon after news broke the previous Friday that George Thorogood & The Destroyers would also become a member of the organization at the Hall of Fame's 9th Concert and Induction Ceremony on April 28 to be held at The Fisher Center on the campus of Belmont University.

George Thorogood was a tad premature in the ribbon cutting department.

"The Destroyers and I are truly honored by this exhibit. This is the gear that's made our music rock for the past 50+ years, and we're excited to share it all with our fans," said Thorogood. "Come See What You've Heard!"

"Fifty three years of musicians making music together is a rare and remarkable legacy. That longevity, rooted in deep musicianship and mutual respect, is exactly what the museum is about, and we're excited to share this exhibit with the public," remarked Linda Chambers, Co-Founder and CEO of the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum.

The George Thorogood & The Destroyers exhibit's artifacts include - 1960's Gibson ES-125TDC: "Old Red"; 1974 Shure Vocal Master WA301-S Speaker; 1966 Fender Dual Showman Amplifier Head; 1979 Checker Taxi Roof Sign; Faux Snakeskin Jacket; 1964 Fender Precision Bass Guitar; and a 1976 Slingerland Kick Drum.

"One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer and one induction into the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum - does it get any better than this?," MCN reporter Rockin' Rich Lynch asked Thorogood during the Q&A portion of the event.

The new exhibit opens in Nashville; George entertains the Channel 2 News team;
Still bad to the bone - breaking the rules at the M.H.O.F.

"Well, it's kind of awkward," the legendary guitarist explained while acknowledging some changes to the lineup in the modern era. "Because, there's two musicians in the band (pointing to the new guys). Us three are Destroyers!"

Thorogood's well-honed class-clown persona was still intact and on full display as he prepared to receive his honor at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum. Always the rebel, George broke the clearly posted house rules to play a truncated version of the Rolling Stones classic "You Can't Always Get What You Want" on a featured, showcased grand piano for the assembled media and V.I.P. dignitaries who were there to cover the event.

Then, as the band lined up behind the red carpet for their photo shoot and ribbon cutting, Thorogood was handed the golden scissors. Ignoring direction, he impulsively sliced through the fabric before the photographers gathered there could even get in position to capture the moment and get the money shot. So, a redo was called for so all's well that ends well. At the end of the day, it was all on brand and a very rock and roll thing to do to ensure that George got the last laugh while providing another lasting memory for the witnesses to history in the making in Music City.

But, wait - there's more. Thorogood and company's big week was only just beginning. On Friday night, George along with The Destroyers will be moving it on over to the other side of town to make their Grand Ole Opry debut that follows Thorogood's first appearance as a solo act at the venue nearly five years ago.

Axes and threads; Britt and Linda Chambers pose with The Destroyers.

Related Links: For more information on GEORGE THOROGOOD and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - George Thorogood | Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum