A great review for one of my favorite bands of all time.
"Review by: Vickie YoungThe little ole’ band from Texas is quite contradictory considering nothing small comes from Texas, and ZZ Top is no exception. Aside from their oversized beards, fearsome riffs, and paramount success, the band boasts never having a personnel change during their 40-year career. In rock ‘n roll, this is truly an epic feat.
Entering the billowing smoke-filled stage, Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill assumed positions behind a pair of illuminated mic stands. Donning matching bedazzled jackets and trademark sunglasses, their only difference were the hats they were sporting. While Gibbons opted for an African hat, Hill preferred something a little bluesy. However, the difference wouldn’t last for long as part way through the set Gibbons summoned his two sexy “Hat Technicians” to bring him his blues cap.
Frank Beard, assembled behind his skull encrusted drum kit, looked as though he hasn’t aged in years. No words were spoken; just an immediate launch into “Got Me Under Pressure", followed by “Bus", “Jesus" and “Pincushion." 5000-strong ZZ fans were excited and thrilled by the quick execution to get the evening underway.
At this point, Gibbons addressed the crowd and began to share his experience of being on an Indian Reserve. He said, “The Indian Sheriff told me there were only two rules. The first was no drinking on gospel songs, and the second, no gospel songs." The crowd burst into laughter while Gibbons deduced, “What I learnt about Indian Reservations is there are no reservations." If he hadn’t won the crowd over at this point he surely did with his stellar one-handed guitar chops on the next tune, "Nationwide."
A huge screen acted as a backdrop to the stage, alternating images of tantalizing women and flashbacks of the band’s MTV stardom. It was comical to watch the cheese factor of these videos and the flood of memories each one held. The Eliminator (a customized 1933 Ford coupe with a Corvette-style engine that Billy Gibbons fabricated as the band’s signature vehicle) was featured in many of the video clips and received enormous applause from show goers.
The band produced a full blues workout in “Heads in Mississippi" and “Need You." Carrying on with a perfect concoction of old and new, a tribute to Jimi Hendrix was delivered in “Hey Joe." While pictures of Hendrix filled the screen, a lingering vibe of heartfelt respect was felt throughout the venue.
The band never lost momentum as they delivered hit after hit. Frank Beard worked the skins with shocking ease while simultaneously taking ciggie breaks. Gibbons proved why he’s considered a Guitar God with continuous one-handed solos. And Hill walked the stage, engaging the crowd and drifting back to Gibbons’ side to boogie in perfect synchronization. A moment of great nostalgia filled the air when the boys brought out their fuzzy guitars for their hit single, "Legs".
Returning to the stage for an encore, the band dealt a ridiculously tight performance of “La Grange" and “Tush." After all these years, Gibbons’ raunchy vocals are still fresh and unwavering.
Upon the band’s farewell, fans rose to their feet and cheered in appreciation of ZZ Top’s long time tradition of great rock and roll."
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