![]() Gibbons long introduced the band as “the same three guys, the same three chords.” But the longevity of ZZ Top’s classic lineup is fairly astounding in an industry, rock 'n' roll, where outfits are often sunk by misadventure or contention. In fact, only one of the 11 songs on “Raw” (“Gimme All Your Lovin’”) is from the 1980s or later. “Everything we do kind of starts there,” Hill told the Chronicle last year. A year later, they released “ZZ Top’s First Album.” Two of those early songs – “Brown Sugar” and “Certified Blues” – appear on “Raw,” suggesting a band getting back to its beginnings. He connected with Hill and Beard – the rhythm section for the Dallas blues rock band American Blues – and they began playing gigs in 1970, starting with a poorly attended gig at a Knights of Columbus Hall in Beaumont on Feb. The classic ZZ Top lineup took shape in 1970 Gibbons had moved through a few bands after his psychedelic Moving Sidewalks split. ![]() The documentary “ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band From Texas” was released in 2019, and part of filming included the trio of Hill, singer/guitarist Billy Gibbons and drummer Frank Beard performing at the famed Gruene Hall, the storied Texas dancehall that is closing in on 150 years. It’s a little bit of an unorthodox live album in that ZZ Top recorded it without a live audience. Here are a few ZZ Top facts and figures in honor of Joe Michael Hill, better known as Dusty – who held down the bottom end and provided growling bluesy vocals to some of the band’s best-loved songs. In addition to being recorded on a stage - without an audience - “Raw” also serves as a sentimental addition to the band’s discography as the first release since the death of bassist Dusty Hill a year ago. So for years, ZZ Top wasn't in the business of anything except making ZZ Top albums and playing ZZ Top concerts. But for years, the band's manager believed a certain mystique would be a valuable attribute. ![]() Two live DVDs – “Live in Texas” from 2008 and “Double Down Live” released a year later – had corresponding live albums issued. One side of 1975’s “Fandango!” was recorded live. For a group known for its live shows – some 3,000 or so of them over a half century - ZZ Top hasn’t really been that well documented in concert. ZZ Top this week releases “Raw,” which is something of a rarity in the band’s discography. ZZ Top featuring Dusty Hill on bass, left, and Billy Gibbons on guitar perform at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on March 4, 2003. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |