By Gary Bennett
With his trademark chest-length beard, dark “Bandito” sunglasses, colorful suits and African caps known as “Bamileke hats,” ZZ Top front man and guitar virtuoso Billy Gibbons may be one of the most instantly recognizable figures in rock ‘n’ roll history. His 1983 hit “Sharped Dressed Man” seems like a no-brainer for Gibbons to have written and recorded with his Texas bandmates.
His sound is one of a kind, too. Music critics have called his guitar work “growling” and “part traditional, part contrary, and part of the deep seam of Texas weirdness.” Others have described his sound as “loud, macho, greasy and distorted.”
In 1969, along with his fellow long-bearded sidekick, the late bassist Dusty Hill, and drummer Frank Beard, who ironically doesn’t sport a beard, they formed the Texas-based, ass-kicking, blues-rock group ZZ Top and enjoyed extensive chart and touring success in the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Billy Gibbons and the BFG’s will take the stage at the Weinberg Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24. Tickets are available at weinbergcenter.org/shows/billy-gibbons.
As ZZ Top, the group enjoyed immense popularity beginning in the ‘70s with albums like 1972’s “Rio Grande Mud,” 1973’s “Tres Hombres,” 1975’s “Fandango!” and 1976’s “Tejas.” They created boisterous FM radio hits with “La Grange” and “Tush” that are still staples on classic rock stations today. By the mid-’70s they became renowned for their live shows, which translated into award-winning music videos in the ‘80s. They are still going strong today.
ZZ Top’s distinctive sound featured muscular guitar riffs and a hard driving beat. But it was their physical look that turned them into pop icons. After taking a three-year break in the late ‘70s, they came back with their new, distinctive look. Hill and Gibbons looked like wayward and rascally twins with hats, glasses and long, scraggly beards, bookending the ironically un-bearded, seemingly straight-laced drummer, Frank Beard.
Success continued into the ‘80s with albums like 1981’s “El Loco” and 1983’s “Eliminator.” MTV loved their videos featuring beautiful girls and fast cars. Singles “Give Me All Your Loving,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs” topped music charts. ZZ Top was the world’s top-grossing touring act in 1986.
Chart success waned in the ‘90s, but ZZ Top continues to be a popular touring act to this day.
Bassist Dusty Hill passed away in 2021 at age 72 but was replaced, at his wish, by his longtime guitar technician Elwood Francis. At the time of Hill’s passing in 2021, ZZ Top held the record for longest running active musical group with the same lineup. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2019. A ZZ Top tour is scheduled for later in 2026.
ZZ Top has altogether released 15 studio albums and sold an estimated 50 million records. They have won three MTV Video Music Awards and, in 2004, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
As a solo artist, Gibbons has released three acclaimed albums: “Perfectamundo” in 2015, “The Big Bad Blues” in 2018 and “Hardware” in 2021. All were supported by his current band, the BFG’s, who accompany Gibbons on tour.
72 Hours interviewed Gibbons in January to talk about his life, career and upcoming show in Frederick.
You are considered one of the world’s best guitarists. How did you get interested in the guitar in the first place? Did it come naturally to you?
Two compelling early life events pointed to the path I ultimately took: seeing Elvis Presley performing live and, shortly thereafter, attending the now famous recording session at Bill Holford’s ACA studio down in Texas, where B.B. King and his band began cutting up with an unforgettable series of one-take wonders. It was right then and there the what-to-do message was clearly delivered. It’s still what we’re doing.
ZZ Top still exists and still tours. What made you decide to go off on your own and create a new band?
The BFG Band is a radical and definitively different aggregation, offering alternative means of expression. The BFG appearances remain rather loose while girding the delivery with that ingrained Texas thing, making it an undeniable win-win.
How does this new band differ from ZZ Top?
It’s something of a sonic departure bolstered with the insane talents of Mike “The Drifter” Flanigin on the Hammond B3 and behind his ancient Fender bass-guitar and, of course, our old friend Chris “Whipper” Layton who brings those infamous backbeat blues chops to the fore. Yeah, it’s another simple trio, but long ago we fell for a stoic style of minimalism in delivery which totally remains solid without specific direction. No question, it’s our decisive way to “thrash and bash.”
The beards that you and Dusty grew and the sunglasses and hats — how did that look come about and why? You were successful in the early ’70s with a more conventional look.
It was 100% serendipitous. An unexpected long break from stage and studio work concluded, and we were brought back together both sporting this more hirsute, chin-whiskered appearance and thereafter decided along the lines of “heck, let’s just go with it!” Our pals at Boot Star in Los Angeles keep us in fine threads, helping us look sharp to this day. Frank Beard, of course, didn’t really fall into place, but his name entertainingly took care of it.
In Frederick, can we expect to hear the ZZ Top hits with your new band?
Yes, Concord Records is firing up the upcoming BFG disc with the new material. Additionally, we certainly touch upon some tried and true hot numbers that maintain recognition, yet that dirty and down home BFG approach seems to enrich the delivery. There may even be a tip toward splashing through some not often performed deep cuts.
You are touring with Dwight Yoakam in 2026. How did that come about?
We’ve remained friends with Dwight for more than a few decades. In fact, I was his houseguest for a lengthy stay while my place was being refurbished. ZZ Top and Dwight were also label mates for the longest time, and we got to enjoy each other’s company and creations over the years. His brand of country sound is the rockin’ kind, which is more than OK with us.
Can you tell us anything about the new ZZ Top album? I understand some previously recorded tracks from Dusty Hill are on there.
There’s a wave of all sorts of material from some early sessions we’re aiming to incorporate into a final mix. There could be a bonus, having the entire band represented in those rare and raucous tracks.
You are also working on a new solo album. What can you tell us about that?
The ongoing recording sessions continue with the brainstorming around all angles surrounding the material at hand. We will all certainly be leaning on that invisible internal jukebox jury to attempt to determine the favorites that make final release. Suffice it to say, in the wee, wee hours, they make for some loud and gettin’ louder sounds.
Gary Bennett is a longtime Frederick resident who spends his time hiking, biking, volunteering and providing childcare for grandchildren. He is married and retired from his career as a nonprofit marketing executive.
