ZZ Top first got together in 1969 in Houston, Texas, founded by guitarist/vocalist Billy Gibbons, vocalist/bassist Dusty Hill, and drummer Frank Beard. This lineup remained unchanged for 51 years, until Hill passed away in 2021. During their long run, the band created a signature style based on the rhythms created by Beard and Hill, and Gibbons’ Bluesy guitar work.
Within a year of their formation, ZZ Top had been signed by London Records and released “ZZ Top’s First Album,” their debut, in 1971. Two more albums followed, “Tres Hombes” in 1973 and “Fandango!” in 1975, and these efforts got a lot of airplay. The band’s live act, which included their successful Worldwide Texas Tour in 1976 and 1977, boosted their fame.
In 1979, they reworked their style and appearance, and added drum machines and synthesizers on their 1981 album “El Loco,” creating a sound which brought them into the mainstream. They finally achieved international success in 1983 with the album “Eliminator” and followed it with 1985’s “Afterburner.” After Hill’s death, Elwood Francis replaced him on bass, and the band rocked on. A review says:
“Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard's hard blues rock is alive and well . . "
ZZ Top will be at the Andrew J. Brady Music Center on Race Street on April 8. When they book events like this, venues can work with brochure printing to create programs for audience members.