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ZZ Top

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Band Timeline

1969

Formation of ZZ Top

The American rock band ZZ Top was formed in Houston, Texas, in 1969. Billy Gibbons, formerly of the band Moving Sidewalks, recruited drummer Frank Beard and bassist Lanier Greig to form the initial lineup. The band's name was inspired by a combination of blues artists' initials, with Gibbons ultimately choosing "ZZ Top" as a unique moniker representing 'the top' of the blues tradition.
1971

Release of ZZ Top's First Album

Within two years of their formation, ZZ Top signed with London Records and released their debut album titled "ZZ Top's First Album." This album established them in the rock and blues scene with their signature sound blending Gibbons' blues guitar style and robust rhythm from Beard and Hill. This album set the foundation for their future success and growing fan base.
1973

Breakthrough with 'Tres Hombres'

ZZ Top released their third studio album, 'Tres Hombres,' which cemented their reputation as a leading American blues-rock band. The album produced hit singles such as 'La Grange' and 'Tush' that gained extensive radio play and brought them nationwide attention. This period marked the band's rise to fame for their blend of gritty blues and rock and roll.
1976-1977

Worldwide Texas Tour Success

The band undertook the Worldwide Texas Tour during 1976 and 1977, which was a critical and commercial success. ZZ Top became renowned for their energetic and engaging live performances across North America. This tour helped solidify their reputation as a powerful live act and significantly expanded their audience.
1979

Musical Direction and Image Change

Starting in 1979, ZZ Top evolved their musical style and public image. Both Gibbons and Hill adopted sunglasses and matching long beards, which became iconic. Their music began incorporating more mainstream rock sounds, while retaining their blues roots. This deliberate shift helped the band appeal to a wider audience and stay relevant in changing musical landscapes.
1981

Experimentation with 'El Loco' Album

In 1981, ZZ Top released 'El Loco,' marking their increasing experimentation with synthesizers and drum machines. This album showed their willingness to innovate within their sound by integrating new wave and electronic influences into their traditional blues-rock style. 'El Loco' served as a bridge to the band's upcoming mainstream success.
1983

Rise to Stardom with 'Eliminator'

'Eliminator,' released in 1983, was ZZ Top’s breakthrough album that brought them international stardom. Blending new wave, punk, and dance-rock influences with their blues-rock base, the album produced hit singles like "Gimme All Your Lovin'", "Sharp Dressed Man", and "Legs." The popularity of their music videos on MTV propelled them into 1980s pop culture prominence.
1985

Commercial Success of 'Afterburner'

'Afterburner,' ZZ Top's ninth studio album released in 1985, was a commercial success despite mixed critical reviews. It featured hit singles such as 'Sleeping Bag,' which reached number one on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks, and other Top 40 singles like 'Stages,' 'Rough Boy,' and 'Velcro Fly.' The album continued the band's use of synthesizers and sequenced keyboard sounds, maintaining their fusion of rock and electronic elements.
1990

Release of 'Recycler' and Continued Evolution

The band released their tenth album, 'Recycler,' in 1990 followed by a supporting tour. This period showcased their ongoing experimentation with their sound as they blended traditional blues-rock with modern music technology and production techniques. Though not as commercially successful as previous albums, 'Recycler' kept the band active and relevant in the changing rock scene.
1994-2003

Mixed Success with Later Albums

From 1994 to 2003, ZZ Top released several albums including 'Antenna' (1994), 'Rhythmeen' (1996), 'XXX' (1999), and 'Mescalero' (2003). During this period, their experimentation with sound met with mixed critical and commercial success. They continued to evolve musically while maintaining their characteristic blues-rock foundations.
2012

Release of 'La Futura' Album

In 2012, ZZ Top released 'La Futura,' an album that represented a return to their blues-rock roots combined with modern sensibilities. The album was well-received by fans and critics, showcasing their enduring ability to make relevant and engaging music decades into their career.
2019

'Goin' 50' Compilation Album

To celebrate their 50th anniversary, ZZ Top released a compilation album titled 'Goin' 50' in 2019. This collection curated highlights from their extensive catalog and commemorated their longevity and influence in rock and blues music over five decades.
2021

Passing of Dusty Hill and Lineup Change

Bassist and vocalist Dusty Hill passed away in 2021, marking the end of the band's legendary 51-year run with an unchanged lineup. Per Hill’s wishes, he was succeeded by longtime guitar technician Elwood Francis on bass. This change ended the longest continuous lineup in music history, but the band continued to honor their legacy.
2004 and Beyond

Recognition and Legacy

ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, recognizing their impact on rock music. They have sold an estimated 50 million records worldwide and won three MTV Video Music Awards. Billy Gibbons was ranked the 32nd greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine in 2015. The band is noted not only for their musical contributions but also for their influence on pop culture and philanthropy efforts.

Albums

zz-top_1st_album
ZZ Top’s First Album
10 tracks
1971
zz-top_2nd_album
Rio Grande Mud
10 tracks
1972
zz-top_3rd_album
Tres hombres
10 tracks
1973
zz-top_4th_album
Fandango!
9 tracks
1975
zz-top_5th_album
Tejas
10 tracks
1976
zz-top_6th_album
Degüello
10 tracks
1979
zz-top_7th_album
El loco
10 tracks
1981
zz-top_8th_album
Eliminator
11 tracks
1983
zz-top_9th_album
Afterburner
10 tracks
1985
zz-top_10th_album
Recycler
10 tracks
1990
zz-top_11th_album
Antenna
4 tracks
1993
zz-top_12th_album
Rhythmeen
12 tracks
1996
zz-top_13th_album
XXX
13 tracks
1999
zz-top_14th_album
Mescalero
16 tracks
2003
zz-top_15th_album
La futura
10 tracks
2012
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Billy Gibbons

1969

Lead vocals

Guitar

Elwood Francis

2021

Bass guitar

Frank Beard

1969

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Dan Mitchell

1969
1969

Drums (drum set)

Dusty Hill

1969
2021

Keyboard

Bass guitar

Lead vocals

Lanier Greig

1969
1969

Organ

Bass guitar

Billy Ethridge

1969
1969

Bass guitar

Story of ZZ Top

ZZ Top: A Texas Blues-Rock Powerhouse

ZZ Top, the legendary American rock band, emerged from the vibrant music scene of Houston, Texas, in 1969. For over five decades, the trio of vocalist-guitarist Billy Gibbons, drummer Frank Beard, and bassist-vocalist Dusty Hill (until his passing in 2021) captivated audiences worldwide with their unique blend of blues-infused rock.

The band's signature sound was forged from Gibbons' fiery blues-driven guitar riffs, intertwined with the solid rhythmic foundation laid down by Hill and Beard. They became synonymous with electrifying live performances, slyly humorous lyrics, and the iconic, matching appearances of Gibbons and Hill, sporting sunglasses, hats, and their trademark long beards.

ZZ Top's journey began after Gibbons' previous band, Moving Sidewalks, disbanded. Within a year, they signed with London Records and released their debut album, "ZZ Top's First Album," in 1971. Subsequent albums, including the critically acclaimed "Tres Hombres" (1973) and "Fandango!" (1975), along with the hit singles "La Grange" and "Tush," garnered widespread radio airplay, cementing their place in the rock music landscape.

By the mid-1970s, ZZ Top had become a powerhouse live act, particularly with their monumental "Worldwide Texas Tour" (1976-1977), a critical and commercial triumph. After a brief hiatus, they returned in 1979 with a fresh musical direction and image, showcasing Gibbons and Hill with sunglasses and matching chest-length beards, solidifying their larger-than-life persona.

ZZ Top's legacy extends beyond their groundbreaking music. Their unique style, their commitment to their craft, and their iconic image continue to influence musicians and fans alike, making them one of the most enduring and beloved rock bands of all time.

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