INTERVIEW: Billy Gibbons and ZZ Top will bring a little bit of Texas to NYC
Photo: ZZ Top will perform at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on Sept. 17. Photo courtesy of the band / Provided by Buzzword PR with permission.
When Billy Gibbons and ZZ Top take the stage at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on Wednesday, Sept. 17, audiences will be treated to decades of musical dominance and a little touch of that Texas spirit the band has been exporting to fans around the world. ZZ Top, of course, is the group behind such hit songs as “La Grange,” “Legs,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Tush,” among many others. In fact, Gibbons, Frank Beard and Elwood Francis have so many well-known tunes, putting together a set list must be a Herculean effort.
Gibbons, lead vocalist and guitarist for the band, recently took time away from his touring schedule to answer a few of Hollywood Soapbox’s questions via email. He opens up about life on the road, his favorite thing about Texas, the death of his longtime bandmate Dusty Hill and what it means to rock ‘n’ roll in a historic theater. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
Do you still enjoy the touring life? The band almost never stops.
We’re having good times on deck entertaining our friends, fans and followers. The roadshow is where it’s at. There’s even those moments behind the scenes with creations from the studio we get to share out there!
In New York City, you’ll be playing at the historic Beacon Theatre. Do you think the band’s sound works well in older theaters?
The elegant and historic Beacon Theater has showcased ZZ Top quite a few times, and our group really digs coming back to the place that simply sounds great. The beams and rafters have enjoyed eons of rocking ‘n’ rolling and shaking in place where the room serves as a giant speaker box.
How difficult was the time of losing Dusty and eventually welcoming Elwood Francis tot he band? Must have been hard for you on a personal level. I am sorry for your loss.
Dusty made it easy by resolutely sharing the time-honored instruction that, “The show must go on.” Dusty put the guitar on Elwood to let it carry on and rip. In essence, the platform holds fond recollections each and every show.
When did you pick up your first guitar?
It was right after my 13th birthday — a Gibson Melody Maker with a tweed Fender amp. It was kind of a life-changer. Plugged it in and turned it up, which, it’s safe to say, we’re still doing just that!
Is it true your first band Moving Sidewalks opened for the Jimi Hendrix Experience? What was that like?
Yes, it’s absolutely true. He was shy off stage and ferocious when the curtains were pulled back. Jimi was amazingly kind and gave us that inspiration surrounded by all things ‘guitar.’ A generous and kind guy whose legacy we honor every single day.
What’s the best thing about Texas?
Three letters: “B,” “B” and “Q.” And Tex Mex food, too.
What do you hope audiences are thinking about after they leave a ZZ Top concert?
Maybe, “Those songs seemed strangely familiar,” or, “How did those three guys generate all that loudness?” or, “How soon can we do this again?”
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
ZZ Top will perform Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. Click here for more information and tickets.
