I plan on trying on occasion to write up reviews of ZZ Top show recordings. I have a large number of shows and I don't go many days without popping a new one in my car CD player for my daily commute. I've been listening to the band's performance at the Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, 05/04/2002 the past few days. I will try to get a review up in the next day or two. I hope to have a general narrative along with ratings for set list (variation, creativity), band performance (playing, attitude) and crowd's response/reactions.
As mentioned above I have a large number of shows in my collection. If anyone is ever interested in trading please e-mail me at truckfan81@yahoo.com. I do not buy or sell tapes, but trades or exchanges are always welcome. Also have more Led Zeppelin than anyone in their right mind would ever listen to.
ZZ Blues
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
ZZ road schedule / tours / new album
Anyone who reads this page should also check out the excellent "Totally Unofficial ZZ Top Tour Blog" at http://zztopeurope2007.blogspot.com/. It is an excellent source of up to date ZZ Top news and insider info and is written by a dedicated and enthusastic fan.
The band's management was recently quoted as stating they estimated the band would enter the studio sometime in late November of this year. The band's last album, "Mescalero" , came out in 2003. It was a fantastic album, reflecting the ongoing creativity and guitar / studio gizmo genius of Gibbons. With the Japan release you have 17 tracks and an unlisted 18th track. The running time is almost twice the length of some of the band's albums, so you could as an optimist call it a double album. Either way it has been six years since the last album of new material. The band has more or less been touring non-stop since 2007. There have been some exciting additions to the catalogue such as "Live from Texas" and the 25th anniversary of "Eliminator". The band has also appeared on "American Idol" and "WWE". All these have served as PR for the band and gotten their name back into the public mind. It is apparent however that they need to capitalize on this exposure with a new album. Going back to 2005 the band is quoted as having worked on writing new material. Billy apparently layed down approx 12 rough song structures in March of '08, and at least one interview was conducted where the Rev. played a few minutes of a song under construction (this was not recorded by the reporter).
AC/DC released their first album in nine years this year, and from what I have seen it did very well. ZZ can do the same if they time things right and receive advertising support. With the "Double Down Live" release this fall and the subsequent additional exposure it is the opportune time to get in the studio. The Top machine has made 14 albums of original material, which is an amazing amount of output. But when your a ZZ fan, you look forward to and patiently anticipate new sounds and new grooves from the Hill/Beard rythym section and the lead of Pearly Gates.
Here's hoping at the end of the year the band takes a well deserved break from the road and heads to Memphis and/or Houston to put it down.
The band's management was recently quoted as stating they estimated the band would enter the studio sometime in late November of this year. The band's last album, "Mescalero" , came out in 2003. It was a fantastic album, reflecting the ongoing creativity and guitar / studio gizmo genius of Gibbons. With the Japan release you have 17 tracks and an unlisted 18th track. The running time is almost twice the length of some of the band's albums, so you could as an optimist call it a double album. Either way it has been six years since the last album of new material. The band has more or less been touring non-stop since 2007. There have been some exciting additions to the catalogue such as "Live from Texas" and the 25th anniversary of "Eliminator". The band has also appeared on "American Idol" and "WWE". All these have served as PR for the band and gotten their name back into the public mind. It is apparent however that they need to capitalize on this exposure with a new album. Going back to 2005 the band is quoted as having worked on writing new material. Billy apparently layed down approx 12 rough song structures in March of '08, and at least one interview was conducted where the Rev. played a few minutes of a song under construction (this was not recorded by the reporter).
AC/DC released their first album in nine years this year, and from what I have seen it did very well. ZZ can do the same if they time things right and receive advertising support. With the "Double Down Live" release this fall and the subsequent additional exposure it is the opportune time to get in the studio. The Top machine has made 14 albums of original material, which is an amazing amount of output. But when your a ZZ fan, you look forward to and patiently anticipate new sounds and new grooves from the Hill/Beard rythym section and the lead of Pearly Gates.
Here's hoping at the end of the year the band takes a well deserved break from the road and heads to Memphis and/or Houston to put it down.
Monday, July 27, 2009
"Double Down Live" Promotional Tour (?)
ZZ Top is slowly scheduling in dates for a early fall European Tour. Concerts scheduled to date encompass locales they have not visited in some time. The band has a strong following in Europe, and the shows should please fans.
I would guess that the concerts are to promote the release of "Double Down Live". One of the dates includes the return to Essen, Germany, site of their famous (and fantastic) concert at the Rockpalast event in 1980. I hope Billy and the boys watch the old footage and get the urge to dust off a few classics. How great would it be to hear "Arrested For Driving While Blind", "Precious and Grace", "Lowdown In the Street", "El Diablo" and "Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings", or how about just one of these?
Regardless of the set list, the shows should prove to be a fun and enjoyable endeavor for all.
I would guess that the concerts are to promote the release of "Double Down Live". One of the dates includes the return to Essen, Germany, site of their famous (and fantastic) concert at the Rockpalast event in 1980. I hope Billy and the boys watch the old footage and get the urge to dust off a few classics. How great would it be to hear "Arrested For Driving While Blind", "Precious and Grace", "Lowdown In the Street", "El Diablo" and "Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings", or how about just one of these?
Regardless of the set list, the shows should prove to be a fun and enjoyable endeavor for all.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Aerosmith / ZZ Top tour reviews
To the frustration of many ZZ Top elected to be the opening act for Aerosmith this Summer. Many feel ZZ can still carry as a headline act, as they have recently and will no doubt in the future. What is interesting is how the tour has played out.
After a number of shows with both bands working the kinks out and getting in rythym, Steven Tyler apparently injured his leg, resulting in seven cancelled shows. Prior to the injury Aerosmith was playing the (almost) entire "Toys In the Attic" album as part of the setlist. This was an extremely exciting idea to hardcore Aero fans, and seemed to indicate inventiveness and a desire to reclaim old glory. Post injury however the band has returned to a more familar setlist with the obligatory crowd pleasers. It has been speculated that the crowd were mediocore in their responses to the "Toys" set.
ZZ has received praise by people who have seen the show advising they seem healthy and vibrant, playing with obvious fun. I have touted in the past, and I'm sure will again, my own frustrations with the band's stale and predictible setlist. None the less, many have walked away saying ZZ looks good, and the added exposure to fans who otherwise wouldn't be there has gotta be benefical for the band. With "Double Down Live" coming out this fall it is proving to be an exciting period to be a Top fan. Now if only the band will put down some tracks and concentrate in the studio, that would make thousands (potential: millions) happy.
By the way, check out the 7/19 Dallas show where ZZ plays a great opening set, and then Rev. Gibbons plays guitar along with Joe Perry on "Rattlesnake Shake" during Aerosmith's set. Look for the recording on the net and you will find it. ** Many thanks to the taper who has shared the excellent recording. **
After a number of shows with both bands working the kinks out and getting in rythym, Steven Tyler apparently injured his leg, resulting in seven cancelled shows. Prior to the injury Aerosmith was playing the (almost) entire "Toys In the Attic" album as part of the setlist. This was an extremely exciting idea to hardcore Aero fans, and seemed to indicate inventiveness and a desire to reclaim old glory. Post injury however the band has returned to a more familar setlist with the obligatory crowd pleasers. It has been speculated that the crowd were mediocore in their responses to the "Toys" set.
ZZ has received praise by people who have seen the show advising they seem healthy and vibrant, playing with obvious fun. I have touted in the past, and I'm sure will again, my own frustrations with the band's stale and predictible setlist. None the less, many have walked away saying ZZ looks good, and the added exposure to fans who otherwise wouldn't be there has gotta be benefical for the band. With "Double Down Live" coming out this fall it is proving to be an exciting period to be a Top fan. Now if only the band will put down some tracks and concentrate in the studio, that would make thousands (potential: millions) happy.
By the way, check out the 7/19 Dallas show where ZZ plays a great opening set, and then Rev. Gibbons plays guitar along with Joe Perry on "Rattlesnake Shake" during Aerosmith's set. Look for the recording on the net and you will find it. ** Many thanks to the taper who has shared the excellent recording. **
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Double Down Live
ZZ Top - Double Down Live - Release Date 10/23/09
First announced during Billy and Dusty's hosting of WWE Raw, this exciting (apparently 2) DVD set will be released in the latter half of this October. Comprised of the band's 1980 Rockaplast performance in Essen, Germany and an (assumed) documentary of their 2008 USA and Europe tours.
Those that have seen the Rockaplast performance know it is an extremely exciting and energetic performance. Clocking in at nearly two hours the bands rips through a large number of the bands rock and blues tracks. Heavy on the fuzz and bass, the youth of the band (31 years of age for all three I believe) results in exuberent and aggressive playing. Billy is especially animated in his actions, ranging from jumping, running, kneeling, leaning and even sitting (in a comical way). The video quality of the versions available range from poor to very good, and the auto available is top notch. A clean and vibrant video copy is extremely exciting and I will have my copy pre-ordered as soon as possible.
ZZ toured in American in the Spring of '08 before embarking on a relatively short European jaunt in early Summer. They returned to the U.S. in the fall for the "In Your Face" tour. This was an exciting idea whose potential was not fully realized as the band failed to overhaul or "personalize" the performances. The 2008 portion of the "Double Down Live" set could feature backstage footage and performances from any one of this touring schedules.
I am certain this will prove to be a very exciting and fulfilling addition to the ZZ Top catalogue.
First announced during Billy and Dusty's hosting of WWE Raw, this exciting (apparently 2) DVD set will be released in the latter half of this October. Comprised of the band's 1980 Rockaplast performance in Essen, Germany and an (assumed) documentary of their 2008 USA and Europe tours.
Those that have seen the Rockaplast performance know it is an extremely exciting and energetic performance. Clocking in at nearly two hours the bands rips through a large number of the bands rock and blues tracks. Heavy on the fuzz and bass, the youth of the band (31 years of age for all three I believe) results in exuberent and aggressive playing. Billy is especially animated in his actions, ranging from jumping, running, kneeling, leaning and even sitting (in a comical way). The video quality of the versions available range from poor to very good, and the auto available is top notch. A clean and vibrant video copy is extremely exciting and I will have my copy pre-ordered as soon as possible.
ZZ toured in American in the Spring of '08 before embarking on a relatively short European jaunt in early Summer. They returned to the U.S. in the fall for the "In Your Face" tour. This was an exciting idea whose potential was not fully realized as the band failed to overhaul or "personalize" the performances. The 2008 portion of the "Double Down Live" set could feature backstage footage and performances from any one of this touring schedules.
I am certain this will prove to be a very exciting and fulfilling addition to the ZZ Top catalogue.
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