Spontaneity

Appears there is an indication that Jeff Beck may have stepped onstage with ZZ during a concert in Italy within the past few days. Jeff and Billy had been attending a few events together earlier this month so it's perhaps not fully surprising, but still very exciting, that Jeff played with the boyzz. It is these moments of spontaneity that create an immense amount of excitement for me, and I imagine for many others that collect ZZ Top's concert recordings.

Throughout the 1970's ZZ would mix things up, varying the set list and often jamming on songs each night. Some of the earliest recordings feature songs approaching 20 minutes, which are very loose in structure and if anything were an exercise to show off the talents of the musicians on their respect instruments. Some may not know that in the early days Frank Beard had a prominent and isolated drum solo. Tough to imagine that now a days.

These moments of surprise reassure the hardcore long-term fans that the Top continues to innovate, rather than dialing it in. After 40+ years of playing together, and with an utterly astoundingly complacent set list (why in the hell are they not playing "Francine"!!!!) it would be easy for the group to simply show up to collect a pay check. I would actively be concerned about one member of the band, but since he's had the same "cool" stage persona since the mid 1980's I'm not really worried that he's so bored he's about to quit.

Slash and John Mayer (sorry, I can't stand Mayer) joined the group onstage last summer, and early last year Billy jammed on the immortal "Rattlesnake Shake" with Aerosmith in Dallas. The show with Billy Bob's group in Texas early last year was another highlight. Seeking these rare shows adds great excitement to the pursuit and passion of collecting live ZZ.

I do however miss the days of the double encores. The early 1980's found a still youthful and recently reinvigorated ZZ Top answering the demands of their audiences. When the house lights came on, and the crowd screamed and roared and refused to leave, the band happily obliged and threw the lights down again, promising to "tear this house down tonight". If the set list must remain so rigid, perhaps a comprise can be made by mixing up the encores. A little "Thank You" or "Bang Bang" would go a long way!

So far this has been a fantastic year for new ZZ Top recordings. As of this writing 10 shows have been recorded, likely more but those remain unknown. For this I am very thankful and appreciative to those dedicated tapers who honorably share the fruits of their efforts with all fans to enjoy. To the tapers, I thank you.

* On point, I am very interested in obtaining a copy of the Italy show where Jeff Beck joined the group (if the rumors are true). Please contact me if you have a recording of this concert.
** I am also very interested in obtaining a copy of ZZ's Houston Rodeo performance in early 2007. This was a great show with some real rarities played. I know a few people have copies but I am having trouble securing a full version of the show.
*** I am an honest man and wish to share my recordings with any ZZ Top fan that is interested. If you have either of the two shows mentioned above I would be happy to trade multiple shows for the one you have. Thank you!!!