Okay, so maybe the year isn't over just yet. But seeing as how the ZZ Top 2010 World Tour will be coming to an end in the next week or so, and the months of November and December are notoriously quiet, it's as good a time as any to look back at the past handful of months.
Showing once again that they won't stop until the wheels fall off, ZZ began announcing tour dates in February and March. A skeleton set of gigs was slowly filled in as Spring commenced, and a very heavy itinerary was finalized. These guys must really like playing together, this being the fourth year in a row consisting of intense touring.
*Disclaimer* - I can not stress this enough, the following is merely my opinion. I don't claim to be any type of expert, and I don't know Billy, Dusty or Frank (but it would be cool if I did). I hope that people enjoy reading this blog, but those that do seem to comment very little. If you agree, or blantently disagree, than comment. Call me an idiot and tell me what you think. I'm just here to talk about that Little Ol' Band from Texas.
Some positive trends in 2010:
- "Thunderbird", "Francine", "Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers", and "Viva Las Vegas" were brought back to the set
- "Rock Me Baby", a new cover song, was added to the live repretriore.
- Dusty's voice appears as strong as ever, with one exception, to be mentioned shortly.
- ZZ visited a number of new countries and cities, including big shows coming up in St. Petersberg and Moscow.
- The groups spirits have been high, with Frank in particular, never one to show emotion, smiling more than in the past and even coming to the front of the stage to take a bow at the end of shows
Negative trends in 2010:
- All the aforementioned and welcomed songs listed above were quickly dropped from the set list. Without a doubt the most frustrating aspect for a seasoned ZZ Top fan. I'm gonna come out and say it, I hate "Cheap Sunglasses". There, I feel better.
- "Rock Me Baby" is a cover song. "Hey Joe" is a cover song. "Future Blues" is a cover song. That's great and all, but if I have a limited amount of songs to hear at a ZZ Top concert, than I want them all to be ZZ Top songs. Dig. How about "Movin' On Down the Line"?
- "I Need You Tonight" has been played as the blues track for three years running. Quickly getting stale. Time to bring back some "Fool For Your Stockings" or "Just Got Back From Baby's".
- I am 85% positive Dusty is lip-syncing "Party On the Patio". This is an awesome song, simply awesome. And I love how they brought it back late last year. But if you don't like the way your vocals as sung today sound, don't patronize me. Play something else.
- Too much touring. Take a year off. Recharge, regroup, record some new songs, and relax.
I sincerely hope some of the negative trends go away, but if not I still love this band. I love seeing their shows and I love listening to their records. Don't plan on changing either.
Next post: Hopes and possibilities for 2011
First of all, THANK YOU for this wonderful blog, I'm a huge zz fan and I check your blog every morning...... i'm slighty disappointed by "official sites,my space ...." so your blog gives me exactly what I want :) I just hope they'll keep on going 'cause I NEED zz top! Frank remains a mystery to me... I love his playing,I love his groove, his drum kits, his persona, his "I don't give a damn" style... but.... I still don't understand if HE'S HAVING FUN ON STAGE OR NOT!!I saw zz 3 times and during the London 2009 show he looked extremely bored,angry,and tired.....maybe is just a wrong impression....
ReplyDeleteHere's another one just reading and never commenting (with this here exception), and I'd like to thank you for your thoughts and opinions, too. They represent mine almost exactly, and it's good to know there are other ZZ fans out there feeling the same. Keep these reflections of yours coming, and let's hope you'll find many more reasons to post in the upcoming months and years. I'm already looking forward to reading your outlook on 2011.
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