Everybody likes to have a good time. But it appears Mr. Gibbons perhaps had one too many shots of Pure Vida, or one too many hits of high mountain range foliage, or one too many piquant substances...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YykMpTp97U
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Glory days
So what to you represents the glory days of ZZ Top. Purists and long time fans would likely find this to be the entire 1970's and early '80's. The end begins with Eliminator for some.
Others, certainly the more casual and perhaps pop oriented masses, would find 1983 through the early '90's to represent all that ZZ Top were and are. The videos, the songs with the catchy hooks, the choreography, the arena tours.
And still some, in all estimates a small majority, may find the "Antenna" and "Rhythmeen" 1990's to be all they know of the group.
For myself, I tend to think of the group in two distinct halves, with a two year crossover period in the middle. Young, eager, energetic and hungry, the band makes me of slowly rising stars working hard to make it to the big time - this would comprise the years 1970 through 1983.
The transition period, 1985 through 1987, personifies riding the wave of worldwide fame, playing in sold out stadiums and thousands of fans singing along to every word. This also however represents the decay of synergy, spontaneity, drive and ambition. The slow decay of becoming, and exhibiting, what is comfortable, commercial, translucent, and ultimately easy and non-challenging.
The latter half to me is from 1990 through the present. Don't get me wrong, there are some great songs and great live performances during this period, but the inconsistencies are striking. Many nights would find the band simply plodding along, "dialing it in", and working more on "entertaining" the audiences rather than exciting and enthralling the crowd with the music itself.
I theorize this change to result from two factors, one inevitable, the other regrettable. Age has a lot to do with it, and expecting to have the energy to perform when your 50 like you did when you were 25 is simply unrealistic. The second factor is success. Very similar to Pink Floyd after "Dark Side of the Moon", ZZ Top found the dizzying heights of "Eliminator" created a overwhelming sense of accomplishment, and forever lessened the need to "make it" and continue to hone one's skills. Sad but true.
So what are the "Glory Days" to you? Perhaps we should still consider the possibility of a third era; rejuvenation anyone?
Others, certainly the more casual and perhaps pop oriented masses, would find 1983 through the early '90's to represent all that ZZ Top were and are. The videos, the songs with the catchy hooks, the choreography, the arena tours.
And still some, in all estimates a small majority, may find the "Antenna" and "Rhythmeen" 1990's to be all they know of the group.
For myself, I tend to think of the group in two distinct halves, with a two year crossover period in the middle. Young, eager, energetic and hungry, the band makes me of slowly rising stars working hard to make it to the big time - this would comprise the years 1970 through 1983.
The transition period, 1985 through 1987, personifies riding the wave of worldwide fame, playing in sold out stadiums and thousands of fans singing along to every word. This also however represents the decay of synergy, spontaneity, drive and ambition. The slow decay of becoming, and exhibiting, what is comfortable, commercial, translucent, and ultimately easy and non-challenging.
The latter half to me is from 1990 through the present. Don't get me wrong, there are some great songs and great live performances during this period, but the inconsistencies are striking. Many nights would find the band simply plodding along, "dialing it in", and working more on "entertaining" the audiences rather than exciting and enthralling the crowd with the music itself.
I theorize this change to result from two factors, one inevitable, the other regrettable. Age has a lot to do with it, and expecting to have the energy to perform when your 50 like you did when you were 25 is simply unrealistic. The second factor is success. Very similar to Pink Floyd after "Dark Side of the Moon", ZZ Top found the dizzying heights of "Eliminator" created a overwhelming sense of accomplishment, and forever lessened the need to "make it" and continue to hone one's skills. Sad but true.
So what are the "Glory Days" to you? Perhaps we should still consider the possibility of a third era; rejuvenation anyone?
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
ZZ Top - Stockholm, Sweden 1981-10-02
This entry contains what I consider to be a real special treat for ZZ Top fans. For those that may have taken a look at my trading list I consider this performance to be the band's greatest ever (at least among the 300 or so shows that I have heard). The perfect combination of youth, energy, skill and spontaneity. Here are 12 photos of this legendary concert - more will hopefully follow in a few days. I must thank my good friend Roger for allowing me to share these and for all his generosity.
And now, its a stunning and persuasive pleasure, to bring to you.... (some of you will get that!) -
And now, its a stunning and persuasive pleasure, to bring to you.... (some of you will get that!) -
Monday, January 10, 2011
2011 Houston Rodeo - No Top
No ZZ Top this year at the Houston Rodeo. I'm somewhat disappointed as they didn't play it last year either and they tend to do it every other year.
Here's the really bad news - instead of seeing ZZ you can go see KISS, the absolute worst band of all time. I will not be going to Texas this spring.
Here's the really bad news - instead of seeing ZZ you can go see KISS, the absolute worst band of all time. I will not be going to Texas this spring.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Impressive tribute album in the works?
Appears that there may be a tribute album in the works dedicated to our favorite band, consisting of contributions from some big names. Apparently Steven Tyler, Stevie McVie, Mick Fleetwood and Johnny Lang are all playing a part, and that's just on one track. Who knows who else could be involved?
A link to some info can be found here: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=151835
Note this ZZ info was already revealed yesterday on the excellent "Totally Unoffical ZZ Top Blog" found here: http://zztopeurope2007.blogspot.com/
I never have been much of a fan of tribute albums, I prefer the real thing. But I suppose this could be interesting and hopefully it will be well produced. I would much rather hear some info about a new album or the upcoming Houston Rodeo though....maybe we will know something in the next week or two.
A link to some info can be found here: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=151835
Note this ZZ info was already revealed yesterday on the excellent "Totally Unoffical ZZ Top Blog" found here: http://zztopeurope2007.blogspot.com/
I never have been much of a fan of tribute albums, I prefer the real thing. But I suppose this could be interesting and hopefully it will be well produced. I would much rather hear some info about a new album or the upcoming Houston Rodeo though....maybe we will know something in the next week or two.
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