Well it continues to be an inconsistent year for a historically consistent band. After canceling a bunch of dates in the spring due to Dusty's shoulder the group is now apparently canceling some late summer and early fall dates due to Gregg Allman's poor health. It's likely that some new dates will be added to fill in the gaps - at least that's what ZZ usually does.
----
Speaking of this latest forced layoff, how about Gibbons, Sardy and Hardy getting to work on mixing some of those leftover Futura tracks? And Billy indicated the band was working on new material as well, one song in particular for a motorcycle documentary due out either later this year or next year. I suppose we can look forward to at least one new song from the group between now and 2018 right?
----
The short European tour trek was an interesting affair. Thanks to a few of my good trading friends I managed to secure four recordings of the 2016 Euro dates. The "extended" show as ZZ puts it clocks in at around 75 minutes. Of course ZZ has always played short shows - I have a 1983 recording where the entire gig was 68 minutes. However, as a scrutinous fan was able to observe, that 1983 show only cost about 10 Euros (yes I know Euros didn't exist then, I'm comparing things here). The 2016 gig was eight times as much. And peers the same age as ZZ still play decently long gigs. Take that how you will.
----
Notwithstanding the short duration I will say the Euro shows were impressive and rather enjoyable. The return of Rough Boy is welcome and Billy's soloing is as beautiful and softly melodic as always. Chartreuse and its heavily distorted metal outro has become a favorite, and Dusty continues to shine brightly on Catfish Blues. The group appears to still have that telepathic sense that has always served to produce a tight and funky grove. Good news indeed.
----
Perhaps I sound like a broken record but shit I'm sick of Cheap Sunglasses. Almost 50 years of playing together and a huge catalogue to choose from - just play something else besides Sunglasses. You know Francine is a good tune right? Bang Bang is funky. Ten Foot Pole would draw some cheers (Billy played it on his recent solo tour). I mean come 'on, you gotta be sick of Sunglasses by now...
----
Long story short - long live ZZ Top
