In the fall of 1985 and throughout 1986 ZZ Top was at the peak of their commercial success. "Eliminator" had gone platinum, one of the first albums to do so under the new RIAA guidelines. The pressure was on the group, likely internally view Billy's desire to keep the momentum going, and externally via Warner Bros. business instinct to keep the profits rolling in. So it was, "Afterburner".
I like the album. I like the songs. Even "Rough Boy". The record fits perfectly square in the middle of the '80's. It takes you back to that time, often as music does. But it would change the group thereafter in my opinion, mostly for the worst.
After a highly successful headlining of the Monsters of Rock festival in August of 1985, the group retired to put the finishing touches on "Afterburner". Rehershals for the new tour came in November, and the next month the album was brought to the road. This time, when you came to see the concert, you saw a "show".
A larger than life replica of the Spinx that sucked a giant curtain up it's nose, having served as a cover to the stage setup prior to the start of the show. Ever wondered when listening to tapes what that weird noise at the very beginning of 1985 / 1986 concerts was - it's the Spinx sucking cloth through its nascal cavity. A stage size replica of the interior of the Eliminator car dash. Lasers out the wazoo. And so many speciality guitars, one for any number of songs (Eliminator shaped guitar, fuzzy guitar). The fans definitely got their money's worth.
Or did they. Was anyone listening to the songs, I mean really listening closely - something was missing. The creativity, the spark, the lowdown and dirty blues, Billy's howl - the sound of a band working, clawing, pounding, pummeling to get to the top. It was mostly gone. The group was already at the top. And therein lies my long winded point. In 1985 ZZ Top was at the "top". They no longer had to work as long or fight as hard to get the acclaim, the success that most bands desire. They had it. They were living it.
Gone were the changing solos of "Ten Foot Pole", replaced by a more rigid and structured outro. Gone was the bite and aggressiveness of "Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers". Lost was "Fool For Your Stockings" and the obligatory sermon from Reverend Willie G. Lost was the occasional variation in the set list, the here and there insertion of "Dust My Broom", "Francene" and "Just Got Paid". No more Elvis hommages via "Jailhouse Rock".
Initially the price was smaller to pay. Early shows saw the group playing "Delirous" - a unique tune to this day. The rocker "Planet of Women" was debuted. "Stages", while the truest example of ZZ's radio friendly pop faze, was a crowd pleaser. Another staple of years before, the enigmatic "Party On The Patio" was faithfully presented. But these were all quickly dropped. By late Spring 1986 only "Sleeping Bag", "Velcro Fly", "Can't Stop Rockin" and "Rough Boy" were played. Perhaps most puzzling is the group's display of "Rough Boy" as the token Blues song of the show. Choosing to play the radio friendly track, the Boys devastatingly omitted the opportunity to play the stunning "I Need You Tonight" that had gone down so well back at the Monsters of Rock festival. Years later when the song was played it would not serve as the sole blues number, being followed often by "Catfish Blues" or "Just Got Back from Baby's".
Perhaps the ultimate price of the bands success was the relinquishment of the seemingly limiting, but so well defining title as the "Little Ole Band from Texas", a band fighting to be heard.
-----
This Friday ZZ Top will play a live show for the 5th decade in a row. Almost six in a row - the first show with the now legendary trio lineup was not until Spring 1970. Here's hoping the 2010's see more new tunes than the 2000's.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Festejaremos
We will party.....
As a fan of every stage of ZZ's career I often find myself analyzing the similarites, and differences, that 5, 10, 15 years can bring. While the music has always kicked ass, the live presentation would often change, sometimes year to year, other times album to album. The question is, has the band's presentation of the music ever overshadowed the music itself. To me the answer is, yes.
Looking back at the early '70's, ZZ Top was a group of three relatively unknown musicans (Jimi Hendrix knew who Billy Gibbons was, so in that case who cares if anybody else really knows who you are). There was little money, and the group played on subpar equipment in very small venues, sometimes to a crowd of one. The music kicked ass though.
Then, after the success of "Tres Hombres" and "Fandango" the group embarked on possibly the greatest tour concept ever: the delivery to the audiences of not only the sounds, but the sights and smells of ZZ Top's musical, cultural and lyrical influences. "World Wide Texas Tour" was created to bring the "Texas landscape" to the fans, per Mr. Gibbons. A tremendous endeavor involving extensive livestock, birds and snakes, all positioned and poised on a 33 ton stage in the shape of a mini-replica Texas. Arguably the greatest tour of the Top's to date, fans to this day recall the event as being incredibly exciting and unique. And the music, above all, still managed to outshine all the possible distractions, forcing the recepient to acknowledge that ZZ Top kicked ass.
Tours in support of "Deguello" and "El Loco" in the early '80's were much less of a spectacle. The group, having been in hibernation for three years, perhaps wished to reestablish themselves prior to pulling out all the stops again. "El Loco" would also prove not to be a particularly big success, and perhaps this played into the group's reluctance to create any theatrics. Maybe the group purposely wanted to focus on the music. The "El Loco" shows in particular feature some of Billy's best guitar playing, with unique and complex solo variations from night to night. The energy and confidence exuded on stage from all three members is most exciting to listen to even today. The presentation definitely did not overshadow the music here.
"Eliminator" was released in March of 1983, but momentum was initially slow to build. The group would initiate a U.S. tour in June of that year, and then over to Europe in October. While the U.S. tour is relatively light on recordings there are extensive tapes of the Europe concerts. And what they reveal is, despite a rapidly ascending popularity by Autumn, the group did not overly focus on pushing the album live, perhaps unsure if the "new" ZZ Top sound would appeal to their fans. This is evident in that "Legs", likely the most well known track on the album today, was not even debuted live until 1985. The group continued to focus on variation and bringing a well-balanced set list with songs from each album. While not to the extent of the "El Loco" tour the band would from time to time insert unique or one-off performances of songs, and Billy's playing was again aggressive and fluent, with differing solos from night to night. There was no particular exhibition or theatrics onstage, the music in all it's glory was enough.
This would change when the "Afterburner" show came to town....
As a fan of every stage of ZZ's career I often find myself analyzing the similarites, and differences, that 5, 10, 15 years can bring. While the music has always kicked ass, the live presentation would often change, sometimes year to year, other times album to album. The question is, has the band's presentation of the music ever overshadowed the music itself. To me the answer is, yes.
Looking back at the early '70's, ZZ Top was a group of three relatively unknown musicans (Jimi Hendrix knew who Billy Gibbons was, so in that case who cares if anybody else really knows who you are). There was little money, and the group played on subpar equipment in very small venues, sometimes to a crowd of one. The music kicked ass though.
Then, after the success of "Tres Hombres" and "Fandango" the group embarked on possibly the greatest tour concept ever: the delivery to the audiences of not only the sounds, but the sights and smells of ZZ Top's musical, cultural and lyrical influences. "World Wide Texas Tour" was created to bring the "Texas landscape" to the fans, per Mr. Gibbons. A tremendous endeavor involving extensive livestock, birds and snakes, all positioned and poised on a 33 ton stage in the shape of a mini-replica Texas. Arguably the greatest tour of the Top's to date, fans to this day recall the event as being incredibly exciting and unique. And the music, above all, still managed to outshine all the possible distractions, forcing the recepient to acknowledge that ZZ Top kicked ass.
Tours in support of "Deguello" and "El Loco" in the early '80's were much less of a spectacle. The group, having been in hibernation for three years, perhaps wished to reestablish themselves prior to pulling out all the stops again. "El Loco" would also prove not to be a particularly big success, and perhaps this played into the group's reluctance to create any theatrics. Maybe the group purposely wanted to focus on the music. The "El Loco" shows in particular feature some of Billy's best guitar playing, with unique and complex solo variations from night to night. The energy and confidence exuded on stage from all three members is most exciting to listen to even today. The presentation definitely did not overshadow the music here.
"Eliminator" was released in March of 1983, but momentum was initially slow to build. The group would initiate a U.S. tour in June of that year, and then over to Europe in October. While the U.S. tour is relatively light on recordings there are extensive tapes of the Europe concerts. And what they reveal is, despite a rapidly ascending popularity by Autumn, the group did not overly focus on pushing the album live, perhaps unsure if the "new" ZZ Top sound would appeal to their fans. This is evident in that "Legs", likely the most well known track on the album today, was not even debuted live until 1985. The group continued to focus on variation and bringing a well-balanced set list with songs from each album. While not to the extent of the "El Loco" tour the band would from time to time insert unique or one-off performances of songs, and Billy's playing was again aggressive and fluent, with differing solos from night to night. There was no particular exhibition or theatrics onstage, the music in all it's glory was enough.
This would change when the "Afterburner" show came to town....
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Pick Your Poison
Head on over to zztop.com and pick the songs you want the band to play! Billy, Frank and Dusty have began rehearsals for their upcoming 2010 tour and want to know what songs you want them to add to their set list!
Okay, sounds like a fantasy right. The opportunity to have influence, to convey wishes, for a personalized set list. There is indeed a survey asking the question. So do make sure to check it out if you haven't already done so.
This "fantasy" is somewhat mitigated by the fact there are eight pre-determined songs to choose from, out of which you can pick three, but I'm not complaining. Some of the songs are quite interesting.
- Viva Las Vegas
- Fearless Boogie
- Bear Drinkers and Hell Raisers
- Francine
- Thunderbird
- TV Dinners
- Rhythmeen
- Bang Bang Shangalang
"TV Dinners"? Seriously? I actually like the song and have always thought it came across well live when played in 1983. I'm not sure I can see the band playing it now though.
"Fearless Boogie". One of the more radio friendly tracks off of "XXX", this may have been why it was pretty much the only song played from that album during the 1999 - 2000 tour. If I can only pick three however this is not one of them.
"Viva Las Vegas". I can dig it. Always keen to hear Dusty belt them out, I strongly considered this one before passing. To my knowledge it was last played in the Spring of 2007.
"Francine". Oh hell yeah. Essential. This was definitely going to be one of my choices, I had the box checked before I even finished reading the paragraph at the top of the page. Last played in Spring of '07.
"Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers". I like this one, one of the few that Billy and Dusty take turns singing together. The song is very short however, one I also felt would benefit from a little elaboration or jamming, ala "Arrested For Driving While Blind". Last played in 2003.
"Thunderbird". Song pick number two. Great track, going back to the very early days. Excellent show opener. For the love of all that is good please replace "Got Me Under Pressure" with this song.
"Rhythmeen". Very interesting option, my third pick. The definition of low down, dirty blues. Talk about it, play it, sing it. Would be awesome to hear again. Not played since 1997.
"Bang Bang Shangalang". I love this song. The chorus is obviously simplistic and almost comical, but again as with "Rhythmeen" this is dirty blues at it's best.
Okay, now my concern. After you make your selections and submit your picks, you are redirected to the ZZ Top store with a $5 credit that will be applied to any purchase. I am extremely hopeful that the survery will actually reach the band and the top picks be taken into consideration. Please don't let this be a marketing ploy.
Hopefully when the first show comes on April 23rd (16 days!) three of these eight tracks will be played. It would be great to hear some of the songs that true fans love, not the same old tracks that are played on pre-programmed soul-less classic rock radio stations (what ever happened to the DJ picking the songs to play?)
If anyone who reads this is going to the April 23 show in Tyler, TX please come forward. I would love to have the opportunity for you to relay the set list once the show is over so that all readers will have an opportunity to see what the 2010 version of ZZ Top will bring. Thanks!
Okay, sounds like a fantasy right. The opportunity to have influence, to convey wishes, for a personalized set list. There is indeed a survey asking the question. So do make sure to check it out if you haven't already done so.
This "fantasy" is somewhat mitigated by the fact there are eight pre-determined songs to choose from, out of which you can pick three, but I'm not complaining. Some of the songs are quite interesting.
- Viva Las Vegas
- Fearless Boogie
- Bear Drinkers and Hell Raisers
- Francine
- Thunderbird
- TV Dinners
- Rhythmeen
- Bang Bang Shangalang
"TV Dinners"? Seriously? I actually like the song and have always thought it came across well live when played in 1983. I'm not sure I can see the band playing it now though.
"Fearless Boogie". One of the more radio friendly tracks off of "XXX", this may have been why it was pretty much the only song played from that album during the 1999 - 2000 tour. If I can only pick three however this is not one of them.
"Viva Las Vegas". I can dig it. Always keen to hear Dusty belt them out, I strongly considered this one before passing. To my knowledge it was last played in the Spring of 2007.
"Francine". Oh hell yeah. Essential. This was definitely going to be one of my choices, I had the box checked before I even finished reading the paragraph at the top of the page. Last played in Spring of '07.
"Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers". I like this one, one of the few that Billy and Dusty take turns singing together. The song is very short however, one I also felt would benefit from a little elaboration or jamming, ala "Arrested For Driving While Blind". Last played in 2003.
"Thunderbird". Song pick number two. Great track, going back to the very early days. Excellent show opener. For the love of all that is good please replace "Got Me Under Pressure" with this song.
"Rhythmeen". Very interesting option, my third pick. The definition of low down, dirty blues. Talk about it, play it, sing it. Would be awesome to hear again. Not played since 1997.
"Bang Bang Shangalang". I love this song. The chorus is obviously simplistic and almost comical, but again as with "Rhythmeen" this is dirty blues at it's best.
Okay, now my concern. After you make your selections and submit your picks, you are redirected to the ZZ Top store with a $5 credit that will be applied to any purchase. I am extremely hopeful that the survery will actually reach the band and the top picks be taken into consideration. Please don't let this be a marketing ploy.
Hopefully when the first show comes on April 23rd (16 days!) three of these eight tracks will be played. It would be great to hear some of the songs that true fans love, not the same old tracks that are played on pre-programmed soul-less classic rock radio stations (what ever happened to the DJ picking the songs to play?)
If anyone who reads this is going to the April 23 show in Tyler, TX please come forward. I would love to have the opportunity for you to relay the set list once the show is over so that all readers will have an opportunity to see what the 2010 version of ZZ Top will bring. Thanks!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Trading List Update
I have updated my concert trading list with a large number of new shows - please feel free to check it out. Thanks!
zz-top-shows-to-trade
zz-top-shows-to-trade
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Sunrise in Texas
In less than one month the Top machine will be hitting the road again. Taking a slightly longer winter break than usual, there are hesitations, anticipations and excited expectations concerning the 2010 roadshow.
Relatively little has been heard over the past five months. Normally the typical rumors attesting to studio workouts or a new album are "leaked" out and debated amongst fans (remember last year the official website zztop.com touted "new tour, new album, new everything"). What the hell - where did the new album go? It must be noted that if even the official website is a rumor mill than confirmation of a new album can only occur when one is holding a shiny piece of plastic with a production date of 2010 in small print on the back, and emblazed across the front is that most exciting combination of letters, ZZ TOP.
As it stands now the band will open the proceedings in their home state of Texas on April 23rd. If you're like me you are already fantasising about the set list, the opportunity, the potential for changes, stages, rearranges. No more teases, let's hear "My Head's in Mississippi" in its entirety. Kill the lumbering "Pincushion" once and for all. And please remember that albums named "Rhythmeen" and "Mescalero" were recorded by three talented musicians, each consisting of at least eight tracks suitable for live and alive rendition.
People are allowed to dream aren't they? So here it stands, my wish list for the 2010 ZZ Top live extravaganza:
- More personalized and unique banter from Billy
- Hearing what Mr. Hill thinks
- Confirming that Mr. Beard can still smile while wailing on his drum kit
- Bring back "Arrested For Driving While Blind", "Ten Foot Pole", "Dust My Broom", "Just Got
Back From Baby's", "Precious and Grace" and "It's Only Love".
- Introduce "Pretty Head", "Loaded", "Shiek", "Sure Got Cold After the Rain Fell", "It's So
Hard", and "Mescalero".
- Kill "Pincushion", "Tush", "Tube Snake Boogie", "Cheap Sunglasses" and "Gimme All Your
Lovin'".
Seriously, who am I kidding!? I would go see the band even if they jammed on "Tush" for 75 minutes (but I wouldn't go to South America to see it).
There are at least a dozen tracks that the group has sitting in the can going back to the early '90's, as well as a number of songs Billy has worked on since "Mescalero's" release in 2003. Maybe one of these unreleased tracks will be shown some love in a live forum.
At any rate, I remain confident that this will prove to be a great year. ZZ is headed to some places it has never been, and that creates excitement in and of itself. As my good friend stated before, we need some USA East Coast dates so I can frequent more than one or two shows this year.
Any changes you would like to see this year - think about it.
Relatively little has been heard over the past five months. Normally the typical rumors attesting to studio workouts or a new album are "leaked" out and debated amongst fans (remember last year the official website zztop.com touted "new tour, new album, new everything"). What the hell - where did the new album go? It must be noted that if even the official website is a rumor mill than confirmation of a new album can only occur when one is holding a shiny piece of plastic with a production date of 2010 in small print on the back, and emblazed across the front is that most exciting combination of letters, ZZ TOP.
As it stands now the band will open the proceedings in their home state of Texas on April 23rd. If you're like me you are already fantasising about the set list, the opportunity, the potential for changes, stages, rearranges. No more teases, let's hear "My Head's in Mississippi" in its entirety. Kill the lumbering "Pincushion" once and for all. And please remember that albums named "Rhythmeen" and "Mescalero" were recorded by three talented musicians, each consisting of at least eight tracks suitable for live and alive rendition.
People are allowed to dream aren't they? So here it stands, my wish list for the 2010 ZZ Top live extravaganza:
- More personalized and unique banter from Billy
- Hearing what Mr. Hill thinks
- Confirming that Mr. Beard can still smile while wailing on his drum kit
- Bring back "Arrested For Driving While Blind", "Ten Foot Pole", "Dust My Broom", "Just Got
Back From Baby's", "Precious and Grace" and "It's Only Love".
- Introduce "Pretty Head", "Loaded", "Shiek", "Sure Got Cold After the Rain Fell", "It's So
Hard", and "Mescalero".
- Kill "Pincushion", "Tush", "Tube Snake Boogie", "Cheap Sunglasses" and "Gimme All Your
Lovin'".
Seriously, who am I kidding!? I would go see the band even if they jammed on "Tush" for 75 minutes (but I wouldn't go to South America to see it).
There are at least a dozen tracks that the group has sitting in the can going back to the early '90's, as well as a number of songs Billy has worked on since "Mescalero's" release in 2003. Maybe one of these unreleased tracks will be shown some love in a live forum.
At any rate, I remain confident that this will prove to be a great year. ZZ is headed to some places it has never been, and that creates excitement in and of itself. As my good friend stated before, we need some USA East Coast dates so I can frequent more than one or two shows this year.
Any changes you would like to see this year - think about it.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Southern Blues
Since the beginning the band has seemingly had at least one quintessential "blues" track per record. Whether this one an album pattern is intentional or a coincidence is anyone's guess. But it's held steady.
Sure enough, on the first record, aptly titled "ZZ Top's First Album", the group brought to the table the monster track "Just Got Back From Baby's". Heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix (one of Billy's highest held guitar idols) both lyrically and melodically, the track reflects a musical maturity and posture that transcends the age of its composers. Dripping with soul and southern influence, it still stands as one of the greatest tracks the group has ever laid down. Often in the shadow of "Brown Sugar", the song is deserving of more attention from both the casual and die hard fan.
Taking note of the previously discussed "remixes" of all the London records (sans "Deguello") the currently available CD version features extensive reverb and echo. Interestingly this is the only song that I have a slight preference for the remixed version. To me it just sounds more bluesy. This is at the expense of some of the soul that is conveyed in the original, "dry" mix.
Similar to the one blues song an album, ZZ would generally play one blues song a concert (save for 1994's Antenna tour, which had a mini blues set). "Just Got Back From Baby's" would become a staple of the groups early live repertoire, not to be replaced until Fandango's "Blue Jean Blues" in 1975. Often stretched to over 7 minutes in length, the song would feature some of the most fluent and dazzling guitar playing that has ever traveled through an amp.
Having been replaced in 1975 the song would not be heard again until 1994's Antenna tour. While brought down to a more standard length of just under 5 minutes, it would again showcase the style and grace of Billy's guitar playing that we all know and love.
Next up: "Sure Got Cold After the Rain Fell".
Sure enough, on the first record, aptly titled "ZZ Top's First Album", the group brought to the table the monster track "Just Got Back From Baby's". Heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix (one of Billy's highest held guitar idols) both lyrically and melodically, the track reflects a musical maturity and posture that transcends the age of its composers. Dripping with soul and southern influence, it still stands as one of the greatest tracks the group has ever laid down. Often in the shadow of "Brown Sugar", the song is deserving of more attention from both the casual and die hard fan.
Taking note of the previously discussed "remixes" of all the London records (sans "Deguello") the currently available CD version features extensive reverb and echo. Interestingly this is the only song that I have a slight preference for the remixed version. To me it just sounds more bluesy. This is at the expense of some of the soul that is conveyed in the original, "dry" mix.
Similar to the one blues song an album, ZZ would generally play one blues song a concert (save for 1994's Antenna tour, which had a mini blues set). "Just Got Back From Baby's" would become a staple of the groups early live repertoire, not to be replaced until Fandango's "Blue Jean Blues" in 1975. Often stretched to over 7 minutes in length, the song would feature some of the most fluent and dazzling guitar playing that has ever traveled through an amp.
Having been replaced in 1975 the song would not be heard again until 1994's Antenna tour. While brought down to a more standard length of just under 5 minutes, it would again showcase the style and grace of Billy's guitar playing that we all know and love.
Next up: "Sure Got Cold After the Rain Fell".
Friday, March 5, 2010
In Like A Lion...
As sure a sign as any that Spring has arrived, the ZZ Top tour schedule is rapidly coming together. With warm-ups in the U.S. in early May, followed by a first ever jaunt to South America later in the month, swinging back to the U.S. in June, then off to Europe in July and then back again to the U.S. in August it is looking to be a busy year for the band.
This could all prove to be very exciting. It has been quiet on the ZZ Top front the past three months, who knows what they could have been doing with their time. Most likely Dusty and Frank spent the majority resting and enjoying being at home. But for Billy however I would wager he was hard at work on various appearances and projects, one of which I hope is a new album. AC/DC had a strong comeback after many years without a new record, so ZZ Top can too.
I would not look for the early dates in May in the U.S. to feature any great revelations as far as set list changes or new tracks go. These types of warm up shows are generally shorter and of a conservative nature. I would anticipate however that they let loose south of the Equator and hopefully feature some change-ups.
If a new album has been worked on I would anticipate an announcement regarding the same in the next 45 days or so. Any more than that and the probability of any fan desired (and deserved) surprises goes down. I am not privy to insider ZZ info, so all my ramblings are merely guesstimates, but one can dream right?
Either way, check the official ZZ site and the excellent blog http://zztopeurope2007.blogspot.com/ for up to the minute info regarding rumors, suspicions and confirmations of upcoming shows.
Support the group. I have a feeling this is going to be a great year!
This could all prove to be very exciting. It has been quiet on the ZZ Top front the past three months, who knows what they could have been doing with their time. Most likely Dusty and Frank spent the majority resting and enjoying being at home. But for Billy however I would wager he was hard at work on various appearances and projects, one of which I hope is a new album. AC/DC had a strong comeback after many years without a new record, so ZZ Top can too.
I would not look for the early dates in May in the U.S. to feature any great revelations as far as set list changes or new tracks go. These types of warm up shows are generally shorter and of a conservative nature. I would anticipate however that they let loose south of the Equator and hopefully feature some change-ups.
If a new album has been worked on I would anticipate an announcement regarding the same in the next 45 days or so. Any more than that and the probability of any fan desired (and deserved) surprises goes down. I am not privy to insider ZZ info, so all my ramblings are merely guesstimates, but one can dream right?
Either way, check the official ZZ site and the excellent blog http://zztopeurope2007.blogspot.com/ for up to the minute info regarding rumors, suspicions and confirmations of upcoming shows.
Support the group. I have a feeling this is going to be a great year!
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