The following are my top most wanted shows. I will trade 10 shows from my collection in exchange for one off of the list. I am obviously always open to trading for any concerts, but this list comprises the most sought after recordings.
01) ??/??/1974 Boston, MA (free show)
02) ??/??/1980 Honolulu, HI
03) 06/30/1983 San Francisco, CA
04) 02/10/1984 Ames, IA
05) 03/21/1987 Honolulu, HI
06) 12/22/1994 London, England
07) --/--/2000 Australia (any show)
08) 01/18/2001 White House, Washington DC, USA
09) 03/18/2007 Houston, TX (Rodeo show)
10) 03/16/2009 Ft. Worth, TX (Billy Bob's show)
11) 05/15/2009 Portsmouth, VA
12) 04/25/2010 Austin, TX
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
2010 Year In Review
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
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
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Fall European Tour - Set List
Set list for the first three shows in the European fall leg of the tour were the same as the end of the summer tour section. Slightly disappointing, but not surprising.
- Got Me Under Pressure
- Waitin' For The Bus
- Jesus Just Left Chicago
- Pincushion
- I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide
- Future Blue
- Rock Me Baby
- Cheap Sunglasses
- My Head's In Mississippi lead into I Need You Tonight
- Hey Joe
- Brown Sugar
- Party On The Patio
- Just Got Paid
- Gimme All Your Lovin'
- Sharp Dressed Man
- Legs
Encore:
- La Grange
- Tush
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Random Concert Thoughts - Richmond VA 09/14/2010
Sorry I never got around to posting a full review of the Richmond, VA show I attended. I will say it was very enjoyable and the band, especially Billy, seemed very loose and relaxed. Several times his words were slurred and he seemed to lose focus momentarily. Billy's not much of a drinker so I'm guessing he was under the influence of a greener substance.
After one song, I can't remember which, he commented on the green and even pulled out what had the obvious appearence of a joint. Whether it was filled with the good stuff or mere tobacco is unclear, but in the case of this band it's likely the former.
Virginia is a relatively conservative state, much more so than the Northeast or California. Despite the conservatisim, and a substantial tobacco industry, Virginia recently voted to outlaw smoking indoors. Exceptions are made only if the facility in question has a separate ventilation system that can isolate smokers from non-smokers. I make this point in regards to Frank's chain smoking throughout the show. One only needs to read the tabloids to see the many exceptions regarding the law that are made for movie stars and such. I for one have no problem with Frank smoking indoors, and no one else did either. He has paid his dues and if he wishes to enjoy his smokes more power to him. But I would not be suprised if one day a venue tells him no can do.
Billy appeared to be particularly enamored with the acoustics of the venue. Frank's bass drum had a strikingly strong effect, shaking the entire building. Billy would often let up on the guitar and begin pumping his fists to the beat in obvious jubilation. The crowd was thrilled.
Prior to the show I had dinner at a restaurant adjacent to the venue. I noticed the band's tour buses were parked on the street just outside the diner's west windows. Requesting a seat next to the window I figured at some point Billy or Dusty or Frank would appear. Sure enough, having just taken a bite of my chicken wrap I looked over and saw Billy not five feet away from me. Normally when that close I would have reached out to offer my praise and shake hands, but in this case the glass made such an exercise impossible. I do not believe he even would have heard me shout, and to have knocked on the glass in excitment with a huge dumb grin on my face would have no doubt been met with stares and laughter.
The set list was the same as the show I saw in Pennsylvania back in August. The Richmond show was also the last show before they joined up with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Would have loved to have heard some "Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers" or "Viva Las Vegas" but it was not to be.
I am very excited to see what the upcoming 11 date European tour brings. Hopefully we will be privy to some first hand accounts.
After one song, I can't remember which, he commented on the green and even pulled out what had the obvious appearence of a joint. Whether it was filled with the good stuff or mere tobacco is unclear, but in the case of this band it's likely the former.
Virginia is a relatively conservative state, much more so than the Northeast or California. Despite the conservatisim, and a substantial tobacco industry, Virginia recently voted to outlaw smoking indoors. Exceptions are made only if the facility in question has a separate ventilation system that can isolate smokers from non-smokers. I make this point in regards to Frank's chain smoking throughout the show. One only needs to read the tabloids to see the many exceptions regarding the law that are made for movie stars and such. I for one have no problem with Frank smoking indoors, and no one else did either. He has paid his dues and if he wishes to enjoy his smokes more power to him. But I would not be suprised if one day a venue tells him no can do.
Billy appeared to be particularly enamored with the acoustics of the venue. Frank's bass drum had a strikingly strong effect, shaking the entire building. Billy would often let up on the guitar and begin pumping his fists to the beat in obvious jubilation. The crowd was thrilled.
Prior to the show I had dinner at a restaurant adjacent to the venue. I noticed the band's tour buses were parked on the street just outside the diner's west windows. Requesting a seat next to the window I figured at some point Billy or Dusty or Frank would appear. Sure enough, having just taken a bite of my chicken wrap I looked over and saw Billy not five feet away from me. Normally when that close I would have reached out to offer my praise and shake hands, but in this case the glass made such an exercise impossible. I do not believe he even would have heard me shout, and to have knocked on the glass in excitment with a huge dumb grin on my face would have no doubt been met with stares and laughter.
The set list was the same as the show I saw in Pennsylvania back in August. The Richmond show was also the last show before they joined up with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Would have loved to have heard some "Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers" or "Viva Las Vegas" but it was not to be.
I am very excited to see what the upcoming 11 date European tour brings. Hopefully we will be privy to some first hand accounts.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Maybe...
I'm not afraid to point out I have been wrong thousands upon thousands of times, and in this instance I hope I am. It would appear that perhaps the band is working on structuring and recording some songs under the guidance of Rick Rubin after all.
Check out the "Totally Unofficial ZZ Top Tour Blog", which is a fantastic source of news, for a breakdown of some recent tweets from Mr. Rubin: http://zztopeurope2007.blogspot.com/
The band finished up their short stint with Tom Petty on 09/26 in Phoenix. There is an approx three week gap before they head off to Europe for a short tour. It's interesting in that the band appears to be visiting majory metropolitan sites only, having already hit some of the smaller cities over the summer. A breakdown of the European tour itinerary is on the official web site: http://www.zztop.com/index.php?module=tour
It is indeed exciting that the band will be playing two shows in Russia, the first visit to the country in the band's history. It would be truly awesome if someone manages to record one or both of the shows, but the logistics involved make it doubtful.
The main question concerns if the band can maintain focus and come back into the studio in November to finish what they have apparently started. Having worked quickly in the past it is possible things could be wrapped up by early December and perhaps we'll have some new tunes to jam to in the Spring of 2011. One can hope.
Check out the "Totally Unofficial ZZ Top Tour Blog", which is a fantastic source of news, for a breakdown of some recent tweets from Mr. Rubin: http://zztopeurope2007.blogspot.com/
The band finished up their short stint with Tom Petty on 09/26 in Phoenix. There is an approx three week gap before they head off to Europe for a short tour. It's interesting in that the band appears to be visiting majory metropolitan sites only, having already hit some of the smaller cities over the summer. A breakdown of the European tour itinerary is on the official web site: http://www.zztop.com/index.php?module=tour
It is indeed exciting that the band will be playing two shows in Russia, the first visit to the country in the band's history. It would be truly awesome if someone manages to record one or both of the shows, but the logistics involved make it doubtful.
The main question concerns if the band can maintain focus and come back into the studio in November to finish what they have apparently started. Having worked quickly in the past it is possible things could be wrapped up by early December and perhaps we'll have some new tunes to jam to in the Spring of 2011. One can hope.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
New Record? Don't Bet On It
A slew of news reports have come out recently indicating that ZZ will be returning to the studio to record a new album, which will be released by the end of the year. Billy is quoted as indicating they will be working on the album following their short stint with Tom Petty. He also makes mention of working directly with Rick Rubin during the recording process.
Multiple issues with this bit of "news". Billy was also recently quoted in an interview advising that they had a long way to go, having no names or titles for songs and needing to get into the studio but finding it harder than it should be. Secondly, none of the articles mention the fact that ZZ is scheduled to return to Europe beginning October 14th after touring with Petty for a series of shows through the end of October. Third, the band has been touring non-stop since late April, and I would imagine are rather tired and in need of a break from the road and each other.
The only thing that makes me believe the band would be in a hurry to get into the studio is the influence of Mr. Rubin. Having signed the band to a contract several years ago, he has yet to have an opportunity to work his magic and rekindle the spark and shine of ZZ. Most likely he would like an album to be recorded as soon as possible, both to show his continuing relevance and abilities and to make a return on his investment.
Ultimately the fact that Billy has chosen to permanently live in California and indulge in his own activities when not on the road, and that Frank and Dusty continue to reside in the Houston vicinity creates a difficult hurdle to overcome. I just don't think the group has any motivation, outside of Rubin, to record again. As long as people keep coming to the shows and the band enjoys the road, why should they return to the studio? Besides, all members have indicated that working in the studio is not an enjoyable activity. I'm guessing that the only albums they really enjoyed working on are ZZ Top's First Album through Tejas, and then likely Rhythmeen. People generally don't do what they don't want to unless they are compelled, like perhaps from a recording contract.
Most likely the recent news reports are just continued soundbites that the band formulates to create press coverage and word of mouth, in this case probably intended to attact attention to their tour with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (who apparently enjoy working together in the studio and just put out another new album).
Dusty was quoted in 2005 stating that the band would be returning to the studio after that summer's tour. That was five years ago. Seriously, five years ago. It's been said every year since.
I will believe it when I see, hear and touch the "new" album. Until then...where's my copy of Mescalero?
http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2010/09/zz-top-working-on-new-album-with-rick-rubin-black.html
http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/News/zz-top-0916/
Multiple issues with this bit of "news". Billy was also recently quoted in an interview advising that they had a long way to go, having no names or titles for songs and needing to get into the studio but finding it harder than it should be. Secondly, none of the articles mention the fact that ZZ is scheduled to return to Europe beginning October 14th after touring with Petty for a series of shows through the end of October. Third, the band has been touring non-stop since late April, and I would imagine are rather tired and in need of a break from the road and each other.
The only thing that makes me believe the band would be in a hurry to get into the studio is the influence of Mr. Rubin. Having signed the band to a contract several years ago, he has yet to have an opportunity to work his magic and rekindle the spark and shine of ZZ. Most likely he would like an album to be recorded as soon as possible, both to show his continuing relevance and abilities and to make a return on his investment.
Ultimately the fact that Billy has chosen to permanently live in California and indulge in his own activities when not on the road, and that Frank and Dusty continue to reside in the Houston vicinity creates a difficult hurdle to overcome. I just don't think the group has any motivation, outside of Rubin, to record again. As long as people keep coming to the shows and the band enjoys the road, why should they return to the studio? Besides, all members have indicated that working in the studio is not an enjoyable activity. I'm guessing that the only albums they really enjoyed working on are ZZ Top's First Album through Tejas, and then likely Rhythmeen. People generally don't do what they don't want to unless they are compelled, like perhaps from a recording contract.
Most likely the recent news reports are just continued soundbites that the band formulates to create press coverage and word of mouth, in this case probably intended to attact attention to their tour with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (who apparently enjoy working together in the studio and just put out another new album).
Dusty was quoted in 2005 stating that the band would be returning to the studio after that summer's tour. That was five years ago. Seriously, five years ago. It's been said every year since.
I will believe it when I see, hear and touch the "new" album. Until then...where's my copy of Mescalero?
http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2010/09/zz-top-working-on-new-album-with-rick-rubin-black.html
http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/News/zz-top-0916/
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Under Pressure / Looking for Mr. Mark Thomas (zzmark)
I caught ZZ Top in Richmond, VA on Tuesday 09/14/10. Good show, if not predictable. Same set list as the show I caught in Pennsylvania. I will be posting a full review hopefully within the next week. I will mention that Billy seemed particularly more "lubricated" and "relaxed" than normal, resulting in some heavy sighs and difficulty in pronunciation. His guitar playing was unaffected, but the larger than normal delay between the opening act and ZZ's set may be an indication of some pre-show green....
I have updated my trading list to include about 20 new shows. I continue to be very interested, and very grateful, in speaking with other collectors and trading live ZZ Top. Please do not hesitate to contact me anytime with any questions or interest in live ZZ, and of course if you are looking to do a trade.
Family life has proven busy lately hence the minor reduction in the frequency of posts. I anticipate I will be able to dedicate more attention to the blog as autumn commences.
Lastly, does anyone know how I can reach Mark Thomas (zzmark)? An e-mail, website, address or phone number would prove very helpful. Mr. Thomas appears to have an astounding live ZZ collection, most likely the most complete and rare collection in the world, surpassing even that of the reigning Houston king. I would very much like to get in touch with Mr. Thomas so any help you can provide may result in a few free ZZ concerts of your choice.
Texicali...
I have updated my trading list to include about 20 new shows. I continue to be very interested, and very grateful, in speaking with other collectors and trading live ZZ Top. Please do not hesitate to contact me anytime with any questions or interest in live ZZ, and of course if you are looking to do a trade.
Family life has proven busy lately hence the minor reduction in the frequency of posts. I anticipate I will be able to dedicate more attention to the blog as autumn commences.
Lastly, does anyone know how I can reach Mark Thomas (zzmark)? An e-mail, website, address or phone number would prove very helpful. Mr. Thomas appears to have an astounding live ZZ collection, most likely the most complete and rare collection in the world, surpassing even that of the reigning Houston king. I would very much like to get in touch with Mr. Thomas so any help you can provide may result in a few free ZZ concerts of your choice.
Texicali...
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