Billy Gibbons: A Deep Dive into ZZ Top’s Legacy
Currently on a break from his long-standing band ZZ Top, Billy Gibbons is leveraging this time to explore the band’s rich history more intensely than he has in years. While ZZ Top continues to be a cornerstone of rock music, Gibbons is taking the opportunity to showcase a different side of his musical journey.
Touring with the BFGs
Gibbons is currently on tour with his side project, the BFGs, a trio that features bassist and Hammond B3 player Mike Flanigin and renowned drummer Chris Layton, known for his work with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble. This new venture allows Gibbons to delve into ZZ Top’s earlier works and present them in a fresh light.
Comparative Set Lists: A Look at Recent Performances
A recent performance comparison between one of the final shows of ZZ Top’s 2024 tour and a stop on Gibbons’ current tour in Cleveland reveals intriguing parallels and contrasts. Both set lists feature seven classic ZZ Top tracks, including:
- Waitin’ for the Bus
- Jesus Just Left Chicago
- Gimme All Your Lovin’
- Just Got Paid
- Sharp Dressed Man
- Brown Sugar
- La Grange
However, while Gibbons’ BFG set leans heavily on ZZ Top’s ’70s catalog, the main band’s set list is more balanced, featuring a significant number of songs from the ’80s and beyond, including multiple tracks from the iconic album *Eliminator* and selections from *El Loco*.
Exploring Untouched Gems
Gibbons’ focus on the earlier decade has allowed him to resurrect tracks that ZZ Top hasn’t performed in years. Notable inclusions in the BFG set list are:
- “Francine” (last performed in 2010)
- “Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings” (last played in 2013)
- “Thunderbird” (last played in 2019)
A Shift in Sound
Another distinction between the two acts lies in their sound. The BFGs showcase a more organic feeling, particularly through Layton’s stripped-down, club-friendly drum kit, contrasting with the more digitized sound that ZZ Top’s drummer Frank Beard employs to replicate the post-*Eliminator* era. This difference is particularly evident in fan-shot videos of performances like “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” highlighting the unique vibe each band brings to the stage.
Flanigin’s use of the Hammond organ during select performances further enriches the BFGs’ sound, allowing him to take on the late Dusty Hill’s vocal parts effectively during tracks like “Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers.”
Upcoming Plans
Gibbons will continue to tour with the BFGs until a show in Bristol, Tennessee, on February 20, 2025. Following this stint, he will reunite with Beard and bassist Elwood Francis for a ZZ Top tour starting March 5, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama.
Set Lists Overview
ZZ Top Nov. 23, 2024 Dodge City, KS Set List
- “Got Me Under Pressure”
- “I Thank You”
- “Waitin’ for the Bus”
- “Jesus Just Left Chicago”
- “Gimme All Your Lovin'”
- “Pearl Necklace”
- “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide”
- “I Gotsa Get Paid”
- “My Head’s in Mississippi”
- “Sixteen Tons”
- “Just Got Paid”
- “Sharp Dressed Man”
- “Legs”
- “Brown Sugar”
- “Tube Snake Boogie”
- “La Grange”
Billy Gibbons and the BFGs Feb. 2, 2025 Cleveland Set List
- “Kiko”
- “Waitin’ for the Bus”
- “Jesus Just Left Chicago”
- “Gimme All Your Lovin'”
- “Cheap Sunglasses”
- “Got Love if You Want It”
- “Blue Jean Blues”
- “Foxy Lady”
- “Francine”
- “Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers”
- “Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings”
- “Just Got Paid”
- “Sharp Dressed Man”
- “La Grange”
- “Folsom Prison Blues”
- “Brown Sugar”
- “Thunderbird”
Conclusion
Billy Gibbons’ current tour with the BFGs not only highlights his solo artistry but also serves as a tribute to the foundational years of ZZ Top. As he digs deeper into the band’s legacy, fans are treated to a blend of nostalgia and fresh interpretations of classic rock. With upcoming tours scheduled for both the BFGs and ZZ Top, there is much to look forward to for fans of this iconic musician.
FAQs
Will Billy Gibbons continue to perform ZZ Top songs with the BFGs?
Yes, Gibbons incorporates several ZZ Top classics into his BFG set list, focusing primarily on the band’s earlier works.
When does the ZZ Top tour begin?
The ZZ Top tour is set to kick off on March 5, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama.
Can fans expect to hear rare ZZ Top tracks during Gibbons’ BFG shows?
Absolutely! Gibbons has been reviving lesser-played tracks from ZZ Top’s catalog, giving fans a unique experience.
How does the sound differ between Gibbons’ BFGs and ZZ Top?
The BFGs feature a more organic sound with a stripped-down setup, while ZZ Top utilizes a digitized style to replicate their post-*Eliminator* sound.
