EG PRESENTS ZZ TOP Raw Whisky Tour FRIDAY · NOVEMBER 11 · 8 PM at the Peabody Auditorium
“That Little Ol’ Band From Texas” has been at it for well over a half century, delivering rock, blues and boogie on the road and in the studio to millions of devoted fans. With iconography as distinctive as their sound, ZZ TOP is virtually synonymous with beards, hotrod cars, spinning guitars and that magic keychain, all of which transcend geography and language. The elements that keep ZZ TOP fresh, enduring and above the transitory fray can be summed up in the three words of the band’s internal mantra: “Tone, Taste and Tenacity.” Of course, the three members of the band have done their utmost to do their part in assuring that ZZ TOP prevails. As genuine roots musicians, they have few peers. Billy is widely regarded as one of American finest blues guitarists working in the rock idiom. His influences are both the originators of the form – Muddy Waters, B.B. King, et al – as well as the British blues rockers who emerged the generation before ZZ’s ascendance. In his early days of playing, no less an idol than Jimi Hendrix singled him out for praise. Part mad scientist, part prankster, he’s a musical innovator of the highest order and a certified “guitar god.” He also had a recurring small screen presence in the hit TV series Bones in which he played a bearded, gruff, rock guitarist. No type casting problems for Billy. Frank has also been keeping the beat in that great tradition. As both a roots and progressive drummer, he has been acknowledged as key to the band’s powerful on-stage and in-studio presence. He and Dusty, in their early years together, served as Lightnin’ Hopkins’ rhythm section which, as Frank tells it, was a life changing experience. Frank, despite his last name, is the guy in the band without a beard. But when you’re with him, you’re with a Beard. He’s a rockin’ paradox who provides the pulse of ZZ TOP. Elwood has been part of the ZZ Top family for the better part of three decades as the band’s guitar tech. In July 2021, when Dusty took a temporary leave to deal with a chronic hip injury, Elwood was asked to step in for Dusty until his return, which unfortunately was not to be. Dusty’s untimely passing opened the way for Elwood to become ZZ’s permanent bassist. Although the absolute legend that is and always will be Dusty Hill can never be replaced, Elwood’s exceptional musicianship more than qualifies him to take over as the band’s bass player. They have sold hundreds of millions of records over the course of their career, have been officially designated as Heroes of The State of Texas, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (by Keith Richards, no less) and have been referenced in countless cartoons and sitcoms. They are true rock icons and, against all odds, they’re really just doing what they’ve always done. ZZ TOP abides!
TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY, JULY 29TH AT 10 AM!
