Category Archives: ZZ Top

Lynyrd Skynyrd And ZZ Top Announce Co-Headlining North American Tour

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Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top have announced a co-headlining North American tour. Uncle Kracker will open.

Tour Dates:

07/21 West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
07/23 Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
07/28 Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
07/29 Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
07/30 Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
08/07 Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
08/10 Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
08/11 Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
08/13 Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion
08/17 Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis, MO
08/19 Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago, IL
08/20 Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
08/25 Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
08/26 Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
08/27 Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
09/01 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
09/02 Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
09/03 Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
09/08 Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
09/09 Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
09/10 Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
09/15 Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
09/17 Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

ZZ Top’s Elwood Francis Uses 17-String Bass During Hunstville, AL Show

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During ZZ Top’s November 5 show in Hunstville, AL, bassist Elwood Francis decided to play “Got Me Under Pressure” with a 17-string bass. You can see footage of that below:

Francis told Ultimate Classic Rock the following:

“I was doing night internet searching [and] turned up a picture of this crazy 17 string bass. I sent a picture to Billy [Gibbons] and we laughed about it and made some jokes about actually trying to use it.

A few weeks later, after I had forgotten about it, Billy shows up with [the 17 string bass].”

He went on to say that it was just “one of those ‘hold my beer’ moments”

Notably, the bass also caught the attention of YouTuber Jared Dines, who said the instrument is a knockoff of his custom 18-string bass. He shared a couple of Instagram posts regarding that:

Dines has since shared a friendly exchange that he had with Francis as well:

ZZ Top Stream “Brown Sugar” From New Live Album “Raw”

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ZZ Top are streaming “Brown Sugar” from their upcoming live album “Raw.” That effort was recorded in connection with the band’s 2019 Netflix documentary, “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas,” and it will be available on July 22. Billy Gibbons commented:

“‘Brown Sugar’ has been sweetening our concert sets for many decades now, so it seemed like the right song to kick off ‘Raw’. The Gruene Hall session was a satisfying return to our roots and a very special circumstance that we’re delighted to share with the friends and fans who have stuck with us all this time.”

ZZ Top To Release New Live Album “Raw” In July, Announce North American Tour

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ZZ Top will be releasing a new live album, titled “Raw,” on July 22. The effort was recorded in connection with the band’s 2019 Netflix documentary, “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas,” and it will be dedicated “in righteous memory of Dusty Hill.”

“Raw” Track Listing:

01. “Brown Sugar”
02. “Just Got Paid”
03. “Heard It On The X”
04. “La Grange”
05. “Tush”
06. “Thunderbird”
07. “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide”
08. “Gimme All Your Lovin'”
09. “Blue Jean Blues”
10. “Certified Blues”
11. “Tube Snake Boogie”

In other news, ZZ Top have also announced a headlining North American tour:

05/06 Niagara Falls, ON – Fallsview Casino Resort
05/29 Paso Robles, CA – Vina Robles Amphitheatre
06/01 Redding, CA – Redding Civic Auditorium
06/02 Saratoga, CA – The Mountain Winery
06/05 Jacksonville, OR – Britt Pavilion
06/07 Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater
06/08 Walla Walla, WA – Wine Country Amphitheater
06/09 Spokane, WA – First Interstate Center for the Arts
06/12 Billings, MT – MetraPark – First Interstate Arena
06/14 Grand Junction, CO – Las Colonias Park Amphitheater
06/17 Tucson, AZ – Casino Del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater
06/19 Colorado Springs, CO – Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts
06/21 Loveland, CO – Budweiser Events Center
06/22 Grand Island, NE – Fonner Park – Heartland Events Center
06/24 Park City, KS – Hartman Arena
06/25 Oklahoma City, OK – Zoo Amphitheatre
06/26 Little Rock, AR – First Security Amphitheater
06/29 Rogers, AR – Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion
07/01 Toledo, OH – Toledo Zoo & Aquarium – Amphitheater
07/02 Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
07/05 Fort Wayne, IN – Foellinger Theater
07/09 Greenville, WI – Greenville Lion’s Park
07/22 Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavilion
07/23 Watertown, NY – Watertown Fairgrounds Baseball Diamond
08/27 Beaver Dam, KY – Beaver Dam Amphitheater

ZZ Top Sell Their Catalog To BMG And KKR

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According to Variety, ZZ Top have sold their catalog to BMG and KKR for about $50 million. The deal “includes a buyout of the band’s publishing catalogue and their income from recorded royalties and performance royalties.”

ZZ Top manager Carl Stubner (Shelter Music Group) commented:

“We are proud to continue working with and expand our long-standing relationship with BMG. This new deal ensures ZZ Top’s remarkable legacy will endure for generations to come.”

BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch continued:

“This deal is a testament to the success, staying power and continuing musical relevance of ZZ Top, but also to the power of our partnership with KKR. This agreement furthers our vision of providing artists and songwriters not just a financial exit, but also a vehicle committed to respecting and treasuring their artistry.”

Jenny Box, Partner at KKR, added:

“We are excited to invest in ZZ Top’s iconic music and we look forward to collaborating with BMG and ZZ Top to further amplify the reach of their catalogue.”

Late ZZ Top Bassist Dusty Hill’s Widow Thanks Fans For Their Support Following His Death

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Charleen McCrory, the widow of ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill, has taken to the band’s social media accounts to share a tribute for her late husband. She also thanked the group’s fans for their love and support.

McCrory said the following:

“After 19 wonderful years of marriage that ended too soon, I’ve decided to step out into Dusty’s spotlight to thank all of his fans, colleagues and friends for the overwhelming outpouring of love for The Dust. It makes me hopeful he will not be forgotten.

He was the kindest, most gentle and caring man a woman could ever Hope to find in a lifetime. Many don’t believe in fairy tale marriages but Dusty and I truly lived one! We were inseparable.

He wasn’t supposed to leave me or all of you. That wasn’t the plan he and I had. The plan was for another round of physical therapy, with a different approach, to help his chronic bursitis. The plan was he would return to the second leg of the tour in September.

Early Wednesday morning my world and yours would lose a great musician and I would lose my greatest love. He woke me up and we talked and as he was sweetly chatting with me he suddenly stopped and he was gone in an instant. So, while I feel numb and lost and alone and in a million pieces, I know he will always be with me in my heart and soul and I will join him when the Lord calls me home to be with them. It is my hope you will always keep him in your hearts. He loved his fans and always remembered that without fans music is not heard. So, know he truly appreciated each and every one of you.

Dusty was an avid tv and movie buff…always quoting lines and so I share an embellished quote from “This Is Us” as my last love letter I send with him to his final resting place.

My Sweet Dusty,

The single most extraordinary thing I have ever done in my life is fall in love with you. The single most extraordinary gift I have ever received in my life was for you to ask me to marry you. I have never been seen so completely, loved so passionately and protected so fiercely.

I will be with you again.
Love you to infinity and back.

Your wife,
Chuck

I will lay my husband to rest tomorrow. I would ask that you look to the heavens at noon and wish Dusty Godspeed.

With great love, respect and appreciation to Dusty’s fans, colleagues and friends,

Mrs. The Dust”

ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons Opens Up About Dusty Hill’s Death: “I’m Just Glad He’s In A Good Spot”

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During a recent interview with Variety, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons opened up about the tragic death of his bandmate Dusty Hill. The frontman says that he is “just glad [the bassist is] in a good spot.”

Gibbons said the following when asked about Hill initially leaving tour due to a “hip issue”:

“He did the first two [shows]. And then he requested dismissing himself. He said, ‘Yeah, let me go check this out.’ And of course I said, ‘Hey, man, health is number one. Go do your thing.’ And I could tell through those first two valiant attempts, if he’s not giving it 110%, he was the first one to kind of say, ‘Gee whiz. Let’s go take care of this.’”

He continued when asked if he noticed anything that made him think that Hill was seriously ill:

“Well, it’s no secret that over the past few years he had a pretty rough go with a broken shoulder, followed with a broken hip. And he had some problems with some ulcers. So he’s been kind of tiptoeing through keeping himself ship-shape, best he could. But I think that this was a real challenge. And by throwing in the towel, it might’ve caught up with him. Who knows? I’m just glad he’s in a good spot”

Gibbons also added the following when asked if there is an official cause of death or if he just “really fell asleep and didn’t wake up”:

“That’s about all they can determine. Let’s face it, you don’t necessarily pass away from a broken shoulder or broken hip. Although the attending physician had earlier warned him that bursitis was not uncommon, even arthritis, and they said it’s not a very comfortable place to be. And I could tell that he was moving a little slow. He said, ‘Boy, this shoulder and hip are really starting to become a problem.’ But, as of this juncture, yeah, it was off to dreamland and beyond.”

He also commented on the emotional toll that Hill’s death has taken on him:

“I had a couple of moments with the waterworks coming and going, and I really felt a sense of relief. I said, ‘Gee whiz, maybe I am human after all,’ This is coming from a very deep and glorious place, with respect to knowing that after 50 years with the guy, we were all joined at — no pun intended — joined at the hip.

But knowing that we can take his wishes forward and give him all due respect… You know, he was adamant. He said, ‘I’m going to go down and see what’s up. In the meantime,’ he said, ‘the show must go on. Don’t forget it.’ And he was pointing his finger and shaking it. [Laughs.]”

Gibbons also discussed moving forward with the band’s longtime guitar tech, Elwood Francis, on bass:

“Well, it was a direct directive from Mr. Dusty Hill. When he grabbed my arm and said, ‘I think I’m due to go visit the physician to see if I can bounce back,’ he said, ‘In the meantime, I want you to grab our guitar technician, Mr. Elwood and take him out of that tech station and strap him up with my guitar and make him carry on with every single note.’ And I said, ‘Well, if that’s your wishes, I’ll respect that.’ And sure enough, we’ve been very, very fortunate to have a stalwart standby to fill in.”

You can read more from Gibbons over at Variety. ZZ Top played their first show since Hill’s death at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater in Tuscaloosa, AL last night (July 30). You can see some fan-filmed footage from that concert below:

ZZ Top Bassist Dusty Hill Passes Away

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ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill has sadly passed away at the age of 72. This news comes after the bassist recently left tour early due to a “hip issue.” The band commented:

“We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX. We, along with legions of ZZ Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the ‘Top’. We will forever be connected to that “Blues Shuffle in C.” You will be missed greatly, amigo. Frank & Billy”

Watch ZZ Top Perform Without Bassist Dusty Hill

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ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill was forced to head home from the band’s current tour due to a “hip issue.” During his absence, Elwood Francis is filling in. You can see footage of the group performing with Francis in New Lenox, IL below:

ZZ Top commented:

“The members of ZZ Top, Billy, and Frank, would like to share that Dusty, their fearless Bass player, is on a short detour back to Texas, to address a hip issue. They await a speedy recovery and have him back pronto.

Per Dusty’s request “The show must go on!”. With that directive, ZZ Top has put the services of Mr. Elwood Francis, their trusted guitar tech of the past two decades, into play with his slide guitar, bass guitar, and harmonica playing in full swing.”

Billy Gibbons added:

“And with Elwood to our right, rest assured ZZ Top will deliver their good time, signature show. Billy’s big guitar, crushing drums from Mr. Beard, and Elwood securing the bottom end continues the delivery with those famous three chords we all dig”.

ZZ Top Announce Massive North American Tour

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ZZ Top have announced a massive North American tour. The trek will include 2021 dates in the United States and 2022 dates in Canada.

Tour Dates:

2021:

07/16 Manchester, IA – Delaware County Fair
07/17 Mt Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
07/18 Louisville, KY – Waterfront Park
07/21 Evansville, IN – Ford Center
07/23 New Lenox, IL – Village Commons
07/24 Goshen, IN – Elkhart County 4-H Fair
07/25 Corbin, KY – Corbin Arena
07/28 Simpsonville, SC – CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park
07/30 Tuscaloosa, AL – Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
07/31 Valdosta, GA – Wild Adventures
08/01 Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater
08/03 Little Rock, AR – First Security Amphitheater
08/04 Alexandria, LA – Rapides Paris Coliseum
08/06 Camdenton, MO – Lake Ozarks Amphitheatre
08/07 Washington, MO – Washington Town & Country Fair
08/08 Bonner Springs, KS – Azura Amphitheater
08/11 Sturgis, SD – Buffalo Chip Campground
08/12 Casper, WY – Casper Events Center
08/14 Reno, NV – Reno Ballroom – Silver Legacy Casino
08/15 Grande Ronde, OR – Spirit Mountain Casino
08/17 Jacksonville, OR – Britt Pavilion
08/19 Maryville, WA – Tulalip Amphitheater
08/20 Lewiston, ID – Clearwater River Casino
08/21 Missoula, MT – KettleHouse Amphitheater
08/24 Englewood, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater
09/11 Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest – Henry Maier Festival Park
09/12 Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center
09/14 Huber Heights, OH – Rose Music Center at The Heights
09/15 Cedar Rapids, IA – Alliant Energy PowerHouse
09/17 Council Bluffs, IA – Stir Cover at Harrah’s Casino
09/18 Pryor, OK – Born & Raised Festival
09/19 Memphis, TN – Orpheum Theatre
09/21 Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum
09/22 Doswell, VA – Meadow Event Park
09/23 Frederick, MD – Frederick Fairgrounds
09/25 Watertown, NY – Watertown Fairgrounds Baseball Diamond
09/26 Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
09/28 North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center
09/30 Macon, GA – Macon City Auditorium @ The Macon Centreplex
10/01 Tupelo, MS – BancorpSouth Arena
10/02 Lake Charles, LA – Golden Nugget
10/04 Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
10/08 Las Vegas, NV – The Venetian Theatre
10/09 Las Vegas, NV – The Venetian Theatre
10/10 Scottsdale, AZ – Talking Stick Resort
10/13 Las Vegas, NV – The Venetian Theatre
10/15 Las Vegas, NV – The Venetian Theatre
10/16 Las Vegas, NV – The Venetian Theatre
11/06 Key West, FL – Key West Amphitheater
11/09 Tampa, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
11/11 Orlando, FL – Hard Rock International
11/13 Fort Myers, FL – Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
11/14 Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre
11/16 Melbourne, FL – King Center for the Performing Arts
11/17 Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theater
11/20 Wilmington, NC – Cape Fear Community College
11/21 Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center
11/23 Chattanooga, TN – Tivoli Theatre
11/27 Lubbock, TX – Buddy Holly Center
11/28 Lubbock, TX – Buddy Holly Center
12/03 Biloxi, MS – IP Casino Resort and Hotel
12/04 Shreveport, LA – Municipal Auditorium
12/05 Wichita Falls, TX – Memorial Auditorium
12/07 Abilene, TX – Taylor County Coliseum
12/11 El Paso, TX – Abraham Chavez Theatre
12/12 Midland, TX – Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center

2022:

04/23 Abborsford, BC – Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre
04/24 Penticton, BC – South Okanagen Events Centre
04/26 Kamloops, BC – Sandman Centre
04/27 Lethbridge, AB – ENMAX Centre
04/29 Saskatoon, SK – SaskTel Center
04/30 Enoch, AB – River Cree Resort & Casino
05/03 Brandon, MB – Keystone Centre
05/04 Niagara Falls, ON – Fallsview Casino Resort
05/08 Laval, QC – Place Bell
05/10 Halifax, NS – Halifax Scotiabank Centre
05/13 St. John’s, NL – Mile One Centre
05/14 St. John’s, NL – Mile One Centre

Dusty Hill commented:

“They shut the door right after our 50th anniversary tour and now it’s back open. We’re excited to get out there and play our music for everybody.”

Frank Beard continued:

“To say we’re looking forward to getting back out on the road and performing in front of real people is the understatement of the last 16 months, if not the century.”

Billy Gibbons added:

“ZZ is coming on strong. Let’s get it…!”