Billy Gibbons, the legendary guitarist, co-founded the iconic rock and blues trio ZZ Top in 1969 alongside bassist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard. The band is known for its timeless hits like “Legs” and “Sharp Dressed Man,” and after more than five decades, they continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Although Hill passed away in 2021, Elwood Francis has since stepped in as the bassist, keeping ZZ Top’s legacy alive.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, ZZ Top has remained a powerful presence in the music industry. Gibbons, with his signature long beard, is widely regarded as one of the best blues guitarists of all time. His commitment to the craft, along with the band’s collective efforts, ensures they remain at the top of their game.
Gibbons reflects on the journey: “There’s talk of 10,000 hours to get good at something, but we’ve probably put in about half a million hours and we believe we might just be getting the hang of it. Practice is ongoing, constantly pushing us forward. Our existence brings an effortless energy, figuring out what moves the needle without overthinking.”
When not on tour with ZZ Top, Gibbons often performs as a solo artist with his backing band, The BFGs, which includes Mike Flanigin and Chris Layton. On February 19, Gibbons will bring The BFGs to the Birchmere in Alexandria for a show starting at 7:30 p.m.
Talking about the upcoming performance, Gibbons shared, “The set list may have taken a detour along the way, but the mystery behind the performance creates some serious rock and a touch of blues ready to rock. The Birchmere is a special venue, attracting an amazing crowd for a great time. It stands tall for everyone.”
Live performances have always been Gibbons’ favorite part of being a musician, and he values them more than ever. “It’s evolved into a solid connection with the audience, delivering a fun experience. We give it our all, every time, and that’s the most fulfilling part,” he said.
Gibbons recently completed a new song for the Paramount series Landman, titled “Livin’ It Up Down in Texas.” He described the track as “a good rocker with all the energy, capturing the loudness and rawness of the Lone Star lifestyle seen in the show.” The song features collaborations with the show’s star Billy Bob Thornton and Mark Collie. Gibbons also mentioned the track represents the current state of studio sessions, showcasing fresh angles in blues.
This song is set to be part of Gibbons’ upcoming album, which will follow his previous solo releases: Perfectamundo (2015), The Big Bad Blues (2018), and Hardware (2021).
Gibbons is also a passionate vintage guitar collector, with an impressive collection that includes the prized 1959 Sunburst Les Paul Standard, which he affectionately calls “Pearly Gates.” He humorously shared, “I’ve lost count of how many guitars I have, but it’s part of my ongoing obsession with hot rod cars and custom pieces. Every guitar gets a workout to keep it ready for the roadshow.”
In addition to his music career, Gibbons is a collector of rare African art and artifacts, owns several automotive patents, and is an avid painter. Yet, it’s his music that drives him the most, and he has no plans to stop playing anytime soon—whether with ZZ Top or on his own.
“ZZ Top is about honoring a long tradition, staying faithful to a creative journey that’s lasted over 60 years,” Gibbons explained. “On the other hand, The BFGs explore new, uncharted territory, embracing every possibility and boldly venturing into the unknown. ZZ Top represents what’s been tested and true. Both paths are incredibly fulfilling, both mentally and spiritually.”
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