ZZ TOP a/k/a "That Little Ol' Band From Texas," lay undisputed claim to being the longest running major rock band with original personnel intact and, in 2004, the Texas trio was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Of course, there are only three of them - Billy F Gibbons, Dusty Hill, Frank Beard -- but it's still a remarkable achievement that they're still very much together after almost 45 years of rock, blues, and boogie on the road and in the studio performing fan favorites and hits like "Gimme All Your Lovin, " "Rough Boy," "Sharp Dressed Man," "Tush," "Legs" and so many more.
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, the members of the band 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 that 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."
Dusty has long had an affinity for rock's origins; his earliest performances as a child included Elvis songs convincingly performed. Not only is he a bass virtuoso in his own right, his vocal prowess is awe-inspiring. He's the lead voice you hear on "Tush" and his ferocious vocals are heard, to great effect, on his idol Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock," these days, often a concert encore number and recorded by the band on Fandango! Good natured and diligent, Dusty is the rock solid bottom of ZZ TOP.
Tickets for ZZ Top at Indian Ranch on Friday, September 10 go on-sale this Friday, May 13 at 10:00 A.M. Gates open at 12:00 P.M. showtime is 2:00 P.M. Tickets are available online at www.IndianRanch.com, by calling 1-800-514-ETIX (3849) or at the Indian Ranch Box Office. The Indian Ranch Box Office is currently open Wednesday's and Saturday's from 10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. All events are rain or shine. No refunds. Indian Ranch is located at 200 Gore Road in Webster, MA outside of Worcester and less than an hour's drive from Boston, Providence, Hartford and Springfield. For more information, visit www.indianranch.com.
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