I love ZZ TOP. I remember at the first lollapalooza Henry Rollins came out. He thought this was like other crowds where he could talk about getting the f*** out of (insert local place here) and the crowd would cheer. He mentioned something about Texas and ZZ Top in a way dismissive attitude. The crowd grew silent and some folks started booing. Rollins quickly realized his mistake and started backpeddling. "I like ZZ TOP," he squirmed. "Really, I do." Outside of Black Flack I don't have much respect for Rollins. I just thought it was funny that ZZ TOP crosses musical boundaries and fans from all musical genres(at least in Texas) appreciate them.
That's a trip. I guess Billy and Al are buds? Another interesting tidbit: ZZ Top's first album NOT named "ZZ Top's First Album": Rio Grande Mud Name of Ministry's next album: Rio Grande Blood
my buddy is one of their sound guys, and used to take drum lessons from frank beard. coolest job in the world.
Off topic, but I saw Santana 10 days after ZZ Top last month as well also in the 3K amphitheater. Have to admit I had modest expectations. All I can say is I was tremendously impressed by Carlos Santana and his band. 60 year old still putting that artistry, passion, energy and execution in his work was great to see. He had a phenomenal band with him too that included Benny Rietveld (bassist) and Dennis Chambers (drummer), but it didn't feel like hired guns at all, very tight and part of the whole sound. Oh and Robert Randolph joined them for a John Lee Hooker tribute as part of the encore, jaw dropping. Overall I couldn't have been more impressed with the almost 3 hour set—best set I have seen in a decade or more I guess. I love ZZ, but they couldn't compare these days. ZZ was kind of like a fun night reminiscing and rockin with old friends, but Santana is still pushing it and maybe better than ever.
