When you think of rock ‘n’ roll, a few iconic images come to mind: roaring guitars, thundering drums, and, of course, the unmistakable beards of ZZ Top. At the heart of this legendary band is Billy Gibbons, a man whose influence on music is as profound as his signature look.
His influence on me especially has been massive, Strangely enough while most of my friends weren’t really into music at the time, most of them were into sports, I was listening to ZZtop daily, I was approximately 8 years old when I remember riding my bike through my neighbourhood and I rode passed a house that had ZZ Top’s La’ Grange being loudly played from it, I stopped and listened then something incredible happened I felt electricity in my skin I developed taste and instantly grew a beard!, Ok the beard part might be a half-truth, but I remember the first time I heard ZZtop.
Born William Frederick Gibbons on December 16, 1949, in Houston, Texas, Billy’s journey into music was almost predestined. His father, Frederick Royal Gibbons, was an entertainer and orchestra conductor, exposing young Billy to a world of music from an early age.
Before ZZ Top, there was the Moving Sidewalks, a psychedelic rock band that Billy formed in the mid-1960s. The band gained some traction, especially with their hit single “99th Floor,” and even opened for the Jimi Hendrix Experience.
In 1969, Gibbons joined forces with bassist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard to form ZZ Top. Their debut album, “ZZ Top’s First Album,” was released in 1971, marking the beginning of a long and successful career.
ZZ Top’s rise to fame was steady but unstoppable. Albums like “Tres Hombres” (1973) and “Fandango!” (1975) produced hits such as “La Grange” and “Tush,” solidifying their place in rock history.
‘Tres Hombres’ is the album that made me want to play guitar, and still to this day I’m not even sure what Tres Hombres means I should look that up, songs such as ‘Waiting for the bus’ ‘Jesus just left Chicago’ and ‘Beer drinkers and hell raisers’ are guitar masterpieces.
The 1980s brought a new era for ZZ Top. Embracing the MTV generation, they incorporated synthesizers and a more polished sound into their music.
While ZZ Top remains his primary focus, Gibbons has also explored solo projects. His first solo album, “Perfectamundo,” was released in 2015, showcasing his love for Afro-Cuban music.
Billy Gibbons’ influence on rock music is undeniable. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, a testament to his skill and impact. Henrdix once said Billy Gibbons was the best guitar player on earth.
Billy Gibbons is more than just a musician; he’s a cultural icon. From his early days in Houston to the global stage with ZZ Top, his journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Whether he’s shredding on his guitar or crafting new sounds in the studio, Gibbons continues to inspire and entertain, proving that true rock legends never fade away.
Regards
Patrick. M