ZZ Top comes to Melbourne: 'You can't lose with the blues'

With over 50 years in music under their belt, legendary rock/blues/boogie band ZZ Top brings their iconic sound to the King Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, March 6 in a concert presented by AEG. With an extensive catalog of music that includes hits like "La Grange," "Gimme All Your Lovin'," "Sharp Dressed Man," "Legs," "Cheap Sunglasses" and many more, ZZ Top delivers an unforgettable live rock experience.

I interviewed legendary vocalist and guitarist Billy Gibbons about the band’s longevity, his approach to music and the band's future. Let’s “Shake, Rattle & Know”:  ZZ Top.

Question: Not many bands have had the combination of longevity and success of ZZ Top. What do you feel it is about your sound that has allowed the band to have that kind of multi-generational career?

Answer: The root of it all seems to remain with that great American art form which is stridently, "blue." It’s a sound of heartbeat biorhythms which humankind inherited in common. Makes accessing what ZZ does a function of nature. We’ve long said, “You can’t lose with the blues.” Plus, we play pretty loud.

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Q: You have worked with some of the most legendary musicians of all time including Tito Puente, Les Paul, Jimi Hendrix and more. What is the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you throughout your musical journey?

A: "Play what you want to hear." That’s it. First and foremost is pleasing one’s inner and outer self. Doing just that, chances are pretty good others will dig what’s going down.

Q: If you had to pay to see a concert, who would you choose to see and why?

A: Something from the past, I’d see Jimi Hendrix again. Jimi was an enthralling innovator and a really nice guy. Today? Why not the Rolling Stones? Seeing Keith and Mick mixing it up is always a good time.

Q: You had been with Dusty Hill for so long, how hard was it to continue after his passing? Was there ever a time that you considered ending the band with his passing?

A: The gift is our main man, Elwood Francis, whom Dusty was very fond of, accepting taking up the bottom of the top. It’s a sonic blast and the show rocks on.

Q: What is your typical approach to songwriting? Does it start with the lyrics, the melody, the music or what is the process for you?

A: Rarely typical from the start, yet from that entry, anything goes! With a pickup phrase or chance title line in mind, gimme a backbeat and together it just might make it while the clock strikes twelve.

Q: You also release music as a solo artist. Is your approach to solo work different than how you approach music for the band ZZ Top?

A:  Yes, in some stratospheric regard it is. For Billy F Gibbons and The BFGs, we kind of cast a wide net and aim for that something intriguing to deliver. For ZZ Top, we must ponder: “What would ZZ Top do?" It really is two things while sharing an element in common.

Q: I. along with most people who grew up in the '80s, grew to love ZZ Top because of their iconic music videos.  What was your favorite video to film and how much input did the band have in their concept and development?

A: Most assuredly, "Sharp Dressed Man" as it's loaded with all the fave-rave elements like that car, the girls, “the kid” and us serving as de facto Greek chorus. Plus, it takes place in a night club. Swanky!

Q: What’s next for both ZZ Top and Billy Gibbons, either collectively or independently ?

A: We’re gonna keep on keepin’ on. ZZ is on a tour tear these days and we’re having a good time playing with generations of friends, fans, and followers. BFG is thinking constantly of what recording might continue pressing the string of left field stuff that begins with, “Hit it, don’t quit it!”

If you go

ZZ Top: The Elevation Tour

When: Wednesday March 6 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Where: The King Center, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne

Tickets: Start at $54.50

Info: 321-242-2219

Website: kingcenter.com or zztop.com

If you have an artist or band you’d like to recommend for review, contact Nunez at srkmusic@cfl.rr.com or on X @srkmusicflorida.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top talks ahead of Melbourne, Florida visit