◆Home Improvement Ideas Journal

ZZ Top Concert Reviews 2023: Legs-Lengthening Performances and Raw Getaways

By

What's on the agenda for music lovers in 2023? Endless top-notch performances, and at the top of the list are the legendary Texas rockers, ZZ Top. With a career spanning over five decades, these bearded icons of rock 'n' roll are ready to hit the stage again, and fans are buzzing with anticipation. Let's dive into some of the most insightful and engaging ZZ Top concert reviews, pegged for 2023.

ZZ Top's 2023 tour is shaping up to be a real treat for both dedicated followers and curious newcomers. Known for their signature beards, eccentric stage presence, and powerfully punchy blues-rock sound, ZZ Top's concerts are more than just performances; they're experiences that Artists and Repertoire (A&R) reps should take note of.

Zealous Energy and Iconic Performances

From the opening riffs of "La Grange" to the final notes of "Tush," ZZ Top live shows are a masterclass in maintaining energy and engagement throughout.

ZZ TOP’S “JUST GOT PAID” — THE PERFORMANCE THAT DEFINED AN ERA
ZZ TOP’S “JUST GOT PAID” — THE PERFORMANCE THAT DEFINED AN ERA
ZZ Top - Rockpalast (1980)
ZZ Top - Rockpalast (1980)
an event poster with two men in hats and long beards, one wearing sunglasses
an event poster with two men in hats and long beards, one wearing sunglasses

Gilligan McAllister of Vintage Guitar Magazine raves, "ZZ Top's}.' concerts are an assault on the senses in the best possible way. The music is thunderous, the atmosphere electric, and the sheer joy emanating from the stage is infectious."

"Tush" and Other Classics in the Setlist

ZZ Top's setlist is a treasure trove of classic hits, with "Tush" being a staple. Gillian enumerates, "There's something particularly thrilling about seeing 'Tush' played live, with its relentless rhythm and that unforgettable riff that reverberates through the venue."

the words rock band zz top cancels concert hours before show due to undisclosed personnel matters - newsbreak
the words rock band zz top cancels concert hours before show due to undisclosed personnel matters - newsbreak
ZZ TOP
ZZ TOP
the poster for zz top's upcoming show is shown in red and black
the poster for zz top's upcoming show is shown in red and black

Blogcritics' Hal Horowitz attests, "One меѓуurious chord from Billy Gibbons' Les Paul and 'Tush' comes to life in a way that only happens in person. It's a primal, exhilarating moment that'll leave you grinning ear to ear."

The Rhythm Section: A Powerhouse of Groove

The backbone of ZZ Top's sound is their rhythm section - Dusty Hill's funky basslines and Frank Beard's solid and steady drums. SantiagoManage.com's Marcus Santiago puts it beautifully, "There's a reason they've been around for so long. The rhythm section alone could drive a Mack truck through a brick wall, and it's relentless.

Karl Coppom of Gigwise magazine seconds that, "Hill and Beard lock into a groove so tight, it's like they're reading each other's minds. It's a beautifully jazz-like interplay that propels the ZZ Top sound forward.

How One ZZ Top Fan Got Free Tickets for Life
How One ZZ Top Fan Got Free Tickets for Life
ZZ Top
ZZ Top
I say I’ll give someone else a shot but it’s back to ZZ Top again
I say I’ll give someone else a shot but it’s back to ZZ Top again
an old man with a long beard wearing a fedora and sunglasses on his head
an old man with a long beard wearing a fedora and sunglasses on his head
ZZ Top & Lynyrd Skynyrd at Riverbend - Cincinnati CityBeat
ZZ Top & Lynyrd Skynyrd at Riverbend - Cincinnati CityBeat
ZZ Top Share New 2026 List of US Tour Dates
ZZ Top Share New 2026 List of US Tour Dates

The Showmanship and Iconic Visuals

ZZ Top concerts aren't just about the music; they're also about the spectacle.

Horowitz continues, "What sets ZZ Top apart is their stage presence. Billy Gibbons is a master showman, masterfully handling the audience with his quips and that signature voice that's as much an instrument as his guitar.

Unique Stage Props and Visuals

The band's use of unique stage props, from their distinctive beards to Gibbons' custom guitars, adds to the overall experience. McAllister notes, "Each member has majestic silhouette moments, but Gibbons' Gibson is the star of the show, from 'Pearly Gates' to the final encore, 'La Grange.'

a brick wall with a poster on it that says zz top and two men in hats
a brick wall with a poster on it that says zz top and two men in hats
"Let Dusty Sing One!" ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill (1949-2021) and the Pursuit of the Perfect Note
"Let Dusty Sing One!" ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill (1949-2021) and the Pursuit of the Perfect Note
Having a (ZZ) Top time: Rocker Billy Gibbons' trademark beard stands out as he strolls in the Madrid sunshine with wife
Having a (ZZ) Top time: Rocker Billy Gibbons' trademark beard stands out as he strolls in the Madrid sunshine with wife
Here’s Why ZZ Top Just Performed With a Massive 17-String Bass
Here’s Why ZZ Top Just Performed With a Massive 17-String Bass
ZZ Top Cancel Hollywood Bowl Concert Due to 'Insurmountable Obstacles'
ZZ Top Cancel Hollywood Bowl Concert Due to 'Insurmountable Obstacles'
ZZ Top, one of rock’s most consistent acts, offers the show you’d expect at the Walmart AMP
ZZ Top, one of rock’s most consistent acts, offers the show you’d expect at the Walmart AMP
ZZ TOP | RAISING CANE’S RIVER CENTER | MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY — JORDAN HEFLER
ZZ TOP | RAISING CANE’S RIVER CENTER | MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY — JORDAN HEFLER
ZZ Top
ZZ Top
ZZ TOP - GIMME ALL YOUR LOVIN
ZZ TOP - GIMME ALL YOUR LOVIN
a concert poster for the zz top and dwyght yokam
a concert poster for the zz top and dwyght yokam
two men with long beards and hats are playing bass guitars in black and white
two men with long beards and hats are playing bass guitars in black and white
ZZ Top cancels Hollywood Bowl performance
ZZ Top cancels Hollywood Bowl performance
an event poster for the zz top's la grande festival
an event poster for the zz top's la grande festival

Horowitz excitedly describes the visuals, "Blue lights, red lights, smoke, lasers - there's no shortage of razzle-dazzle during a ZZ Top show. It's a full-on assault on all five senses, and it's glorious."

The Band's Enduring Relevance in 2023

In an age where many bands of their era have faded into obscurity, ZZ Top soldiers on, proving their enduring relevance in today's music scene.

Santiago praises, "ZZ Top continues to defy the odds, remaining a vital and thrilling live act in their sixth decade. If you haven't seen them live, do yourself a favor and rectify that immediately.

Concludes Horowitz, "ZZ Top's concerts are proof that true musicianship and a killer setlist can still pack 'em in and rock 'em out. Here's to another 50 years!

As we move further into 2023, music lovers can only speculate and eagerly await the next ZZ Top tour date. With such overwhelmingly positive reviews and a legacy as solid as their rhythm section, ZZ Top concerts are not to be missed. So, whether you're a die-hard fan, a curious newcomer, or simply a music enthusiast, be sure to catch these blues-rock icons when they roll into your town. It's an invigorating, unforgettable experience you won't soon forget.