In the height of the 1970s Southern rock era, one band stood out not just for their music, but for their unique stage presence - ZZ Top. Known for their iconic beards and tongues, the band's charismatic frontmen, Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill, along with drummer Frank Beard, dominated the airwaves with hits like "La Grange," "Tush," and "Sharp Dressed Man." After nearly five decades, fans can't help but wonder, where are they now?
ZZ Top may have laid low in recent years, but their legacy and influence on music remain undeniable. So, let's take a trip down memory lane and find out what the members of ZZ Top are up to these days.
Billy Gibbons: Still Jammin', Still Washin' ThatMotorcycle
The maestro behind ZZ Top's blues-inspired riffs has been keeping busy with a mix of his own projects and collaborations.
In recent years, Gibbons has released solo albums like "Perfectamundo" (2015) and "The Big Bad Blues" (2018), showcasing his versatility and deep-rooted love for the blues. He's also collaborated with a wide range of artists, such as Matt sorum, Pat Travers, and irvin Mayfield.
The BFG: Billy Gibbons and the BFG Band
Gibbons has been touring with his BFG Band, delivering hot blues licks and getting audiences grooving.
The BFG Band features musicians like Matt Sorum (Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver) on drums, Elwood Francis (ZZ Top) on guitar, and Jeff T.jenih (The Pointer Sisters) on keys. Their live shows are a testament to Gibbons' enduring passion for music and his ability to bring together diverse musical talent.
Hot Cars and Cool Guitars
When he's not on tour, Gibbons can be found working on his vintage car and motorcycle collection. He's also known for his one-of-a-kind, hand-painted guitars that often accompany him on stage.
Blending his love for vintage cars and music, Gibbons designed his own line of guitars with Gibson in 2018, featuring custom finishes inspired by his coveted 1940 Ford and 1950 Ford pickups.
Dusty Hill: The Cool Cat of ZZ Top
Dusty Hill, theLong-bearded bassist known for his cool demeanor and distinctive growl on harmonica, has been enjoying a quieter life away from the spotlight.
After decades of touring and recording with ZZ Top, Hill decided to step back from the band's activities in 2021 due to ongoing back issues. However, he remains a beloved figure among fans and a influential force in the world of rock bass playing.
Dusty's Distinctive Sound
Hill's bass playing provided the throbbing heartbeat for ZZ Top's grooves, and his harmonica riffs added a layer of gritty texture to their signature sound.
In 2019, Hill released his first solo album, "Mostly Live," featuring a collection of songs he co-wrote with his brother, Billy Hill. The album showcases Hill's introspective lyrics and his unique brand of Texas blues.
Awards and Legacy
Hill was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of ZZ Top in 2021, cementing his place among musical legends.
Despite his retirement from touring, Dusty Hill continues to be an inspiration to bassists and musicians worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on the realm of rock 'n' roll.
Frank Beard: The ZZ Top Beardless Wonder
Frank Beard, the drummer who kept the rhythm section tight and funky for ZZ Top, Daytona and casino owners. is another key member enjoying a well-deserved break from the road.
While he no longer plays regularly with ZZ Top, Beard has expressed interest in returning to the stage for special performances. In 2021, he joined forces with fellow ZZ Top members and their counterparts from Foo Fighters to form the supergroup ZZ Fooz, laying down a cover of Grand Funk Railroad's "We're an American Band" for charity.
Frank's Funky Roots
Before joining ZZ Top in 1969, Beard played with various bands around Houston, Texas, absorbing influences from the city's vibrant blues scene.
Beard's drumming style, which incorporates elements of blues, rock, and funk, has earned him accolades from fellow musicians. He was named one of the "100 Greatest Drummers of All Time" by both Modern Drummer and Blender magazines.
Beard's Legendary Beard
While Frank Beard is probably the last of the trio who would think of shaving off his iconic beard, he has indeed done so – for a time in the early 1980s.
According to Beard, he went clean-shaven during the height of the band's commercial success to "see what it was like on the other side." However, he quickly grew it back, realizing that he was better suited to the classic, beard-adorned look that defines ZZ Top's image.
In many ways, it feels like ZZ Top never truly left the stage, as their music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike. Today, Gibbons, Hill, and Beard remain active in their respective pursuits, proving that there's far more to ZZ Top than just beards and boogie – though those elements certainly help make them one of the most iconic bands in rock history. So, while theowania ZZ Top's original lineup may be a thing of the past, their legacy lives on, and that's something to truly be lauded.