As most of my friends and coworkers could tell you, I’m pretty much chronically overdressed—always have been. Blame it on vanity, blame it on insecurity…or blame it on ZZ Top. Yes, for any compliment or criticism I receive on what I’m wearing on any particular day, those bearded rock legends deserve at least half of the credit. Ever since I first listened to the album Eliminator, Billy Gibbons’ immortal words have been ringing in my ears: “Clean shirt, new shoes, and I don’t know where I am going to; silk suit, black tie, I don’t need a reason why.”
Needless to say, ZZ Top has been making huge waves with their music since they started out in 1969. 48 years later, they’re still going strong. In fact, they’re one of the few bands to maintain all of its original members for such a long period of time, all while earning four gold records, three platinum records, two multi-platinum records and one diamond record.
Currently, ZZ Top is on their “Tonnage” tour, but their frontman Billy Gibbons was gracious enough to take a few minutes away from their busy performance schedule to answer a few questions for us.
ZZ Top has been on the scene for more than 40 years. That’s a long time to be making music and collecting stories. What’s the craziest story you have from over the years?
Gibbons: Early on we went on tour and just didn’t know what to expect — this was before “La Grange” and “Tush” helped get the word around. We ended up at a venue where the audience consisted of exactly one person. We appreciated his having paid for a ticket and just being there so we did our whole show and then, took a break and bought him a Coke. We considered it a success. By the way the guy still comes around.
George W. Bush, while still governor of Texas, declared May 15, 1997 to be “ZZ Top Day”. How do you celebrate your own holiday?
Gibbons: Actually, it was Governor Ann Richards, who declared “ZZ Top Day” on May 4, 1991, then again we received the same six years later. We continue celebrating by being the best possible ZZ Top we can be — who could ask for anything more? That’s certainly something for celebration.
Rumor has it that Dusty Hill once shot himself in the foot with a gun he kept in his boot. What actually happened?
Gibbons: Not a rumor, a fact. He was fumbling with his boot and, well there was an ambulance and a visit to the clinic but he’s healed up (no pun intended but maybe there was..) the matter rarely comes up since nobody wants to open old wounds, so to speak.
The song “(I Wouldn’t Touch It With A) Ten Foot Pole” is supposedly about a personal encounter with Big Foot. What’s the real story?
Gibbons: Well, the lyrics tell the tale. What does the language of the Yeti sound like? Give a listen and decipher as you like.
You once famously turned down $1,000,000 from Gillette to shave your beards for a razor commercial, which makes me wonder: what would it take for either of you to shave your beards?
Gibbons: Make us an offer. And a reason to reject it.
We were incredibly sad to hear about Gregg Allman’s recent passing. Did you ever get the chance to meet him? Did his music have any influence on any of ZZ Top’s material throughout the years?
Gibbons: Yes, of course. We were quite close and shared quite a few long nights in concert halls and stages over the years. Gregg was a truly inspired player like a fierce force of nature. It’s axiomatic that what he did over the course of his celebrated career drove a powerful influence for many. Gregg will be missed yet, of course, his legacy will live forever.
We heard you have a killer recipe for guacamole. Do you mind sharing?
Gibbons: Ah, yes…! Our Renegade Guacamole. You’re welcome!
4 large avocados, seeded and scooped
2-3 limes, juiced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1-2 jalapenos, seeded and diced
1 tsp. Rev. Willy’s Powdered Peppers*
Mix the above ingredients, then take it to the next level by adding:
1/4 cup of chili con queso (your favorite brand or make your own)
Hot sauce to taste
Serves 4-6.
* Can substitute: 1/2 tsp. garlic salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper, 1/8 tsp. cumin, 1/8 tsp. cayenne, 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
What advice do you have for performers aspiring to be where you are today?
Gibbons: Play what you want to hear. If you can satisfy yourself, there’s a chance others will discover a similar satisfaction. In other words, do it coz’ you wanna do it. It’s working for us.
Be sure to check out ZZ Top’s tour dates (http://www.zztop.com/tour) to see if they’ll be performing in a city near you!