I just want to let you know, one of your videos was made a video compilation but the content of the video is different from yours and he also doesn't follow your link and directly takes your video without your permission, that's also troubling for us. I hope you strike that channel... ruclips.net/video/qsljqtXkmq4/видео.html
I’ve been sayin that for yeeears! Watched the documentary with my wife and she didn’t yet know their names. When she found out she gave me the biggest eye roll. Did they ever acknowledge that I wonder?
For those that may not know, ‘La Grange’ is referring to a place in La Grange, Texas that was known as The Chicken Ranch. It was an illegal brothel in operation until 1973 (also when this song was released). It was a very popular place. There was even a movie made about The Chicken Ranch in 1982 starring Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton.
"Best Little Whorehouse In Texas." I remember taken my girl to go see it at the movie theater in a small south Texas town. One screen only . La Grange is around the Houston area.
I live in La Grange, TX. lol ZZ Top played the Fayette County Fair a few years ago, first time they ever actually played here in La Grange. Yes, they played La Grange in La Grange. Lotta fun. RIP Dusty.
probably your best reaction video yet, for your honesty with their slop. too many people who love a band will just gloss over obvious slop to fanboy them, but you nailed it. having said that, this band will always be one of my favs, and I actually enjoy the slop. they're having fun in the moment and who knows, age, improv, liquor all may have played a factor. slop for sure, but 24K slop. love it.
Had the privilege of seeing them on their 50th Anniversary Tour after being a fan since the 70s…yeah…they can still bring it! Coincidentally, the guy lighting the cigar is Elwood Francis, their longtime guitar tech who is playing bass with the band after Dusty’s passing.🙏🏻✌🏻🎸
I like your honesty. Huge ZZ Top fan, and I agree. You could tell a few times where they slowed it down to get in sync. We all have those nights man. Billy Gibbons For President!
I’ve seen Elwood play and had a few drinks with him. He came down to Lexington right after the Louisville show, which was Dusty‘s last show to play with some friends. No one can ever replace dusty but Elwood is a hell of a player and the only one I would even consider being part of the band.
I went to the ZZ Top concert in Tuscaloosa 2 days after Dusty passed, was a very emotional show, wel worth 50 dollars, Billy's always been one of my guitar heros, just sad didn't get to see dusty play, Elwood still kicked ass tho
Ashes to ashes and a bust for the Dust…😢 I’ve seen them live dozens of times, from the early days, 1970’s Texas, to FL, and out on Cape Cod, MA, MSG in NY, and LA Coliseum. That Little Ol’ Band from Texas…🎸🇺🇸 RIP Dusty
Thanks Michael for your honesty and musical integrity. It's so easy to patronize a legendary band, but the ear doesn't lie. At 67, I seen most all the great bands more than once. And its takes a serious commitment to bring it home every night. When I've seen a weak performance by a legendary band, I try give them the benefit of the doubt, maybe someone's ill, or otherwise, and they're just showing up for the gig.
I have played guitar for years and watched tons of video.Without a doubt the greatest guitar move I have seen is a roadie lighting Billys smoke mid solo. F***ing Awesome!!!
Always dig how billy and dusty can synch things up. Whether it's guitars, upside down headstock, jackets, hats or just moving on stage. They always manage to do it and make it look natural. Yeah, 7s are tough in some ways. Make me much faster, but so easy to pull things out of tune. Especially on my shorter scale guitars.
I remember the first (and only) time I seen zz top. I was probably 18 years old. Born July 81. A little off topic I started out as a drummer. Was somehow one of 4 picked out of a thousand who tried out for percussion in 5th grade when band became an option. 6 if the kids who tried out had been taking piano lessons since much younger so I was extremely lucky. Thanks Don Perrelis! It always just came extremely easy to me. I'd be able to do stuff with no practice that others had to spend an eternity to nail down. Anyway... I never really even had any interest in music until my father who was a private mechanic for a millionaire and had just installed a state of the art CD player in this guy's 1977 Chrysler Cordoba with a 400 big block. If never heard of a CD my father hadn't even been aware they existed until this guy hired him to install it. There were no 12 inch Fosgate DVCs it had 600 watt 6x9s that hit as hard as my Fosgate 12s years later anyway my father came inside and said hey Bo come out here I wanna show you something. He put me in the front seat of this boat or... Barge... Pulled out a Peter Frampton comes alive CD and pulls it out and said this thing can hold as many songs as all the tapes combined at the record store... (I'm sure that maybe have been exaggerated but still truly amazing to me at the time) he said I want you to listen to this. It's Peter Frampton. This is the longest song ever recorded and the guy makes his guitar talk. He put thr CD in and played Do you feel like we do cranked up about full blast in the system of a millionaires personal high end system who made his fortune buying and selling audio equipment. It was truly amazing. (I later owned that car after my father inherited it.) so anyway that was the first time I got that music spark..... I went to the local record store with my best friend who was a couple years older the next day and asked him what were the best ones.. He helped me pick out the same tapes his older brother liked the most at the time which were Metallica black album, AC/DC razors edge, ozzy ozborne, guns&roses, Ted Nugent, Misfits, megadeath and 2 or 3 more. I was so excited and ran home. The first thing I did was show my mom who yelled oh my God you're grounded Kurt go home! She said ozzy was a devil worshiper who ate the heads off bat's... If that's not going to further a child's interest I don't know what will lol... She took the tapes which I'd spent the next few days scheming up a hiest to get them back. Not sure how I did but I did. Enter sandman was the first song I got to hear. Can remember the antisipation, waiting until my mother wasn't around. I was probably 11 or 12. That's when I fell in love with and started to listen to music. In band I only played the snare drum. Now I wanted a drum set and then later on a guitar. Remember getting a cheap one for my birthday and setting it up in the basement, and learning my first song Paradise City. It's drum beat was simple enough. I struggled to get my coordination down on more thne one drum at a time and that song has the easiest beat I could find. Tooke a few nights I had to come back to it.... A year ot 2 later my father brought my brother and I guitars home. Mine was a custom fender stratocaster with EMG pickups, an extended neck with 24 pickups and it was awesome. Was stolen years later. Anyway not sure why I shared all that other then trying to explain where my musical passion came from and re-hash some memories. I remember music was the only thing I could think of. Right around this time there was a kiss concert in Peoria Illinois. My mother brother and I had to go there for something I'm not sure what. My mother was always scared to drive in Peoria and wouldn't do it unless it was absolutely necessary (i lived in a small town pekin 20 min away) I remember seeing all kings of people dressed up as Kiss because there was a kiss concert that night which was a pretty big thing back then in the mid 90s. I was fascinated by the costumes and told my mom I wanted to go. She said absolutely not and I threw the biggest fit I'd ever thrown in life to this day and somehow talked her into letting me go. She was friends with the guy music promoter Jay Goldberg. She called him and got me a ticket. I went alone and it was the best show I'd ever seen to this day (as far as production) besides Roger waters the wall in Chicago at the us cellular coliseum my younger brother who now owns a music production company invited me to on the 3rd night of a 3 night showing the did. I really didn't know anything about kiss and even after the show never really cared for their music besides maybe one song. The fact that they would shoot rockets out of their guitars and fly across the croud was amazing still and I loved it. At 12 or 13 a concert that big was gigantic and almost over whelming but was a great experience and I'm glad to say it was my first concert ever. Needless to say I've seen many shows. When I was about 18 I was dating this beautiful girl who's father was a big badass biker dude who was feared by most people in my community especially his daughter and wife. I drove the van for a few guys who installed carpet at their house and tried getting the girls number. She was terrified to talk to me cause of her dad but slipped me her email address which was really new at the time but her father couldn't monitor that... Later that night he told her that she should give that guy (me) a call he seemed pretty nice which blew her away because she wasn't allowed to talk to guys. I remember driving the work van in 2 feet of snow to see her for the first time and hang out in her basement with her father's approval. He actually suggested it to her as she'd have never had even remotely considered asking. Anyway I was the only guy he ever liked which was awesome cause she was smoking hot... His favorite band was lynard skynard and had her invite me to a skynard concert. I was truly honored to have been invited by him and her... We had 2nd row seats. I forget the first opening band but the second one I will never forget. It was pitch black and when the lights came on it was an electrifying experience to see ZZ Top just feet in front of me all dressed up with such a powerful sound standing there with CORDLESS GUITARS! (why my Zs have a line through them I have no idea but that's how it is on my keyboard and I've never noticed that before anyway) it was amazing. I hadn't ever seen that before and I've seen lots of shows. Ever time I've ever heard or thought of ZZ Top I'd remember the wireless guitars they had and how amazing of a show they put on. It was honestly better then the headliner skynard. Sorry for all the extra history and storytelling. My intention was to just express how great of a show they put on and I agree... This version doesn't do them any justice. When I seen them they were as tight as a 16 year old violin sting... 😂 Was one of my all time favorite shows and they were spot on and that's coming from an extremely tough musical critic.
Frank Beard, the drummer, used to be famous for doing a 15 minute Texas shuffle dead nuts on beat the whole time while Billy and Dusty spent it talking, vamping, doing solos, and basically fucking around. But he rocked the groove.
Maybe I’m a touch better than Novice for the last 30 years lol. Love ZZ Top. But whenever I try to play La Grange, the timing makes me feel like an absolute greenhorn!! It is a challenging rhythm/timing song… right?!
One of the most amazing shows I ever saw was ZZ Top in 1984 on the Eliminator tour. I had a chance to talk with Dusty for a few moments after the show. Ride on Dusty, you are missed. This show is a bit "loose", but still is fun.
Man, you and Guthrie trapp are GREAT. You two have become serious inspirations to me in my pursuit of guitar knowledge. I also enjoy listening to both of you guys play. Great stuff. I’m sure ya hear it all the time man. But you’re an awesome musician.
When you do that little sway in your chair I get excited bc I know something is moving you that you cant put into words. You feel it and thats my favorite.
I have seen them around 1985 or so in Germany at a festival, with some friends at the front row. At some moment a roadie brings him a les Paul. One of us shouts "Pearly gates". Billy Gibbons lowered his sunglasses a bit, looked over them to our friend and said "Yeah, that is right, Pearly gates" It was a perfect show.
👍 Time keeps on ticking... Going through a box of old ticket stubs not long ago, My first rock concert May 19, 1973 (Dusty's 24th birthday, I've come to find out) East Tennessee State University Rory Gallagher ZZ Top $4 It was about six months before Tres Hombres came out. Back when they were one of the most badass blues rock band that ever was. Straw hats, jeans, no beards(but Frank. lol), and BG in a white tshirt w/ pack of Marlboros rolled up in the sleeve(lol). Needless to say, Rory and BG made a big impression on a 16 yr old. Blues rock, slide guitar nut ever since. RIP Dusty, Rory, Lou, Rod. Thank You!
Been a Guitarist for about 40 years and live in East TX. so grew up with ZZ-Top , and the OG recording is by far the best rendition of La Grange its just got such a Heavy Punch when they all join in !! Caught them live several times starting in 84 and never heard them do it with that much growl ? Don't get me wrong they killed it but it was different in ways every time . Van Halen with Roth killed it but it was EVH so . Love ZZ no matter what RIP Dusty we miss & Love Ya Boogie Woogie Bass player !!!!!!!!!!
Nothing wrong with calling a band out for sounding bad, it's no knock on their legacy. One thing every band should remember that if people are paying good money they deserve your best. I can't imagine tickets were cheap and this might be someone's one big night out. Every show a band does will have people seeing them for the first time.
Man I love the videos Michael! I would love to win that guitar!! I had to sell mine to get by because of Covid and still haven’t been able to afford another one yet. Keep up the awesome work.
I'd love to see you giving the british Status Quo a look! I'm definitely biased.. But their late 90's - early 00's live performances are some of the best in terms of feel and presence ever. And as always - this video was a banger! Rock on
100% agree, you have to start it off softer and then get loud. Billy apparently doesn’t really use any monitors at all and just goes off of the PA (according to a Rig Rundown from a few years ago) so could have just been an off night from that. Also, you should grab a pack of the Rev Willy 7s. They feel really neat once you get used to them.
About the beanie: "Billy was asked about the unusual grey woven hat that's capped off his iconic look for the past two decades at least. "These are examples of works of fine textile expertise, woven by members of the famous tribe from Cameroon in Africa, the Bamileke," Billy explained. "Before you can wear the hat, you've got to learn how to make it. And before you can wear it, you've got to be considered a prestigious member of the community. "I got lucky and upon visiting Cameroon, I got escorted over to see the Bamileke and I was wearing a Texas cowboy hat. And before the chief came around, I got the elbow and they said, 'Hey that's the chief. Give him your hat.' I said, 'No, wait a minute. Chief, I'm from Texas. We do a little horse trading on these matters...' (Laughs) So he got a nice 10-gallon Texas hat and I walked off with the famous Bamileke hat. Billy has negotiated his way into possession of several more Bamileke hats over the years. At this point they are as much an extension of the sharp-dressed man's body as his favorite Gibson guitar. The Bamileke hat can often be seen on Billy's head, peaking out from beneath other hats."" www.iheart.com/content/2021-05-24-billy-gibbons-tells-the-story-behind-that-strange-hat-he-always-wears/
never seen this video before, I kinda liked it. Did a quick scroll through your library, and was kind of surprised I didn't see anything from The Band, or Rush, or Grand Funk Railroad...and in the country/folk vein, no Gordon Lightfoot, or John Denver.🤔 (your Johnny Lang reaction made notice no Johnny Diesel & The Injectors too) (loved your reaction to Bo Burnham's "Welcome To The Internet" 😁) **edit** almost forgot, Glen Campbell and Roy Clark 😎 (and if you want a little fun, check out *"In Hell I'll Be In Good Company"* by Canadian bluegrass band The Dead South...the official video..no need to do a reaction video, it's just for your own amusement/enjoyment)
I really wished you lived in the UK guitar teacher I really need 😊 I here you explain everything and you pick up almost everything and I don't know how you do it, alot of practice and studying I presume
The Reverend Billy always, always made playing look sooo easy. Not a wasted movement in either hand. An absolute beast. I don't care how old he is. They're legends. RIP Dusty Also... Billy reminds me of the Dad on Duck Dynasty. Phil? I think. That's funny.
They go back and fourth between mostly loose and tight though, its odd. Almost like they were improvising a lot. When they hit that Tush intro, they get real tight for a second, before Billy just getting loose AF. Frank was super on time throughout. Dust was doing what he could.
To be fair, they're already around 60 years old up there. Playing behind Gibbons is tricky here, he's not as sharp as he used to and relies heavily on pure style and bravado. The duo of Frank and Dusty is just trying hard no to get lost and keep it going. Had the occasion of seeing them two times in France. The two shows were almost identical but the oozing coolness of these dudes, man...
Dusty once said in an interview about Tush "It ain't Dylan but its mine". Billy claims he plays 7's because BB King noticed he was playing heavy gauge strings and asked him why he was working so hard? Side one of Fandango made 3 friends in high school want to play rock in 1975 as a trio. We still play today. And Billy if you are reading for the love of God please release the whole Fandango show!!!
Hi Michael. Frank is way on top of the beat for him. And with that authentic Texas style shuffle, it is essential to lay that back. A rushed shuffle can be one of the most difficult grooves to lock into. So many drummers over the decades that have covered this song, have played the drum part wrong. Quarter note on the hi-hat or right...the ghosted dotted 8th/16th note pattern with a push on 2 and 4 is the correct way. Which makes this feel even more difficult to play because of all the space between quarter notes..and it is SOOOO easy to rush! And on this specific performance, you can hear how that slightly pulls things apart. I agree it isn't one of their better/tighter performances. ZZ Top..is one of those few trios where the power doesn't disappear when the guitar moves to lead playing. It's still just as fat and lush as when he is playing chords/riffs. Dusty had a ton to do with that! But they are just so great and Dusty will be missed as you said!
I have played bass all my life it is my number one instrument, to me Dusty Hill's right hand was the best in the business, forget the left watch the timing in the right amazing. There ain't no hair under that beanie.
Hi Michael, we do the same thing you were talking about in our band. We start La Grange very low and the guitar doesn't increase in volume till the drums come in.
Never eat a Big Mac before a show, true story,1985 I'm 17 yrs old, playing a show in front of High school, Tush was the opener, couldn't pull off Dustys vox. Never did that again. Thanks Michael
Michael, just curious, on your reaction videos, what amp or amp simulator are you playing thru? Love your tone and just wondering what the signal chain is.
Criticism of these legends for not being in your eyes "perfect". Well they know exactly where they are going. If you follow somebody down a dirt road and try to tailgate just know you're not gonna always see their tires. I do love the fact you're doing this video. Thanks!
Re: BFG’s beanie. I believe that’s the same exact one. He’s told the story before. Goes something like some shaman gave it to him. Worth a lookup to hear it directly from the source.
Great video! But, hey... I visited Austin, Texas way back in my youth, and I met a guitar player in a band after a show. He told me Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009's) were the only way to fly in Texas. Better get used to them! ✌️
One Guitargate Member Will Win The PRS In This video When We Hit 300k Subs! Come join us today and best of luck! www.guitargate.com/courses
I just want to let you know, one of your videos was made a video compilation but the content of the video is different from yours and he also doesn't follow your link and directly takes your video without your permission, that's also troubling for us. I hope you strike that channel...
ruclips.net/video/qsljqtXkmq4/видео.html
how can i get you to do a vid on miley cyrus' cover of nothing else matters? elton john, yo yo ma, chad smith. it slaps man.
I just joined the courses a couple days ago. Lifer. How do I enter to win? Or did I already? Haha 😂
Hey Micheal, you should do a review of Brother by Matt Corby.
HE IS AMAZING MY FRIEND
As a kid I always found it amusing that the only person in the trio who didn't have a giant beard was literally named Frank Beard
i still do lmao
I have a friend from Amarillo, TX that loves ZZ. He told me one day...."Hey man..Frank Beard ain't got no beard"
I’ve been sayin that for yeeears! Watched the documentary with my wife and she didn’t yet know their names. When she found out she gave me the biggest eye roll. Did they ever acknowledge that I wonder?
Billy has the best turnarounds in the business.
Iirc, dusty and blaine also found that hilarious when they all came back from rehab and only the two of them had beards so it became their thing
For those that may not know, ‘La Grange’ is referring to a place in La Grange, Texas that was known as The Chicken Ranch. It was an illegal brothel in operation until 1973 (also when this song was released). It was a very popular place. There was even a movie made about The Chicken Ranch in 1982 starring Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton.
"Best Little Whorehouse In Texas." I remember taken my girl to go see it at the movie theater in a small south Texas town. One screen only . La Grange is around the Houston area.
I live in La Grange, TX. lol ZZ Top played the Fayette County Fair a few years ago, first time they ever actually played here in La Grange. Yes, they played La Grange in La Grange. Lotta fun. RIP Dusty.
probably your best reaction video yet, for your honesty with their slop. too many people who love a band will just gloss over obvious slop to fanboy them, but you nailed it. having said that, this band will always be one of my favs, and I actually enjoy the slop. they're having fun in the moment and who knows, age, improv, liquor all may have played a factor. slop for sure, but 24K slop. love it.
Love me some zztop slop. But to be fair they're older than Christ now so give'em some slack.
Their first few albums were top notch.
Yup. 24k indeed :)
Had the privilege of seeing them on their 50th Anniversary Tour after being a fan since the 70s…yeah…they can still bring it! Coincidentally, the guy lighting the cigar is Elwood Francis, their longtime guitar tech who is playing bass with the band after Dusty’s passing.🙏🏻✌🏻🎸
I like your honesty. Huge ZZ Top fan, and I agree. You could tell a few times where they slowed it down to get in sync. We all have those nights man. Billy Gibbons For President!
I’ve seen Elwood play and had a few drinks with him. He came down to Lexington right after the Louisville show, which was Dusty‘s last show to play with some friends. No one can ever replace dusty but Elwood is a hell of a player and the only one I would even consider being part of the band.
I went to the ZZ Top concert in Tuscaloosa 2 days after Dusty passed, was a very emotional show, wel worth 50 dollars, Billy's always been one of my guitar heros, just sad didn't get to see dusty play, Elwood still kicked ass tho
Ashes to ashes and a bust for the Dust…😢
I’ve seen them live dozens of times, from
the early days, 1970’s Texas, to FL, and out
on Cape Cod, MA, MSG in NY, and LA Coliseum.
That Little Ol’ Band from Texas…🎸🇺🇸
RIP Dusty
R.I.P. Dusty. I'm going to miss that bass, that style, and that stage presence that only Dusty could bring to the trio.
Frank beard is such a great drummer too, never misses a beat
Thanks Michael for your honesty and musical integrity. It's so easy to patronize a legendary band, but the ear doesn't lie. At 67, I seen most all the great bands more than once. And its takes a serious commitment to bring it home every night. When I've seen a weak performance by a legendary band, I try give them the benefit of the doubt, maybe someone's ill, or otherwise, and they're just showing up for the gig.
I have played guitar for years and watched tons of video.Without a doubt the greatest guitar move I have seen is a roadie lighting Billys smoke mid solo. F***ing Awesome!!!
Always dig how billy and dusty can synch things up. Whether it's guitars, upside down headstock, jackets, hats or just moving on stage. They always manage to do it and make it look natural.
Yeah, 7s are tough in some ways. Make me much faster, but so easy to pull things out of tune. Especially on my shorter scale guitars.
I remember the first (and only) time I seen zz top. I was probably 18 years old. Born July 81. A little off topic I started out as a drummer. Was somehow one of 4 picked out of a thousand who tried out for percussion in 5th grade when band became an option. 6 if the kids who tried out had been taking piano lessons since much younger so I was extremely lucky. Thanks Don Perrelis! It always just came extremely easy to me. I'd be able to do stuff with no practice that others had to spend an eternity to nail down. Anyway... I never really even had any interest in music until my father who was a private mechanic for a millionaire and had just installed a state of the art CD player in this guy's 1977 Chrysler Cordoba with a 400 big block. If never heard of a CD my father hadn't even been aware they existed until this guy hired him to install it. There were no 12 inch Fosgate DVCs it had 600 watt 6x9s that hit as hard as my Fosgate 12s years later anyway my father came inside and said hey Bo come out here I wanna show you something. He put me in the front seat of this boat or... Barge... Pulled out a Peter Frampton comes alive CD and pulls it out and said this thing can hold as many songs as all the tapes combined at the record store... (I'm sure that maybe have been exaggerated but still truly amazing to me at the time) he said I want you to listen to this. It's Peter Frampton. This is the longest song ever recorded and the guy makes his guitar talk. He put thr CD in and played Do you feel like we do cranked up about full blast in the system of a millionaires personal high end system who made his fortune buying and selling audio equipment. It was truly amazing. (I later owned that car after my father inherited it.) so anyway that was the first time I got that music spark..... I went to the local record store with my best friend who was a couple years older the next day and asked him what were the best ones.. He helped me pick out the same tapes his older brother liked the most at the time which were Metallica black album, AC/DC razors edge, ozzy ozborne, guns&roses, Ted Nugent, Misfits, megadeath and 2 or 3 more. I was so excited and ran home. The first thing I did was show my mom who yelled oh my God you're grounded Kurt go home! She said ozzy was a devil worshiper who ate the heads off bat's... If that's not going to further a child's interest I don't know what will lol... She took the tapes which I'd spent the next few days scheming up a hiest to get them back. Not sure how I did but I did. Enter sandman was the first song I got to hear. Can remember the antisipation, waiting until my mother wasn't around. I was probably 11 or 12. That's when I fell in love with and started to listen to music. In band I only played the snare drum. Now I wanted a drum set and then later on a guitar. Remember getting a cheap one for my birthday and setting it up in the basement, and learning my first song Paradise City. It's drum beat was simple enough. I struggled to get my coordination down on more thne one drum at a time and that song has the easiest beat I could find. Tooke a few nights I had to come back to it.... A year ot 2 later my father brought my brother and I guitars home. Mine was a custom fender stratocaster with EMG pickups, an extended neck with 24 pickups and it was awesome. Was stolen years later. Anyway not sure why I shared all that other then trying to explain where my musical passion came from and re-hash some memories. I remember music was the only thing I could think of. Right around this time there was a kiss concert in Peoria Illinois. My mother brother and I had to go there for something I'm not sure what. My mother was always scared to drive in Peoria and wouldn't do it unless it was absolutely necessary (i lived in a small town pekin 20 min away) I remember seeing all kings of people dressed up as Kiss because there was a kiss concert that night which was a pretty big thing back then in the mid 90s. I was fascinated by the costumes and told my mom I wanted to go. She said absolutely not and I threw the biggest fit I'd ever thrown in life to this day and somehow talked her into letting me go. She was friends with the guy music promoter Jay Goldberg. She called him and got me a ticket. I went alone and it was the best show I'd ever seen to this day (as far as production) besides Roger waters the wall in Chicago at the us cellular coliseum my younger brother who now owns a music production company invited me to on the 3rd night of a 3 night showing the did. I really didn't know anything about kiss and even after the show never really cared for their music besides maybe one song. The fact that they would shoot rockets out of their guitars and fly across the croud was amazing still and I loved it. At 12 or 13 a concert that big was gigantic and almost over whelming but was a great experience and I'm glad to say it was my first concert ever. Needless to say I've seen many shows. When I was about 18 I was dating this beautiful girl who's father was a big badass biker dude who was feared by most people in my community especially his daughter and wife. I drove the van for a few guys who installed carpet at their house and tried getting the girls number. She was terrified to talk to me cause of her dad but slipped me her email address which was really new at the time but her father couldn't monitor that... Later that night he told her that she should give that guy (me) a call he seemed pretty nice which blew her away because she wasn't allowed to talk to guys. I remember driving the work van in 2 feet of snow to see her for the first time and hang out in her basement with her father's approval. He actually suggested it to her as she'd have never had even remotely considered asking. Anyway I was the only guy he ever liked which was awesome cause she was smoking hot... His favorite band was lynard skynard and had her invite me to a skynard concert. I was truly honored to have been invited by him and her... We had 2nd row seats. I forget the first opening band but the second one I will never forget. It was pitch black and when the lights came on it was an electrifying experience to see ZZ Top just feet in front of me all dressed up with such a powerful sound standing there with CORDLESS GUITARS! (why my Zs have a line through them I have no idea but that's how it is on my keyboard and I've never noticed that before anyway) it was amazing. I hadn't ever seen that before and I've seen lots of shows. Ever time I've ever heard or thought of ZZ Top I'd remember the wireless guitars they had and how amazing of a show they put on. It was honestly better then the headliner skynard. Sorry for all the extra history and storytelling. My intention was to just express how great of a show they put on and I agree... This version doesn't do them any justice. When I seen them they were as tight as a 16 year old violin sting... 😂 Was one of my all time favorite shows and they were spot on and that's coming from an extremely tough musical critic.
I luv Dusty on the Bass he keeps it LOUD and Proud. The drummer is amazing.
Frank Beard, the drummer, used to be famous for doing a 15 minute Texas shuffle dead nuts on beat the whole time while Billy and Dusty spent it talking, vamping, doing solos, and basically fucking around. But he rocked the groove.
Maybe I’m a touch better than Novice for the last 30 years lol. Love ZZ Top. But whenever I try to play La Grange, the timing makes me feel like an absolute greenhorn!! It is a challenging rhythm/timing song… right?!
One of the most amazing shows I ever saw was ZZ Top in 1984 on the Eliminator tour. I had a chance to talk with Dusty for a few moments after the show. Ride on Dusty, you are missed. This show is a bit "loose", but still is fun.
I always loved the choreography they had on stage. Dusty and Billy could be wandering and swaying as they play then just fall in step with each other.
Man, you and Guthrie trapp are GREAT. You two have become serious inspirations to me in my pursuit of guitar knowledge. I also enjoy listening to both of you guys play. Great stuff. I’m sure ya hear it all the time man. But you’re an awesome musician.
Love the way you dissected this …one of my favorite ZZ Top tracks ..gotta love La Grange ! And Tush !
When you do that little sway in your chair I get excited bc I know something is moving you that you cant put into words. You feel it and thats my favorite.
Digging the color contrast of the hunter orange hat and your green PRS🙌🏼
I have seen them around 1985 or so in Germany at a festival, with some friends at the front row. At some moment a roadie brings him a les Paul. One of us shouts "Pearly gates". Billy Gibbons lowered his sunglasses a bit, looked over them to our friend and said "Yeah, that is right, Pearly gates" It was a perfect show.
Right on!!
👍
Time keeps on ticking...
Going through a box of old ticket stubs not long ago,
My first rock concert
May 19, 1973 (Dusty's 24th birthday, I've come to find out)
East Tennessee State University
Rory Gallagher
ZZ Top
$4
It was about six months before Tres Hombres came out. Back when they were one of the most badass blues rock band that ever was. Straw hats, jeans, no beards(but Frank. lol), and BG in a white tshirt w/ pack of Marlboros rolled up in the sleeve(lol). Needless to say, Rory and BG made a big impression on a 16 yr old. Blues rock, slide guitar nut ever since.
RIP Dusty, Rory, Lou, Rod. Thank You!
Been a Guitarist for about 40 years and live in East TX. so grew up with ZZ-Top , and the OG recording is by far the best rendition of La Grange its just got such a Heavy Punch when they all join in !! Caught them live several times starting in 84 and never heard them do it with that much growl ? Don't get me wrong they killed it but it was different in ways every time . Van Halen with Roth killed it but it was EVH so . Love ZZ no matter what RIP Dusty we miss & Love Ya Boogie Woogie Bass player !!!!!!!!!!
Nothing wrong with calling a band out for sounding bad, it's no knock on their legacy. One thing every band should remember that if people are paying good money they deserve your best. I can't imagine tickets were cheap and this might be someone's one big night out. Every show a band does will have people seeing them for the first time.
ZZTOP is one of the jammiest rockers on the planet but when it come to blues songs my all time favorite is BLUE JEAN BLUES! Billy kills it!
Hat and guitar colors will definitely keep safe as a hunter. 😀
Billy had probably partaken into herbal refreshments before the show.
To be rocking this hard in their 70's, I give them a ton of slack for slop. So much fun!
I find Camels have a better tone than Marlboro in the pickup cavity.
Let the Tone Tobacco arguments begin :)
Please do some Gary Moore! His live performance with BB King is amazing.
+1
It’s mind blowingly good. They keep pulling it down but it pops right back up
Man I love the videos Michael! I would love to win that guitar!! I had to sell mine to get by because of Covid and still haven’t been able to afford another one yet. Keep up the awesome work.
They keep it tight !! They never tried to be over flash when they play. Just cool, in the pocket! Sad that Dusty has gone! RIP.
Elwood with the rescue to light the cigar in this video, now Elwood with the rescue to take over for Dusty.
Elwood FTW.
When I hear LaGrange it always reminds me of Boston's formerly known area "the combat zone" LaGrange & Tremont
I want that PRS🤘
Lived on a lot of ZZ in college parties in the 80’s
Only managed to see them twice. both times in the 80s. loved it.
To be honest. never much got on with their stuff from Eliminator onwards.
I'd love to see you giving the british Status Quo a look! I'm definitely biased.. But their late 90's - early 00's live performances are some of the best in terms of feel and presence ever.
And as always - this video was a banger! Rock on
Billy Gibbons does pinch harmonics better than any man alive, with Zakk Wilde a close second.
Idk man Claudio Sanchez has a pretty splid history of gnarly pinch harmonics
If only Dime was still alive
Dooooood! Cover the Jesus left Chicago, from Tres Hombres. It's one of those elusive grooves.
You drop so much great knowledge, it's awesome man 🙏
“I know I’m pulling out that G-string a little bit…” and then that look! Lmao!!
I agree about the quiet intro, it puts you in a desert with a lone tumbleweed rolling across the ground.
I love this “by the seat of their pants” performance! Go ZZ!! 👏👏👏
RIP Dusty, You will be missed.
100% agree, you have to start it off softer and then get loud.
Billy apparently doesn’t really use any monitors at all and just goes off of the PA (according to a Rig Rundown from a few years ago) so could have just been an off night from that.
Also, you should grab a pack of the Rev Willy 7s. They feel really neat once you get used to them.
About the beanie:
"Billy was asked about the unusual grey woven hat that's capped off his iconic look for the past two decades at least.
"These are examples of works of fine textile expertise, woven by members of the famous tribe from Cameroon in Africa, the Bamileke," Billy explained. "Before you can wear the hat, you've got to learn how to make it. And before you can wear it, you've got to be considered a prestigious member of the community.
"I got lucky and upon visiting Cameroon, I got escorted over to see the Bamileke and I was wearing a Texas cowboy hat. And before the chief came around, I got the elbow and they said, 'Hey that's the chief. Give him your hat.' I said, 'No, wait a minute. Chief, I'm from Texas. We do a little horse trading on these matters...' (Laughs) So he got a nice 10-gallon Texas hat and I walked off with the famous Bamileke hat.
Billy has negotiated his way into possession of several more Bamileke hats over the years. At this point they are as much an extension of the sharp-dressed man's body as his favorite Gibson guitar. The Bamileke hat can often be seen on Billy's head, peaking out from beneath other hats.""
www.iheart.com/content/2021-05-24-billy-gibbons-tells-the-story-behind-that-strange-hat-he-always-wears/
That’s so cool!! Thanks!!
Awesome history of the hat.. Thanks
I love this song, Rev Billy G. RIP Dusty Hill God bless ZZ Top
I have loved zztop from the first moment I heard Sharp dressed man
..and beside the sound, @10:08 just check how bad ass that stage/lighting is, old school traditional but done just right. ZZTop is so stylish.
The song they played in between La Grange and Tush was an old classic rocking tune called BBQ
never seen this video before, I kinda liked it.
Did a quick scroll through your library, and was kind of surprised I didn't see anything from The Band, or Rush, or Grand Funk Railroad...and in the country/folk vein, no Gordon Lightfoot, or John Denver.🤔 (your Johnny Lang reaction made notice no Johnny Diesel & The Injectors too)
(loved your reaction to Bo Burnham's "Welcome To The Internet" 😁)
**edit**
almost forgot, Glen Campbell and Roy Clark 😎
(and if you want a little fun, check out *"In Hell I'll Be In Good Company"* by Canadian bluegrass band The Dead South...the official video..no need to do a reaction video, it's just for your own amusement/enjoyment)
I really wished you lived in the UK guitar teacher I really need 😊
I here you explain everything and you pick up almost everything and I don't know how you do it, alot of practice and studying I presume
The Reverend Billy always, always made playing look sooo easy. Not a wasted movement in either hand. An absolute beast. I don't care how old he is. They're legends. RIP Dusty
Also... Billy reminds me of the Dad on Duck Dynasty. Phil? I think. That's funny.
I believe you,want to say, the dad on duck dynasty reminds you of Billy…
@@voodoobill I stand corrected, thank you sir.
They go back and fourth between mostly loose and tight though, its odd. Almost like they were improvising a lot. When they hit that Tush intro, they get real tight for a second, before Billy just getting loose AF. Frank was super on time throughout. Dust was doing what he could.
To be fair, they're already around 60 years old up there. Playing behind Gibbons is tricky here, he's not as sharp as he used to and relies heavily on pure style and bravado. The duo of Frank and Dusty is just trying hard no to get lost and keep it going.
Had the occasion of seeing them two times in France. The two shows were almost identical but the oozing coolness of these dudes, man...
I'm 61 and they were playing when I was a kid. Dusty was 72 years young . RIP.
Anyone want to see them in tip Top form?! 1980 Germany show. Untouchable!
Dusty once said in an interview about Tush "It ain't Dylan but its mine". Billy claims he plays 7's because BB King noticed he was playing heavy gauge strings and asked him why he was working so hard? Side one of Fandango made 3 friends in high school want to play rock in 1975 as a trio. We still play today.
And Billy if you are reading for the love of God please release the whole Fandango show!!!
Billy really does play 7’s. Dunlop even makes the Billy Gibbon’s strings. They last and last.
Been jamming in Dustys honor all week
Man, Dusty had some pipes apart from being a rocksolid bass player. RIP Dusty!
Hi Michael. Frank is way on top of the beat for him. And with that authentic Texas style shuffle, it is essential to lay that back. A rushed shuffle can be one of the most difficult grooves to lock into.
So many drummers over the decades that have covered this song, have played the drum part wrong. Quarter note on the hi-hat or right...the ghosted dotted 8th/16th note pattern with a push on 2 and 4 is the correct way. Which makes this feel even more difficult to play because of all the space between quarter notes..and it is SOOOO easy to rush! And on this specific performance, you can hear how that slightly pulls things apart. I agree it isn't one of their better/tighter performances.
ZZ Top..is one of those few trios where the power doesn't disappear when the guitar moves to lead playing. It's still just as fat and lush as when he is playing chords/riffs. Dusty had a ton to do with that!
But they are just so great and Dusty will be missed as you said!
Glad to be enjoying your content as a newly minted life member.
Rest in peace, Dusty.
Billy, imho, is the godfather of Texas Blues. The house, however, will always belong to Stevie.🤘🎶🎸
That is a beautiful guitar
Bill and Dusty were fantastic players.
I have played bass all my life it is my number one instrument, to me Dusty Hill's right hand was the best in the business, forget the left watch the timing in the right amazing. There ain't no hair under that beanie.
Totally.
13:39 - Luckily I have no idea about the techical stuff.. Because I just love this live performance. xD
You're not even going to mention those pinch harmonics? Come on man, that's a Gibbons trademark!
Hi Michael, we do the same thing you were talking about in our band. We start La Grange very low and the guitar doesn't increase in volume till the drums come in.
Ur crazy! That was a great performance!
Never eat a Big Mac before a show, true story,1985 I'm 17 yrs old, playing a show in front of High school, Tush was the opener, couldn't pull off Dustys vox. Never did that again. Thanks Michael
Awesome video! Michael, you should do a video on “Carter and The Capitals” funky AF Canadian boys.
Coolest stage setup ever in rock history was the longhorn bull in a pen.
Frank is an underrated drummer too. All 3 a the epitome of 😎 🆒️ 😎 🆒️ 😎
Most rock-steady drummer I've ever seen. Like a precise time devise.
The Bass was right-on in this... (for live)
Sometimes you gotta love “slop”!
Only time I ever saw them was in '75 (Worldwide Texas Tour) at the Tennessee State Fair.
zz top with john mayer and slash doing la grange was pretty killer
Rest in peace Dusty Hill❤️
Check out the version with Jimmy Vaughn Jimmy swings the hell out of it
The Texas Shuffle - masters of it.
Easily in the top list for "Showmanship" as well. There is a reason they are your cool uncles favorite band.
Michael, just curious, on your reaction videos, what amp or amp simulator are you playing thru? Love your tone and just wondering what the signal chain is.
R.I.P Dusty………Can you do a review on Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton live at Crossroads 2004
Criticism of these legends for not being in your eyes "perfect". Well they know exactly where they are going. If you follow somebody down a dirt road and try to tailgate just know you're not gonna always see their tires. I do love the fact you're doing this video. Thanks!
Love the colour combo in this video 🥰
Precious and Grace > all
Hi Michael, we do it how you were talking. We start it out almost as a whisper before it slaps you in the face :)
Thanks for the tribute
@6:12 Agreed!!
Re: BFG’s beanie. I believe that’s the same exact one. He’s told the story before. Goes something like some shaman gave it to him. Worth a lookup to hear it directly from the source.
ruclips.net/video/xL-hCd-x_oU/видео.html
No one better at hitting those pinch harmonics, basically anytime, than Billy Gibbons....
Ya get what ya get. 💕🙋🎸
Great video! But, hey... I visited Austin, Texas way back in my youth, and I met a guitar player in a band after a show. He told me Ernie Ball Super Slinky (.009's) were the only way to fly in Texas. Better get used to them! ✌️
Jeff Beck loves ZZ Top that's a good guy to have like you...;)
So tuning issues (staying in tune, mainly) IS an SE thing, glad it isn't just mine.
George Jones, Buddy Holly, Ernest Tubb, Roy Orbison, Buck Owens, ZZ Top... God bless Texas.
Jeez michael, they was like 315 years old at the time of recording this, ofc they're gonna be off a little LOL, jk. RIP :(