ZZ Top in Concert: 6/17/08
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Artist:
Lemme just start by saying "lawd have mercy"....
Now, I'm currently attempting to regrow my face...cause three cats from Texas just rocked it off. Luckily I can still type while this process is going on.
The night was clear, the moon was yellow, and the bikes and hot rods came rumbling down to Solomon's Island, MD for ZZ Top. There's a nice little waterfront venue down there that is just about the closest place for me to catch live music. They don't have a ton of shows there, but once in a while one worth catching will come through...and the Top are certainly that.
At dusk, Billy, Frank, & Dusty crept on stage and set things off with "Gimme All Your Lovin'". I was amazed how tight these guys were, and not just the music. Every movement from Dusty and Billy seemed to be in perfect unison; every wag of the beard, every sidestep, every heel to toe. It was beautiful. And now I realize why the hot rod has been a symbol for the Top all these years; cause seeing them live is like getting run over by one; the thunderous bass and drums, the metallic twang of Gibbon's guitar. It's just balls out rock 'n' roll.
So basically, by the time they were into "Got Me Under Pressure", I have no face...and tire marks all over me. Then a chill blew down my spine as I heard them open up into a favorite of mine, "Jesus Just Left Chicago". A few songs later, I've managed to compose myself a bit when I notice a roadie bringing out Billy's gold top Les Paul. Before I know it, I'm on my ass again as they launch into "Just Got Paid". After a little blues trip with "I Need You Tonight", the stage lights went out. Upon illumination, Dusty and Billy were now rocking their trademark fur axes for a little "Cheap Sunglasses".
They closed it out with "Sharp Dressed Man", "Legs", and then an encore of "Tube Snake Boogie", "La Grange", and "Tush".
I don't think it's possible to be any cooler than those guys. Such attitude and style on stage...and they make performing seem so effortless. Defintely a trio of BAMFs.
Now how am I gonna deal with this monstrosity of a face I've just grown back?....maybe a nice beard and some cheap sunglasses would do the trick.
SETLIST...as I remember:
Gimme All Your Lovin, Got Me Under Pressure, Waitin for the Bus, Jesus Just Left Chicago, Chevrolet, Pincushion, I'm Bad I'm Nationwide, Heard It On The X, Just Got Paid, I Need You Tonight, Cheap Sunglasses, Planet of Women, Sharp Dressed Man, Legs, Tube Snake Boogie, La Grange, Tush
Comments (16)
Blues masters, all. I just love those guys. Too bad their newer stuff wasn't featured more heavily, because it stands with anything else they've done.
haw haw haw
groovy post mang
ah the rawk does it AGAIN
I saw the Top last year live. I absolutely love the band and own all of their releases. But I'm disappointed in the way their concerts have become oldies-only. They have produced some great music since their 80s popularity heyday, but you wouldn't know it to listen to them live. Oh well. The financial reality of touring.
you know i've got to comment on a ZZ Top post lol. sounds like a killer show, as one would expect. you're right about how tight they are on stage; i was suprised about that as well. a great analogy with the hot rod comparision.
dermahrk: i was suprised a bit that they seemed to just be rolling out the hits as well
but as it was my first and perhaps only time i'd see them...i didn't mind too much....i love the hits
i really do need to listen to more of their stuff from the more recent years though
zz: i'd expect no less from ya :)
I must see them. MUST. They're touring with Brooks & Dunn, coming through Cville....might just have to suck it up and go to a country show :)
I'm so glad it was as good as I expected it would be...wonderful review.
lemme know....i'd see em again
and you might even get Ian to come out of "concert retirement" for them hahah
and might i add....
a boot skooting boooogiiiie
It's a Sunday in September I do believe...I'd really like to make it crappen. With enough liquid encouragement, I may even enjoy Brooks & Dunn. Out of the popular country acts, they're one of the more tolerable to me.
*shudder* I can't stand that "poop chute boogie" song. Of course, those are my alternate lyrics. No, give me Johnny Cash - his stuff is the only Country I really like. But Country folks are good to work with on shows...
Saw these guys at my state fair of all places a few years back, such an incredible live show. A must see if you want my opinion
Scotch: poop chute boogie....well done sir, well done
I can dig on a lot of classic country now, but it all started with Cash...he's the country gateway drug
Kat: yeah i can handle the B&D for some ZZ....definitely will require some liquid joy though
Thank you, thank you, I'll be here all week.
Cash: the country gateway drug. hahaha! See, if Cash was my gateway drug, I'd already be hooked; I live on the Country Music Highway http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Country_Music_Highway, and I've worked with so many Country acts over the years, if I was going to be broken of my distaste for Country in general, I would have been by now.
thrilled to hear they rocked off your face - though you gots a cute visage especially when rockin my favorite lounge lizzard act !!!
Thanks for the review! RAWKing time, eh? I LOVE those guitars....
Sounds kick ass! Good for you!
It's cool to hear you mention Solomon's Island, went waterskiing on the surrounding blue. My brother lived right on the water there. : )