Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Roadhouse stage
We are second row.
Bobby Z kids in front row.
Think Black Keys are here.
Ser similar to chrome bbq box set. Killer stage.
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Bobby Z kids in front row.
Think Black Keys are here.
Ser similar to chrome bbq box set. Killer stage.
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Questionzz for the band
We have already drafted our questions for the band, but if anyone else has a good one, please e-mail it to us ASAP (ie before 4:00 Chicago time!) at:
zztopeurope2007@yahoo.com
We will post our list of questions (even if none of them are answered) after the show.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Storytellers updates and another rumor...
Hey everyone, tomorrow night is shaping up to be a great show. The fun thing is that no one knows exactly what they are going to do, but the production people are telling us to arrive no later than 5:30 and be prepared to stay until 9:30.
Will they do any new songs? Will there be any guest stars? Will they dust off any oldies but goodies that they haven't played in 10, 15, or even 20 years? Tune in to Storytellers (and here, too;) to find out!
You won't see any photos or video from this show but we will try to do a little live blogging. We won't be blogging every song because we want to enjoy this very special show but we will try to send one or two updates and promise you the first post-show update on the web.
We did stop by the Congress Theater today and they have a bunch of MTV trucks parked there along with ZZ's truck and a couple of portabel generators. Still seem to be setting everything up so maybe the Boyzz aren't even here yet? When was the last time MTV was involved at all in anything the band did...I know technically this is VH-1 but it is all pretty exciting.
In other news...we have heard from two different people rumors that ZZ may occupy one of the two remaining open headlining slots at Rocklahoma. Not sure if this is solo or in conjunction with Aerosmith or what, and I wouldn't qualify this as a strong rumor, but it's out there.
Will they do any new songs? Will there be any guest stars? Will they dust off any oldies but goodies that they haven't played in 10, 15, or even 20 years? Tune in to Storytellers (and here, too;) to find out!
You won't see any photos or video from this show but we will try to do a little live blogging. We won't be blogging every song because we want to enjoy this very special show but we will try to send one or two updates and promise you the first post-show update on the web.
We did stop by the Congress Theater today and they have a bunch of MTV trucks parked there along with ZZ's truck and a couple of portabel generators. Still seem to be setting everything up so maybe the Boyzz aren't even here yet? When was the last time MTV was involved at all in anything the band did...I know technically this is VH-1 but it is all pretty exciting.
In other news...we have heard from two different people rumors that ZZ may occupy one of the two remaining open headlining slots at Rocklahoma. Not sure if this is solo or in conjunction with Aerosmith or what, and I wouldn't qualify this as a strong rumor, but it's out there.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Storytellers Approaches!
Hey everyone;
The VH-1 Storytellers show with ZZ Top is scheduled for taping on March 31 at the Congress Theater right here in Chicago. We will be there with a few of our rowdy friends and we'll be sure to let you know how it goes.
Supposedly there will be a lot of opportunities for band-fan interaction, so this could be very interesting. Be sure to watch this program on VH-1 when it eventually airs.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Billy switches back...
To the gold flake with the beer sticker on the back for
Gimme all your Lovin'
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Gimme all your Lovin'
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Show over
With tush at 7:00, 1 hour no encore just like 2007.
Band driven away in black SUV.
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Band driven away in black SUV.
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Next three songs
Get Rhythm
I'm Moving On
both with Elwood on steel guitar.
Billy then switches out the gold-flake guitar for anotheryellowsih guitar. Not the gold Pearly...looks almost like a Gibson Flying V? Maybe another Gretsch? Don't know my guitars...used on:
Just Got Paid
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I'm Moving On
both with Elwood on steel guitar.
Billy then switches out the gold-flake guitar for anotheryellowsih guitar. Not the gold Pearly...looks almost like a Gibson Flying V? Maybe another Gretsch? Don't know my guitars...used on:
Just Got Paid
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Boyzz are using the gold-flake
Guitars and weariing black outfits with rhinestones and flames on them.
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Reception is poor...
...Inside Reliant so you may not hear from me again until tonight.
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Elwood is in the House!
We took a peek at the stage and the steel guitar is set up again so it looks like we may see Get Rhythm and I'm Moving On again.
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We are at the Rodeo
Having a blast as always. The actual Rodeo starts at 3:45, ZZ will probably go on between 6:00 and 7:00. We will live-blog the show again, but if it is the same set as Billy Bob's we will not do the whole show.
Check back later.
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Check back later.
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Full Review of Billy Bob's Show
Here’s a complete report from the now-legendary Billy Bob’s show on Thursday night.
Prior to the show at the sound check, I noticed that they had both drum kits on stage (Frank’s and Billy Bob Thornton’s -- hereafter BBT-- drummer’s kit) at the same time, which is a strange way to do a sound check.
ZZ went on first. Before their set, I noticed there was something set up stage left which looked like a keyboard (but turned out to be a steel guitar--hey, it was dark and the stage was raised!) so I knew something special was about to happen.
The band started at about 9:35 playing with a sparse stage setup in front of the iconic Billy Bob’s Texas-shaped sign. Things started out normally with Under Pressure. Dusty’s vocals almost could not be heard but that technical problem was solved quickly. The outfits and guitars (with one exception--wait for this) were pretty much what they have been using the last year or two. The crowd was into it and the place was starting to heat up. Billy told us they were here opening for BBT because they were friends with BBT and that if he let them stick around all night there would be something special at the end.
After a few more of the usual tunes Elwood Francis walks out wearing the same outfit he had on when he played with them at the Houston Rodeo in 2007. (Sammy Sanchez was also at this show, although he seemed to be working with BBT’s band and not Billy. So I’m not sure if Billy has two techs now or what. Elwood brought Billy’s guitars out all night.) Anyway, back to the point. Billy says that since they’re playing at Billy Bob’s they have to pay tribute to that heritage, and they start into a Johnny Cash song with Elwood on steel guitar. Billy sang (usually Dusty sings the Cash songs) and I must say this song sounded really great. Then Billy says how about some Hank Snow?
How about some what? At this point I have no idea what they’re doing, but with Elwood still on steel guitar they rip through a great cover of “I’m Moving On.” One cool thing when they do these covers is that you get to learn a lot about their influences. The rest of the set was pretty standard, Pincushion, Foxy Lady, the usual.
I did a double-take when they did Legs, though--the old fuzzy Gibson guitars are gone! They have been replaced by some sort of box-shaped furry guitars, think one of Bo Diddley’s guitars covered in fur. (I wasn’t close enough to see what these guitars actually were, but that’s what they looked like.)
So the set ends and a while later BBT’s set begins with BBT on vocals. He talks about ZZ quite a bit, explains that he has known Frank for many years, since he was drummer in a ZZ tribute band called Tres Hombres. BBT also says that just because ZZ’s set was over doesn’t mean they’re not coming back out!
A bit before 1:00 BBT finishes his set on goes offstage. The crowd is chanting “ZZ Top, ZZ Top” and people are standing on the tables. Then something really cool happens: the crew moves the BBT drums over a bit and wheels Frank’s skull kit back onstage! The crowd is going nuts and there are now two drums kits on stage. BBT comes back out and sits behind his band’s drums and Frank walks out and hops behind his kit. They both start jamming on the drums and the entire BBT band comes back out and they jam for more than 10 minutes on two separate songs. Frank is really killing it, sometimes it looks like he is bored back there but tonight he really seemed to be having a great time, smiling and laughing and enjoying himself.
Finally, BBT’s band leave and the crowd is going nuts. Billy and Dusty come back, Frank leaves his kit to sit next to BBT, and the band rips into “I Thank You” with Billy Bob Thornton playing drums.
You don’t see that at every show!
They sounded killer again, and it was all over. I assume (although you never know) that these weird songs will be in the Rodeo set but we’ll have to wait and see.
I think this is the most fun I’ve ever seen the band have, it was really an incredible experience. I know Billy plays with other acts all the time but I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Frank playing drums for another band---that may be a first? And other than the time Texas Gov. Rick Perry played with them (and the short time where Frank was sick in Europe) I’m not sure when they have ever played with another drummer?
I have some video of the “good stuff” up at my blog and will try to add a few more/photos later. Out all of the shows I have ever seen them play (lost track at this point) this was perhaps the greatest of them all.
Looking forward to Sunday’s show and to Storytellers (can that top this show?) in Chicago on March 31!
Ken Wysocki
Chicago
Prior to the show at the sound check, I noticed that they had both drum kits on stage (Frank’s and Billy Bob Thornton’s -- hereafter BBT-- drummer’s kit) at the same time, which is a strange way to do a sound check.
ZZ went on first. Before their set, I noticed there was something set up stage left which looked like a keyboard (but turned out to be a steel guitar--hey, it was dark and the stage was raised!) so I knew something special was about to happen.
The band started at about 9:35 playing with a sparse stage setup in front of the iconic Billy Bob’s Texas-shaped sign. Things started out normally with Under Pressure. Dusty’s vocals almost could not be heard but that technical problem was solved quickly. The outfits and guitars (with one exception--wait for this) were pretty much what they have been using the last year or two. The crowd was into it and the place was starting to heat up. Billy told us they were here opening for BBT because they were friends with BBT and that if he let them stick around all night there would be something special at the end.
After a few more of the usual tunes Elwood Francis walks out wearing the same outfit he had on when he played with them at the Houston Rodeo in 2007. (Sammy Sanchez was also at this show, although he seemed to be working with BBT’s band and not Billy. So I’m not sure if Billy has two techs now or what. Elwood brought Billy’s guitars out all night.) Anyway, back to the point. Billy says that since they’re playing at Billy Bob’s they have to pay tribute to that heritage, and they start into a Johnny Cash song with Elwood on steel guitar. Billy sang (usually Dusty sings the Cash songs) and I must say this song sounded really great. Then Billy says how about some Hank Snow?
How about some what? At this point I have no idea what they’re doing, but with Elwood still on steel guitar they rip through a great cover of “I’m Moving On.” One cool thing when they do these covers is that you get to learn a lot about their influences. The rest of the set was pretty standard, Pincushion, Foxy Lady, the usual.
I did a double-take when they did Legs, though--the old fuzzy Gibson guitars are gone! They have been replaced by some sort of box-shaped furry guitars, think one of Bo Diddley’s guitars covered in fur. (I wasn’t close enough to see what these guitars actually were, but that’s what they looked like.)
So the set ends and a while later BBT’s set begins with BBT on vocals. He talks about ZZ quite a bit, explains that he has known Frank for many years, since he was drummer in a ZZ tribute band called Tres Hombres. BBT also says that just because ZZ’s set was over doesn’t mean they’re not coming back out!
A bit before 1:00 BBT finishes his set on goes offstage. The crowd is chanting “ZZ Top, ZZ Top” and people are standing on the tables. Then something really cool happens: the crew moves the BBT drums over a bit and wheels Frank’s skull kit back onstage! The crowd is going nuts and there are now two drums kits on stage. BBT comes back out and sits behind his band’s drums and Frank walks out and hops behind his kit. They both start jamming on the drums and the entire BBT band comes back out and they jam for more than 10 minutes on two separate songs. Frank is really killing it, sometimes it looks like he is bored back there but tonight he really seemed to be having a great time, smiling and laughing and enjoying himself.
Finally, BBT’s band leave and the crowd is going nuts. Billy and Dusty come back, Frank leaves his kit to sit next to BBT, and the band rips into “I Thank You” with Billy Bob Thornton playing drums.
You don’t see that at every show!
They sounded killer again, and it was all over. I assume (although you never know) that these weird songs will be in the Rodeo set but we’ll have to wait and see.
I think this is the most fun I’ve ever seen the band have, it was really an incredible experience. I know Billy plays with other acts all the time but I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Frank playing drums for another band---that may be a first? And other than the time Texas Gov. Rick Perry played with them (and the short time where Frank was sick in Europe) I’m not sure when they have ever played with another drummer?
I have some video of the “good stuff” up at my blog and will try to add a few more/photos later. Out all of the shows I have ever seen them play (lost track at this point) this was perhaps the greatest of them all.
Looking forward to Sunday’s show and to Storytellers (can that top this show?) in Chicago on March 31!
Ken Wysocki
Chicago
Friday, March 20, 2009
I Thank You!
Thanks to everyone who was reading during the live-blogging last night. It was kind of a silly idea, but at least there was some drama and quite a few surprises!
We will try to do the same for the Rodeo show on Sunday but we probably won't do every song unless they throw in something different.
In the meantime, here are some of the gems from last night:
We will try to do the same for the Rodeo show on Sunday but we probably won't do every song unless they throw in something different.
In the meantime, here are some of the gems from last night:
BBT ended his main set
Without an encore. His drums are being moved and Frank's are coming back out! Two drummer attack!
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Fun fact:
BBT's bass player is Chuck Garric, who has played with LA Guns, Dio, and most recently Alice Cooper.
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Thursday, March 19, 2009
BBT
Is explaining how they got ZZ to open for them and says ZZ will be back out later.
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Sammy is
Still helping BBT's band.
Dusty is now hanging out on the side of the stage.
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Dusty is now hanging out on the side of the stage.
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Sammy Sanchez is still
Tuning guitars. So either he is working for BBT or ZZ will be back to do something???
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Drunk girl spilled whole bottle
Of beer on cool guy's camera. Yikes!
LaGrange
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LaGrange
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Billy says
Stick around to the end of the night for something special.
Switches from Beer Billy-Bo to Gold Pearly-next song Paid.
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Switches from Beer Billy-Bo to Gold Pearly-next song Paid.
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Elwood killed those two songs...
...I just don't know what they were!
Next song: Two Trains
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Next song: Two Trains
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Billy says no rulesb tonight
Then says two rules
1 no drinking during Gospel songs
2 no gospel songs!
Next song: Sunglasses.
Think what in the dark looked like keyboards is actually a steel guitar? Wait and see!
That was Zakk Wylde.
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1 no drinking during Gospel songs
2 no gospel songs!
Next song: Sunglasses.
Think what in the dark looked like keyboards is actually a steel guitar? Wait and see!
That was Zakk Wylde.
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Third song:
Jesus (of course!)
Thought I just saw Zakk Wylde here? Didn't get a good look.
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Thought I just saw Zakk Wylde here? Didn't get a good look.
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Does Billy have 2 techs?
Looks like Elwood and Sammy are both here?
Keys are still on stage!!!
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Keys are still on stage!!!
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The wait is killing me...
...Sitting next to a cool guy with a homemade ZZ Top tattoo, wearing an El Loco shirt...on the back it says its from (their last) show at Billy Bob's in 1981!
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Stage setup
I noticed during soundcheck that there were two drum sets and a keyboard set up on stage. I assumed that was because of how they were doing the soundcheck. But the keyboard is still on stage, uncovered. Why would they leave that out uncovered prior to ZZ'z set? Hmmmm.
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We're in the venue...
...But the reserved seating area hasn't opened up yet.
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A few photos...
...from the set-up/sound check at Billy Bob's. They haven't played a place like this in a *long* time.
We have arrived at the venue...
...According to the box office BB headlines, ZZ goes on at 9:30.
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First update from Tejas
According to local radio, ZZ is actually opening for Billy Bob T tonight. So maybe they won't even be performing a full set?
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Rumor: ZZ Top to tour with Aerosmith
Wow, there are so many rumors floating around right now it is amazing.
Supposedly there is a chance that ZZ Top will be touring with Aerosmith this summer after they return from Europe. No confirmation yet but that would be a killer bill.
Supposedly there is a chance that ZZ Top will be touring with Aerosmith this summer after they return from Europe. No confirmation yet but that would be a killer bill.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
We're in for Storytellers!
Hey, just found out that we got tickets to Storytellers, so if you entered that contest, stay by the phone! They said they will be sending out e-mails with further info soon. It sounds like you will be able to ask the band questions.
Let us know if you have had luck getting tickets!
Now, we are headed to the airport to go to Dallas for the Billy Bob's shoiw.
Stay tuned for more!!!
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Let us know if you have had luck getting tickets!
Now, we are headed to the airport to go to Dallas for the Billy Bob's shoiw.
Stay tuned for more!!!
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Monday, March 16, 2009
We will be live-blogging from the Billy Bob's and Rodeo shows...
...and this is just a test to make sure the setup works.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Breaking newzz-- ZZ Top to play at legendary honky-tonk Billy Bob's next Thursday March 16!
We don't know where this show came from but we assume it is a warm-up for the Rodeo and the Storytellers show. We are trying to to Ft. Worth for the show but that might not be possible.
More info here.
More info here.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
ZZ Top Storytellers--March 31 at the Congress Theater in Chicago!
The title says it all!!!
Can we get a....
....maybe...
...just possibly...
...can we get a...
HELL YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can we get a....
....maybe...
...just possibly...
...can we get a...
HELL YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Journey and Electric Boys added to Sweden Rock Festival!
The Sweden Rock Festival (SRF) has added a few new artists in the last week. First it was local heroes Electric Boys. Not gonna see them touring the States any time soon. Today, new additions to the lineup include Journey, U.F.O., Tyketto, and Tank. Nice.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Tora Tora show March 7, 2009 in Memphis
Hey, we probably should have mentioned this earlier, but one of our favortie bands of all-time, Tora Tora, is playing a show this weekend. They kicked ass at Rocklahoma last year (check out our videos on YouTube) and I'm sure they'll kick ass this weekend as well.
With a band like this, youi never know if you'll get to see them again, so if you're in the central part of the U.S. drag yourself down to Beale Street in Memphis and check out the show.
Here's the info from their MySpace:
They're going back to where it all began 20 years ago...
Saturday, March 7, 2009--
Tora Tora at the New Daisy!
New Daisy Theater
330 Beale Street
Memphis, TN 38103
With Special Guests:
StiffKitty
www.myspace.com/memphisstiffkitty
Tickets go on sale Friday, January 9, and will be available online through the New Daisy website. The website will also give a list of other stores where tickets can be purchased.
So, spread the word, and we hope to see everyone at the Daisy!
With a band like this, youi never know if you'll get to see them again, so if you're in the central part of the U.S. drag yourself down to Beale Street in Memphis and check out the show.
Here's the info from their MySpace:
They're going back to where it all began 20 years ago...
Saturday, March 7, 2009--
Tora Tora at the New Daisy!
New Daisy Theater
330 Beale Street
Memphis, TN 38103
With Special Guests:
StiffKitty
www.myspace.com/memphisstiffkitty
Tickets go on sale Friday, January 9, and will be available online through the New Daisy website. The website will also give a list of other stores where tickets can be purchased.
So, spread the word, and we hope to see everyone at the Daisy!
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