"Bones" fans will surely recall that "Angela Montenegro" was not the birth name of the character played by actress Michaela Conlin. The origin of her true full birth name was one of the show's longest-running mysteries, and showrunner Hart Hanson and the "Bones" writers held onto that secret until the 10th season's 21st episode, "The Life in the Light," where it was revealed that "Angela" was actually born with a far more ... unusual name: Pookie Noodlin Pearly-Gates Gibbons.
That delightfully unconventional name makes a little more sense when you remember that Billy F. Gibbons, the guitarist and lead singer of rock band Zz Top, played Angela's father on the show, and he was essentially playing a heightened version of himself. But the writers took things a step further and embedded a hidden reference into the relationship between Gibbons and Angela that only hardcore Zz Top fans would know.
The "Pearly Gates...
That delightfully unconventional name makes a little more sense when you remember that Billy F. Gibbons, the guitarist and lead singer of rock band Zz Top, played Angela's father on the show, and he was essentially playing a heightened version of himself. But the writers took things a step further and embedded a hidden reference into the relationship between Gibbons and Angela that only hardcore Zz Top fans would know.
The "Pearly Gates...
- 1/21/2024
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
Zz Top covered Elvis Presley‘s “Viva Las Vegas” in the 1990s. One of the versions was a much bigger hit than the other. Despite this, the less popular version of the song might have had a greater impact on the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll‘s image.
Elvis Presley’s ‘Viva Las Vegas’ and Zz Top’s cover both appeared on hit albums
Elvis introduced “Viva Las Vegas” to the world in his musical film of the same name. The track was designed to promote the film, but, more than anything, it promotes the idea of Las Vegas. It captures the vivacious and eclectic spirit of the city more than any other song. Despite that, it wasn’t huge upon its release in 1964.
Elvis’ “Viva Las Vegas” became a modest hit. It reached No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100, staying on the chart for a total of seven weeks. The...
Elvis Presley’s ‘Viva Las Vegas’ and Zz Top’s cover both appeared on hit albums
Elvis introduced “Viva Las Vegas” to the world in his musical film of the same name. The track was designed to promote the film, but, more than anything, it promotes the idea of Las Vegas. It captures the vivacious and eclectic spirit of the city more than any other song. Despite that, it wasn’t huge upon its release in 1964.
Elvis’ “Viva Las Vegas” became a modest hit. It reached No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100, staying on the chart for a total of seven weeks. The...
- 8/14/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
If you thought the death of Gary Rossington, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s sole surviving original member, last Sunday would bring the Southern rock band’s 52-year career to a close, you only had to be at the Plant City Strawberry Festival in Florida Sunday night. Lynyrd Skynyrd took the stage a week after their founding guitarist’s death at 71 to play all the hits, from “What’s Your Name” and “Gimme Three Steps” to the one-two show-closing punch of “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird.”
But the group also paid tribute...
But the group also paid tribute...
- 3/13/2023
- by Joseph Hudak
- Rollingstone.com
After the Black Keys wrapped up Dropout Boogie, their forthcoming 11th record, something unlikely happened. “Dan [Auerbach] called me and said, ‘It’s really good,’ which is unusual for him,” says drummer Patrick Carney from his Nashville home. “I don’t think he’s ever called and said that. He doesn’t go back and listen to his stuff.” Auerbach agrees: “Pat’s always the one who says, after each record, ‘This is the best record we’ve ever done.’ Literally. Every single one. I listened to it again for the...
- 3/10/2022
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
Zz Top have sold their publishing catalogue and the rights to their music royalties to BMG and the investment firm Kkr.
Financial terms for the deal were not disclosed, but Zz Top likely fetched a multimillion dollar sum as the goldrush for legacy act catalogs continues. The deal covers all the “music interests” of Zz Top, including their publishing rights and any income from recorded music royalties and performance royalties (BMG had previously served as the co-publisher and administrator of Zz Top’s publishing catalog.)
“We are proud to continue...
Financial terms for the deal were not disclosed, but Zz Top likely fetched a multimillion dollar sum as the goldrush for legacy act catalogs continues. The deal covers all the “music interests” of Zz Top, including their publishing rights and any income from recorded music royalties and performance royalties (BMG had previously served as the co-publisher and administrator of Zz Top’s publishing catalog.)
“We are proud to continue...
- 12/21/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
One of the biggest all-star lineups ever will celebrate the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees this weekend. The ceremony filmed October 30 in Cleveland, Ohio, and now airs this Saturday, November 20, on HBO and HBO Max.
The event clocking in at 3 hour and16 minutes honors Foo Fighters, The Go-Go’s, Jay-Z, Carole King, Todd Rundgren and Tina Turner in the performer category. Kraftwerk, Charley Patton and Gil Scott-Heron were chosen for early influence induction. LL Cool J, Billy Preston and Randy Rhoads were honored in the musical excellence category. Clarence Avant received the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
King had been previously inducted as a songwriter. Turner is now a solo artist inductee after going in with Ike Turner the first time around.
SEEThe Go-Go’s, Foo Fighters, Tina Turner, Jay-Z among 16 artists eligible for 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
While the order of inductions was different during filming, here...
The event clocking in at 3 hour and16 minutes honors Foo Fighters, The Go-Go’s, Jay-Z, Carole King, Todd Rundgren and Tina Turner in the performer category. Kraftwerk, Charley Patton and Gil Scott-Heron were chosen for early influence induction. LL Cool J, Billy Preston and Randy Rhoads were honored in the musical excellence category. Clarence Avant received the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
King had been previously inducted as a songwriter. Turner is now a solo artist inductee after going in with Ike Turner the first time around.
SEEThe Go-Go’s, Foo Fighters, Tina Turner, Jay-Z among 16 artists eligible for 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
While the order of inductions was different during filming, here...
- 11/19/2021
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Our special In Memoriam photo gallery honoring the greats that have gone in 2021 has added another celebrated name. Five-time Emmy nominee Michael K. Williams, who is favored to win at the Emmy Awards later this month for “Lovecraft Country,” has died at age 54. You can also watch his recent acceptance speech when he won the 2021 Gold Derby TV Award.
Tour our gallery above featuring 26 celebrities from the entertainment worlds of music, film, television and Broadway. Here is a brief glance at some of those people being featured.
Michael Kenneth Williams died at age 54 on September 6. He was a four-time acting nominee at the Emmys for “Bessie,” “The Night Of,” “When They See Us” and “Lovecraft Country,” plus a producing nominee for “Vice.” He was well known for his TV role in “The Wire” and had film success in “Inherent Vice,” “12 Years a Slave,” “Gone Baby Gone” and “The Road.
Tour our gallery above featuring 26 celebrities from the entertainment worlds of music, film, television and Broadway. Here is a brief glance at some of those people being featured.
Michael Kenneth Williams died at age 54 on September 6. He was a four-time acting nominee at the Emmys for “Bessie,” “The Night Of,” “When They See Us” and “Lovecraft Country,” plus a producing nominee for “Vice.” He was well known for his TV role in “The Wire” and had film success in “Inherent Vice,” “12 Years a Slave,” “Gone Baby Gone” and “The Road.
- 9/7/2021
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Charlie Worsham was onstage earlier this summer with the Cadillac Three, leading the country-rock longhairs through Zz Top’s “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide,” when he looked out at the audience and had a revelation. “It was a lesson in letting the path be the path and in finding your crowd,” says Worsham, who was joining the Cadillac Three for a few days on the road to write songs. “They’ve got their crowd and it was really cool to see that connection.”
The Mississippi native has spent the...
The Mississippi native has spent the...
- 8/30/2021
- by Joseph Hudak
- Rollingstone.com
This November marks the 50th anniversary of Billy Joel’s debut Cold Spring Harbor. To celebrate, Columbia Records/Legacy Recordings is releasing the new box set The Vinyl Collection, Vol 1.
The collection will highlight Joel’s Seventies albums — the first six of his career — from Cold Spring to 1978’s 52nd Street. In addition to the six LPs, the unreleased Live at the Great American Music Hall – 1975 will be included, recorded in San Francisco in June of that year. The live album is exclusive to the box set and will not be available digitally.
The collection will highlight Joel’s Seventies albums — the first six of his career — from Cold Spring to 1978’s 52nd Street. In addition to the six LPs, the unreleased Live at the Great American Music Hall – 1975 will be included, recorded in San Francisco in June of that year. The live album is exclusive to the box set and will not be available digitally.
- 8/26/2021
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
Billy Joel performed the Goo Goo Dolls’ hit “Iris” alongside singer John Rzeznick during Saturday night concert at Highmark Stadium near Buffalo, New York, the birthplace of the Goo Goo Dolls.
“Welcome to my hometown,” Rzeznick told Joel before the band launched into the 1998 hit, with Joel accompanying the lengthy rendition on piano.
Like Joel’s previous concert at Boston’s Fenway Park earlier this month — his first Covid-era concert — the singer used his “River of Dreams” as a vessel to pay tribute to Zz Top’s Dusty Hill, once...
“Welcome to my hometown,” Rzeznick told Joel before the band launched into the 1998 hit, with Joel accompanying the lengthy rendition on piano.
Like Joel’s previous concert at Boston’s Fenway Park earlier this month — his first Covid-era concert — the singer used his “River of Dreams” as a vessel to pay tribute to Zz Top’s Dusty Hill, once...
- 8/15/2021
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Billy Joel played his first show since the start of the pandemic at Boston’s Fenway Park on Wednesday night. It was a rain-soaked evening, but the capacity crowd didn’t seem to mind and they stayed throughout the entire 26-song set, which featured the usual hits along with lesser-known songs like “And So It Goes” and “A Room of Their Own.”
Joel also played “River of Dreams,” which included an extended segment of “Tush” by Zz Top as a tribute to the late Dusty Hill. The song was a...
Joel also played “River of Dreams,” which included an extended segment of “Tush” by Zz Top as a tribute to the late Dusty Hill. The song was a...
- 8/5/2021
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Drake easily held off a challenge from the Kid Laroi to remain Number One on the Rolling Stone Artists 500 chart.
Drake notched his third straight week at Number One with 117.9 million song streams for the week of July 23rd through the 29th. He also extended his record of non-consecutive weeks at Number One on the chart to 28.
The Kid Laroi, meanwhile, jumped all the way from Number 33 with 39.1 million song streams to Number Two with 92.8 million song streams. The Australian artist’s track with Justin Bieber, “Stay,” scored another week atop the Top 100 Songs chart,...
Drake notched his third straight week at Number One with 117.9 million song streams for the week of July 23rd through the 29th. He also extended his record of non-consecutive weeks at Number One on the chart to 28.
The Kid Laroi, meanwhile, jumped all the way from Number 33 with 39.1 million song streams to Number Two with 92.8 million song streams. The Australian artist’s track with Justin Bieber, “Stay,” scored another week atop the Top 100 Songs chart,...
- 8/3/2021
- by RS Charts
- Rollingstone.com
Charleen McCrory, the widow of Zz Top bassist Dusty Hill, has spoken publicly for the first time following her husband’s unexpected death last week.
In a message posted to the Zz Top Facebook page on Monday, McCrory thanked Hill’s “colleagues and friends for the overwhelming outpouring of love for the Dust. It makes me hopeful he will not be forgotten.”
“He was the kindest, most gentle and caring man a woman could ever hope to find in a lifetime,” she wrote. “Many don’t believe in fairy tale...
In a message posted to the Zz Top Facebook page on Monday, McCrory thanked Hill’s “colleagues and friends for the overwhelming outpouring of love for the Dust. It makes me hopeful he will not be forgotten.”
“He was the kindest, most gentle and caring man a woman could ever hope to find in a lifetime,” she wrote. “Many don’t believe in fairy tale...
- 8/3/2021
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
The music industry and the world at large lost a big name just recently as Dusty Hill of Zz Top passed away in his sleep. The 72-year-old bassist for the band led what many would call an extraordinary life and along with the band had legions of fans that upon hearing his death took to the internet to share memories and condolences with anyone who would listen. It’s not as easy for many to accept his passing, but being in his 70s it can be said that he had a long, full life. Zz Top has been a mainstay of
Remembering Dusty Hill: Zz Top Bassist Dies at 72...
Remembering Dusty Hill: Zz Top Bassist Dies at 72...
- 7/31/2021
- by Tom Foster
- TVovermind.com
Zz Top played their first concert since the death of bassist Dusty Hill on Friday in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
While guitarist Billy Gibbons didn’t speak at length about his late bandmate, he acknowledged the bassist a few times during the show, as well as Hill’s desire for the band to continue on without him.
“We’re gonna have a good time in here tonight,” Gibbons told the audience following the opener “Got Me Under Pressure.” “Got a new guy up here, as you know. Dusty gave me the directive.
While guitarist Billy Gibbons didn’t speak at length about his late bandmate, he acknowledged the bassist a few times during the show, as well as Hill’s desire for the band to continue on without him.
“We’re gonna have a good time in here tonight,” Gibbons told the audience following the opener “Got Me Under Pressure.” “Got a new guy up here, as you know. Dusty gave me the directive.
- 7/31/2021
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Zz Top’s long-time bassist, Dusty Hill, has died at 72. Hill, Frank Beard and Billy Gibbons co-founded the rock band in 1969. The band confirmed Hill’s death on Tuesday through a statement that read, “We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in […]
The post Dusty Hill, Zz Top’s Iconic Bassist, Dies At 72 appeared first on uInterview.
The post Dusty Hill, Zz Top’s Iconic Bassist, Dies At 72 appeared first on uInterview.
- 7/29/2021
- by Alexandra Llorca
- Uinterview
The news of Dusty Hill’s death, announced Wednesday by his bandmates in Zz Top, deeply impacted everyone from fans to fellow musicians. Not surprisingly, that list includes Dan Auerbach. It’s easy to draw a straight line from Zz Top to the Black Keys, especially from the rawness of the group’s first few albums to the Keys’ earliest, equally stripped-down takes on the blues. “They were a blues band with their own sound,” Auerbach says, “and that’s hard to do.”
But the connection between the two bands ran deep.
But the connection between the two bands ran deep.
- 7/29/2021
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
The world is mourning today for the late, great Dusty Hill of Zz Top, who died Tuesday. He was a beer drinker, hell-raiser, sharp-dressed broom duster, and bassist in the same trio for more than 50 years. But Dusty was more than just a legendary bluesman — he and Zz Top helped define music videos in the early Eighties, conquering MTV with their Eliminator Trilogy. The little ol’ band from Tejas, the most proudly unfashionable rockers around, became MTV’s unlikeliest superstars ever. And they did it without cleaning up their look: beards,...
- 7/29/2021
- by Rob Sheffield
- Rollingstone.com
The tragic news of Dusty Hill’s death is still reverberating around the rock community. “What an icon,” Paul Stanley wrote on Twitter. “Always a gentleman from the days of us opening for them through the recent days of them opening for us. I don’t know what to say but ‘Thank you’ and ‘Rest however you damn well choose!'”
“Met him just once,” Billy Corgan wrote, “and he couldn’t have been more kind or supportive.”
Hill had been enduring shoulder and hip issues for the past few years,...
“Met him just once,” Billy Corgan wrote, “and he couldn’t have been more kind or supportive.”
Hill had been enduring shoulder and hip issues for the past few years,...
- 7/29/2021
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Following news of the death of Zz Top bassist Dusty Hill at the age of 72, we look back at the Texas blues-rock legends’ 2004 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
For their first performance as Rock Hall inductees, both bearded members of Zz Top were able to showcase their vocal talents: Gibbons kicked off the set with a blistering rendition of “La Grange” before Hill took centerstage to lead a celebratory version of their 1975 hit single “Tush.”
The Texas trio were welcomed into the Rock and Roll Hall...
For their first performance as Rock Hall inductees, both bearded members of Zz Top were able to showcase their vocal talents: Gibbons kicked off the set with a blistering rendition of “La Grange” before Hill took centerstage to lead a celebratory version of their 1975 hit single “Tush.”
The Texas trio were welcomed into the Rock and Roll Hall...
- 7/28/2021
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Even before they revved themselves up into synth-boosted MTV hitmakers in the Eighties, Zz Top were never an ordinary blues-rock band. After Cream and Jimi Hendrix warped electric blues into psychedelia, Zz Top pulled it back to the dusty ground of Texas, but they weren’t as straight-ahead as they seemed: The rhythm section of drummer Frank Beard and late bassist (and sometime vocalist) Dusty Hill could groove so uncannily hard that a song like “Jesus Just Left Chicago” could feel otherworldly — and then the interdimensional squall of Billy Gibbons’ lead guitar would arrive.
- 7/28/2021
- by David Browne, Kory Grow, Brian Hiatt, Joseph Hudak, Angie Martoccio and Simon Vozick-Levinson
- Rollingstone.com
Dusty Hill Remembered: MTV’s Martha Quinn, Flea, Texas Governor & More Pay Tribute To Zz Top Bassist
Refresh for updates… Zz Top bassist Dusty Hill is being remembered by friends, musical colleagues, and even the governor of Texas paying tribute.
“Rock and roll has been stopped in its tracks,” tweeted Martha Quinn, one of MTV’s original veejays whose tenure at the channel coincided with Zz Top’s music video heyday. “Dusty Hill, you will always be bad, nationwide and much missed.”
Hill’s death was announced today by bandmates Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard. The bassist was 72.
Said Kiss vocalist Paul Stanley, “Always a gentleman from the days of us opening for them through the recent days of them opening for us. I don’t know what to say but ‘Thank you’ and ‘Rest however you damn well choose!'”
Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea mourned the loss on Twitter while celebrating his unique talents. “Ahhhh man, I love Dusty Hill. A true rocker. What a straight jammer,...
“Rock and roll has been stopped in its tracks,” tweeted Martha Quinn, one of MTV’s original veejays whose tenure at the channel coincided with Zz Top’s music video heyday. “Dusty Hill, you will always be bad, nationwide and much missed.”
Hill’s death was announced today by bandmates Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard. The bassist was 72.
Said Kiss vocalist Paul Stanley, “Always a gentleman from the days of us opening for them through the recent days of them opening for us. I don’t know what to say but ‘Thank you’ and ‘Rest however you damn well choose!'”
Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea mourned the loss on Twitter while celebrating his unique talents. “Ahhhh man, I love Dusty Hill. A true rocker. What a straight jammer,...
- 7/28/2021
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
In 2002, RCA released the compilation album Sharp Dressed Men: A Tribute to Zz Top, an all-country salute to the Texas band’s influential and enduring work. The 15-song collection featured two generations of Williams (both Hank Jr. and Hank III recorded songs), Dwight Yoakam, Willie Nelson, Alan Jackson, and Brooks & Dunn, among others.
The album’s title track was recorded by a young and red-hot Brad Paisley, who’d released his Number One single “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song)” just a few months earlier. Paisley’s wicked...
The album’s title track was recorded by a young and red-hot Brad Paisley, who’d released his Number One single “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song)” just a few months earlier. Paisley’s wicked...
- 7/28/2021
- by Jon Freeman
- Rollingstone.com
Dusty Hill, the longtime bassist for rock band Zz Top, has died in his sleep at home in Houston. He was 72.
His death was announced today by bandmates Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard.
“We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX,” the two wrote on the band’s Instagram page. “We, along with legions of Zz Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the ‘Top’. We will forever be connected to that ‘Blues Shuffle in C.'” See the post below.
Hill had suffered a hip injury that prompted his departure from the band’s recent post-lockdown concerts. The shows are thought to be the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band’s first ever with him. It had booked...
His death was announced today by bandmates Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard.
“We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX,” the two wrote on the band’s Instagram page. “We, along with legions of Zz Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the ‘Top’. We will forever be connected to that ‘Blues Shuffle in C.'” See the post below.
Hill had suffered a hip injury that prompted his departure from the band’s recent post-lockdown concerts. The shows are thought to be the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band’s first ever with him. It had booked...
- 7/28/2021
- by Erik Pedersen and Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Zz Top bassist Dusty Hill, who played with the Texas blues-rock trio for over 50 years, died Tuesday at age 72. His rep confirmed the musician’s death, but said a cause of death was currently unknown.
“We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, Texas,” surviving members Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard said in a statement. “We, along with legions of Zz Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature, and enduring...
“We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, Texas,” surviving members Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard said in a statement. “We, along with legions of Zz Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature, and enduring...
- 7/28/2021
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Zz Top’s longtime bassist Dusty Hill has died, the band announced in a statement Wednesday. He was 72.
“We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston,” the group shared. “We, along with legions of Zz Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the ‘Top.’ We will forever be connected to that ‘Blues Shuffle in C.'”
“You will be greatly missed, amigo,” bandmates ...
“We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston,” the group shared. “We, along with legions of Zz Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the ‘Top.’ We will forever be connected to that ‘Blues Shuffle in C.'”
“You will be greatly missed, amigo,” bandmates ...
- 7/28/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Zz Top’s longtime bassist Dusty Hill has died, the band announced in a statement Wednesday. He was 72.
“We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston,” the group shared. “We, along with legions of Zz Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the ‘Top.’ We will forever be connected to that ‘Blues Shuffle in C.'”
“You will be greatly missed, amigo,” bandmates ...
“We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston,” the group shared. “We, along with legions of Zz Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the ‘Top.’ We will forever be connected to that ‘Blues Shuffle in C.'”
“You will be greatly missed, amigo,” bandmates ...
- 7/28/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Settling in to watch “Zz Top: That Little Ol’ Band From Texas,” you may have a burning question that applies to almost no other rock documentary, and that is: Who, exactly, are these guys? The ones behind the beards?
If you’re old enough, of course, you probably know that Zz Top started out, in 1969, as a trio of wild-and-woolly cowboy rockers who played their own brand of dirty amped-up tin-shack blues. When their first hit, the lascivious redneck boogie “La Grange,” was released in 1973, there had arguably never been a sonic blast that raw, rough, and nasty on the rock charts (though “Whole Lotta Love” and the opening riff of “Spirit in the Sky” paved the way for it). Zz Top didn’t sound like a “popular” band. They sounded like the kind of band you hear in a scuzzy Texas roadhouse, or maybe on a backwoods campus.
That said,...
If you’re old enough, of course, you probably know that Zz Top started out, in 1969, as a trio of wild-and-woolly cowboy rockers who played their own brand of dirty amped-up tin-shack blues. When their first hit, the lascivious redneck boogie “La Grange,” was released in 1973, there had arguably never been a sonic blast that raw, rough, and nasty on the rock charts (though “Whole Lotta Love” and the opening riff of “Spirit in the Sky” paved the way for it). Zz Top didn’t sound like a “popular” band. They sounded like the kind of band you hear in a scuzzy Texas roadhouse, or maybe on a backwoods campus.
That said,...
- 8/17/2019
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
Zz Top discuss how they brought their surreal spin on rock and roll and Texas culture to the mainstream in the new trailer for the documentary, Zz Top: That Little Ol’ Band From Texas. The film will premiere August 13th at the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, with a wider released planned for select cities later this fall.
Directed by Sam Dunn, That Little Ol’ Band From Texas will offer an in-depth overview of Zz Top’s career, examining how they went from an oddball blues rock trio in Houston, Texas...
Directed by Sam Dunn, That Little Ol’ Band From Texas will offer an in-depth overview of Zz Top’s career, examining how they went from an oddball blues rock trio in Houston, Texas...
- 7/24/2019
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
A new rock musical featuring the hits of Zz Top is in development. The Las Vegas-based Caesars Entertainment, led by Michael Gruber and Jason Gastwirth, are developing the show, titled Sharp Dressed Man, set to premiere in 2020. It will include Zz Top members Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard as executive producers.
“Sharp Dressed Man is an outrageous, bawdy musical romp about a Lone Star auto mechanic who becomes a modern-day Robin Hood, stealing hearts — and car parts — with the help of his merry band of beer drinkers and hell raisers,...
“Sharp Dressed Man is an outrageous, bawdy musical romp about a Lone Star auto mechanic who becomes a modern-day Robin Hood, stealing hearts — and car parts — with the help of his merry band of beer drinkers and hell raisers,...
- 5/21/2019
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
Just when you thought they couldn't get any hairier ... Zz Top's Dusty Hill switched things up in the band by playing a new instrument, but keeping the band's signature look. Dusty, who's still rehabbing a dislocated shoulder, had to trade his bass guitar for a keyboard during their summer tour and since Zz Top's hardly the grand piano types -- he enlisted Jimmy Shine's Workshop to build 2 badass custom rigs. Jimmy says he...
- 7/3/2016
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
17 years ago today, long before we knew the Force would have an awakening in 2015, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace brought new tales of a galaxy far, far away to the big screen for the first time since 1983’s Return of the Jedi. It was the beginning of a much-maligned prequel trilogy that would give us Jar Jar Binks, midi-chlorians, and a love story for Anakin Skywalker. (And some good things! Don’t forget podracing! And Darth Maul!) Ultimate backlash didn’t stop audiences eager for a new Star Wars movie from turning out in droves, though: Phantom Menace was 1999’s highest grossing film, and all three prequel films ended up earning over $2.5 billion at the worldwide box office. Revenge of the Sith was also released on the 19th of May. Today marks 11 years since the prequel conclusion hit theaters worldwide, after premiering at – believe it or not – the Cannes Film Festival.
- 5/19/2016
- by Emily Rome
- Hitfix
Zz Top is postponing their tour due to injury. Bassist Dusty Hill tripped before the band's show at the Lone Star Events Center in Lubbock, Texas on Thursday and fractured his shoulder, requiring the band to postpone their tour dates through May 7. "Dusty was suited up and ready to go when he tripped on a step while on his way to the stage for the start of Thursday's show," the band's manager Carl Stubner said in a statement. "It was very dark back there and the step - really a half-step - wasn't lit so there's no way he could've seen it.
- 4/20/2016
- by Danielle Anderson, @dak5000
- PEOPLE.com
Zz Top bassist Dusty Hill ain't that much of a rough boy after all -- he fell right before the band's show Thursday night in Texas and dislocated his shoulder ... forcing them to cancel the concert. The bearded ones were set to play in Lubbock, but a manager at the venue tells us Dusty fell as he was getting off his tour bus. It's unclear what caused the fall. The manager says an ambulance on...
- 4/15/2016
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Over a dozen celebrities and Cumulus Media have come together to help the innovative, Ohio-based Veterans Matter program kick off a campaign on Memorial Day to help house as many of the 57,000 homeless veterans as soon as possible. “Thousands of veterans are homeless and living on the streets of our nation tonight. Streets where they are being beaten, robbed, even killed. Let’s take care of our own,” says Ice-t of the Veterans Matter campaign to house veterans. The program’s growing roster of support includes: Darius Rucker Darryl Worley Dusty Hill Emerson Drive Heart Ice-t Jennifer Nettles John Fogerty John Mellencamp Kid Rock Kix Brooks Mitch Albom Natalie Stovall+The Drive Stevie Nicks Each has voiced public services announcements now airing on Cumulus Media properties nationwide urging all Americans to help our nation’s homeless veterans get housed. Text “Vets” to 41444 and click through to donate any amount on their credit card.
- 5/25/2014
- by HollywoodNews.com
- Hollywoodnews.com
Emerging today from the annals of the internet: a photo that appears to show Zz Top at a school prom.
The picture, available below, shows Dusty Hill, Frank Beard and Billy Gibbons as men who would appear to be in their early 20s. Though we can't verify it at this time, the photo matches up with an account of a 1971 appearance at the Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School prom. That performance took place two years after the band was formed.
“People were actually crashing our prom,” one student recounted. “People were trying to sneak in anyway they could just to see these guys perform. It was really funny.”
Update: A Redditor posted the following comment, which seems to verify the Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School connection:
This is from my dad's senior prom in May 1971! This was taken at Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School in Orange, Texas.
Apparently some time between signing the...
The picture, available below, shows Dusty Hill, Frank Beard and Billy Gibbons as men who would appear to be in their early 20s. Though we can't verify it at this time, the photo matches up with an account of a 1971 appearance at the Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School prom. That performance took place two years after the band was formed.
“People were actually crashing our prom,” one student recounted. “People were trying to sneak in anyway they could just to see these guys perform. It was really funny.”
Update: A Redditor posted the following comment, which seems to verify the Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School connection:
This is from my dad's senior prom in May 1971! This was taken at Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School in Orange, Texas.
Apparently some time between signing the...
- 5/30/2012
- by Kia Makarechi
- Huffington Post
Multi-platinum Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Zz Top gave an unexpected surprise to customers at a mini mart: they exploded out of a beer refrigerator blasting their first new track in nearly a decade, I Got To Get Paid. Pretty awesome. The stunt is part of Zz Top's grassroots campaign for their Gang of Outlaws Tour kicking off this summer in Manchester, Nh. The video, currently the only spot to hear Zz Top's yet-to-be-released track, is featured on the YouTube channel for Jerimiah Weed, maker of "southern style" malt beverages. "We had fun making the I Got To Get Paid video and have determined while playing inside a walk-in cooler that we share quite a few fans in common with Jeremiah Weed," said Billy F. Gibbons, Zz Top’s iconic front man and certified guitar god. I Got To Get Paid is the Texas trio’s first new single in nine years,...
- 5/22/2012
- by Drew Baldwin
- Tubefilter.com
Where can you see Donovan, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Beastie Boys, Laura Nyro, Guns-n-Roses and Chris Rock under one roof? The 27th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and the only place to see it is on HBO! Premiering this Saturday, May 5th at 9Pm this special presentation is jam packed with live performances, celebrity appearences and rock-n-roll royalty. Honorees and presenters for this year's show include: Beastie Boys will be inducted by Chuck D. Donovan will be inducted by John Mellencamp. Small Faces/The Faces will be inducted by Stevie Van Zandt. Red Hot Chili Peppers will be inducted by Chris Rock. Laura Nyro will be inducted by Bette Midler. Freddie King will be inducted by Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill. Don Kirshner will be inducted by Carole King.
- 5/2/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Where can you see Donovan, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Beastie Boys, Laura Nyro, Guns-n-Roses and Chris Rock under one roof? The 27th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and the only place to see it is on HBO! Premiering this Saturday, May 5th at 9Pm this special presentation is jam packed with live performances, celebrity appearences and rock-n-roll royalty. Honorees and presenters for this year's show include: Beastie Boys will be inducted by Chuck D. Donovan will be inducted by John Mellencamp. Small Faces/The Faces will be inducted by Stevie Van Zandt. Red Hot Chili Peppers will be inducted by Chris Rock. Laura Nyro will be inducted by Bette Midler. Freddie King will be inducted by Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill. Don Kirshner will be inducted by Carole King.
- 5/2/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Cleveland — The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony didn't miss Axl Rose at all.
The rowdy celebration, which in past years has included awkward moments, touching tributes and unforgettable performances, rocked on without Rose, the Guns N' Roses frontman who may one day regret skipping a night when 6,000 fans, 1,400 guests and many of music's biggest stars partied in Public Hall with the class of 2012.
Hard rockers Guns N' Roses – minus Rose – headlined this year's eclectic group of inductees. Others being enshrined are the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Beastie Boys, folk icon Donovan, late singer-songwriter Laura Nyro and British bands the Small Faces and Faces.
Before the ceremony started with a blistering performance by Green Day, Chili Peppers lead singer Anthony Kiedis said it was strange to be enshrined while on tour.
"We're going somewhere," Kiedis said. "How can we stop and take an award when really we're just halfway there?...
The rowdy celebration, which in past years has included awkward moments, touching tributes and unforgettable performances, rocked on without Rose, the Guns N' Roses frontman who may one day regret skipping a night when 6,000 fans, 1,400 guests and many of music's biggest stars partied in Public Hall with the class of 2012.
Hard rockers Guns N' Roses – minus Rose – headlined this year's eclectic group of inductees. Others being enshrined are the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Beastie Boys, folk icon Donovan, late singer-songwriter Laura Nyro and British bands the Small Faces and Faces.
Before the ceremony started with a blistering performance by Green Day, Chili Peppers lead singer Anthony Kiedis said it was strange to be enshrined while on tour.
"We're going somewhere," Kiedis said. "How can we stop and take an award when really we're just halfway there?...
- 4/15/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood will perform a tribute to their band The Small Faces/The Faces at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction gala. The duo will reunite on stage for their band's induction, while fellow inductee Donovan is to collaborate with John Mellencamp. Zz Top's Dusty Hill and Billy Gibbons will pay tribute to 'the Texas Cannonball' Freddie King, the noted blues guitarist whose hits include 'Hide Away'. Darlene Love has been selected to salute former Rock Concert host Don Kirshner, and Chuck D and LL Cool J will also honor the legacy of the Beastie Boys. (more)...
- 4/12/2012
- by By Justin Harp
- Digital Spy
Electus announced today that Oscar and Emmy Award-nominated director/producer Morgan Spurlock’s new documentary film Mansome will be distributed theatrically by Paladin. The hilarious look at men’s identity through the exploration of male grooming habits, which is scheduled to have its world premiere at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival on April 21st, will open in limited release in several major cities nationwide including New York and Los Angeles beginning May 18th. Written, directed and produced by Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me, The Greatest Movie Ever Sold) and executive produced by DumbDumb co-founders Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Electus Founder Ben Silverman, Mansome marks Arnett and Bateman’s first executive producer credits.
In the age of manscaping, metrosexuals, fancy men’s day spas, and high-end grooming products galore, Mansome is a witty, provocative and highly-entertaining glimpse into what it means to be a man in a world where the definition...
In the age of manscaping, metrosexuals, fancy men’s day spas, and high-end grooming products galore, Mansome is a witty, provocative and highly-entertaining glimpse into what it means to be a man in a world where the definition...
- 4/4/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
It is still unclear if Gn'r singer Axl Rose will show up to the April 14 event.
By Gil Kaufman
Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day
It takes a punk to know a punk. And though they may appear to be rebels of a different stripe, down deep Green Day and Guns N' Roses are made of the same spiked collar DNA. That's why it makes perfect sense that the Berkeley, California-bred three-chord trio has been tapped to induct the ultimate Hollywood metal gods into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next week.
According to Rolling Stone, Green Day will deliver the induction speech for Gn'r during the April 14 induction ceremony in Cleveland. And while Billy Joe Armstrong and the boys are sure to heap praise on Guns for the pioneering mind-meld of glam, metal and punk on the band's titanic 1987 debut, Appetite for Destruction, the million-dollar question remains which...
By Gil Kaufman
Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day
It takes a punk to know a punk. And though they may appear to be rebels of a different stripe, down deep Green Day and Guns N' Roses are made of the same spiked collar DNA. That's why it makes perfect sense that the Berkeley, California-bred three-chord trio has been tapped to induct the ultimate Hollywood metal gods into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next week.
According to Rolling Stone, Green Day will deliver the induction speech for Gn'r during the April 14 induction ceremony in Cleveland. And while Billy Joe Armstrong and the boys are sure to heap praise on Guns for the pioneering mind-meld of glam, metal and punk on the band's titanic 1987 debut, Appetite for Destruction, the million-dollar question remains which...
- 4/4/2012
- MTV Music News
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced the presenters for this year's induction ceremony, and it looks like its list of presenters is as eclectic as its list of honorees.
Comedian Chris Rock will induct Los Angeles band The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Rock is a big fan of the "Californication" rockers and has been a friend of the band for a while, reports the Associated Press.
Meanwhile, Chuck D will induct the Beastie Boys, John Mellencamp will induct Donovan, and Steve Van Zandt will induct the Small Faces/Faces.
Actress and singer Bette Midler will induct the late singer-songwriter Laura Nyro, Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill from Zz Top will induct Freddie King, Robbie Robertson will induct Cosimo Matassa, and Carole King will induct Don Kirshner. The ceremony will also feature Tom Dowd and Glyn Johns and Smokey Robinson inducting The Blue Caps, the Comets, the Crickets,...
Comedian Chris Rock will induct Los Angeles band The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Rock is a big fan of the "Californication" rockers and has been a friend of the band for a while, reports the Associated Press.
Meanwhile, Chuck D will induct the Beastie Boys, John Mellencamp will induct Donovan, and Steve Van Zandt will induct the Small Faces/Faces.
Actress and singer Bette Midler will induct the late singer-songwriter Laura Nyro, Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill from Zz Top will induct Freddie King, Robbie Robertson will induct Cosimo Matassa, and Carole King will induct Don Kirshner. The ceremony will also feature Tom Dowd and Glyn Johns and Smokey Robinson inducting The Blue Caps, the Comets, the Crickets,...
- 3/20/2012
- by Crystal Bell
- Huffington Post
Comedian Chris Rock will do the honors for the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
By Gil Kaufman
Michael 'Mike D' Diamond, Adam 'Ad-Rock' Horovitz and Adam 'McA' Yauch of the Beastie Boys
Photo: WireImage
It's still unclear which members of Guns N' Roses will show up for the April 14 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, if they will bury the hatchet and jam together, or even sit at the same table. But on Tuesday (March 2) we learned who will induct the rest of the class of 2012 into the Rock Hall when the 27th annual ceremony takes place in Cleveland next month.
The Beastie Boys will be inducted by none other than Public Enemy frontman and hip-hop icon Chuck D. While the pairing might seem incongruous at first, old-school rap fans might recall that D's early rap records had a huge influence on the Beastie Boys, the two...
By Gil Kaufman
Michael 'Mike D' Diamond, Adam 'Ad-Rock' Horovitz and Adam 'McA' Yauch of the Beastie Boys
Photo: WireImage
It's still unclear which members of Guns N' Roses will show up for the April 14 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, if they will bury the hatchet and jam together, or even sit at the same table. But on Tuesday (March 2) we learned who will induct the rest of the class of 2012 into the Rock Hall when the 27th annual ceremony takes place in Cleveland next month.
The Beastie Boys will be inducted by none other than Public Enemy frontman and hip-hop icon Chuck D. While the pairing might seem incongruous at first, old-school rap fans might recall that D's early rap records had a huge influence on the Beastie Boys, the two...
- 3/20/2012
- MTV Music News
Usually, the MTV Newsroom Blog celebrates the birthdays of young starlets or up-and-coming musicians who have made a much bigger impact on the music world than their years would suggest. But today, we raise a cupcake to a true legend who will be blowing out some candles on a cake. Zz Top frontman Billy Gibbons turns 61 years old today, and the dynamic Texan has made a career out of being the steady guiding hand of one of the best bands in America.
Gibbons grew up outside of Houston and became a guitar prodigy at an early age. When he moved to Hollywood to attend Warner Brothers' art school, he befriended musicians like Roky Erickson (of Thirteenth Floor Elevators fame) and Jimi Hendrix (who once declared Gibbons as the next great guitar legend). Gibbons' first serious band, the Moving Sidewalks, even opened for the Jimi Hendrix Experience during their first American tour.
Gibbons grew up outside of Houston and became a guitar prodigy at an early age. When he moved to Hollywood to attend Warner Brothers' art school, he befriended musicians like Roky Erickson (of Thirteenth Floor Elevators fame) and Jimi Hendrix (who once declared Gibbons as the next great guitar legend). Gibbons' first serious band, the Moving Sidewalks, even opened for the Jimi Hendrix Experience during their first American tour.
- 12/16/2010
- by Kyle Anderson
- MTV Newsroom
Zz Top have announced that they will be touring Australia next year. The Texan blues-rock band, which consists of Billy F Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard, said that they will coincide their appearance at the Byron Bay Blues Festival in April with a five-date national tour. Gibbons told Aap: "We're the same three guys, bashing out the same three chords. (more)...
- 11/30/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
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