Pure rock and roll has its established rules, but many authentic acts push the boundaries of what’s considered traditional.
Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist of Led Zeppelin, embodies this freedom in rock, yet he believes that the essence of rock and roll can be found in ZZ Top.
One key element connecting all layers of rock is the blues. From the earliest electric guitar pioneers, the foundation was laid with bluesy riffs that often told tales of heartbreak and deception.
This blues influence is evident in ZZ Top’s journey, which diverged from their early psychedelic roots.
While Page mesmerized audiences with The Yardbirds’ “Heart Full of Soul,” Billy Gibbons was honing his craft in The Moving Sidewalks.
ZZ Top discovered that a loud guitar amp and plenty of attitude were all they needed to carve their path.
With the emergence of their iconic beards, they embraced a sound deeply rooted in the blues.
Albums like Tres Hombres showcase their mastery of just three chords, reminiscent of blues legends like Muddy Waters and B.B. King. Tracks like “La Grange” prove that a single note can create magic.
While Zeppelin continually innovated in the studio, ZZ Top thrived on their blues foundation.
Even during their MTV makeover with flashy suits and hotrod cars, their tunes remained anchored in the blues, albeit with a slicker finish.
Page, while focused on expanding his guitar vocabulary, acknowledged ZZ Top as the embodiment of unadulterated rock and roll.
He praised their incredible music, solid playing, and humor, stating, “They’re damn fine. And everyone is enjoying it, and they’re enjoying themselves.”
Interestingly, Page’s subtle nods to Gibbons’ style showcase the interconnectedness of their influences.
Each time Page produces a greasy pitch harmonic sound, it reflects either Gibbons’ impact or their shared musical lineage.
Some may call it borrowing, but Page understands that true geniuses learn from those who came before them.
If the blues masters have already crafted timeless songs, why not ride their coattails to create something special?
