There are no hard-and-fast rules defining rock and roll. From its inception, the genre was all about breaking boundaries and pushing the limits of good taste. Yet, people still try to classify what is or isn’t rock and roll, especially when new artists emerge.
Keith Richards, often considered a final authority on what defines rock, has admitted that ZZ Top found the perfect formula for the genre at its best.
Rooted in the Blues
For any seasoned rocker, it all traces back to the blues. No matter how many evolutions rock and roll has gone through, it always starts with a blues riff that captures raw emotion. Whether it’s Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, or Stevie Ray Vaughan, the blues is the heartbeat of rock and roll.
From Psychedelia to Southern-Fried Rock
When Billy Gibbons first started with the Moving Sidewalks, the band wasn’t solely focused on blues. They were immersed in the psychedelic sound of the late 1960s. However, once Dusty Hill and Frank Beard joined forces with Gibbons, they found their groove in a Southern-fried version of rock that blended raw emotion with deep, driving blues rhythms.
The trio’s sound matured beyond the heavy reverb-laden style, leaning more into the straightforward punch of rock and blues.
Rock with Style, Not Flash
ZZ Top never shied away from showmanship, famously donning sharp suits and performing memorable music videos for tracks like “Legs.” Yet, despite their flair, the music always took center stage. Beneath the showy visuals were musicians who knew how to channel raw energy, especially when it came time for their electrifying solos.
The Power of Simplicity
Take their iconic track “La Grange.” It’s a perfect example of rock and roll’s ability to thrive on minimalism. The song’s structure is basic, but the confidence and swagger behind every note make it unforgettable. Even with just one chord, ZZ Top knew how to command attention and get audiences moving.
Keith Richards’ Admiration for ZZ Top
Though Keith Richards expanded his guitar technique beyond traditional blues, he has always admired ZZ Top’s ability to stick to their roots without becoming repetitive.
When inducting the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Richards praised them, saying, “These guys are the heartbeat of the entire country, the heartbeat of rock and roll. These cats know their blues, and they know how to dress it up.” He also joked, “The first time I saw them, I said, ‘I hope these guys are not on the run because that disguise is not gonna work.’”
Modernizing the Blues
ZZ Top wasn’t confined by traditional blues, even though it was the foundation of their music. Tracks like “Tush” and “Sharp Dressed Man” modernized the genre, with Billy Gibbons using effects to make his guitar weep with emotion. They managed to bring a fresh, modern energy to the blues, all while staying true to the genre’s core.
Gibbons vs. Richards: Guitar Legends
Though Keith Richards has long been a pioneer in rock and roll guitar, Gibbons has certainly earned his place alongside him. Both musicians have become contemporary torchbearers for the blues, worthy successors to the likes of Muddy Waters and B.B. King. Their mastery of the blues ensures that the genre continues to thrive, no matter how much it evolves.
In essence, ZZ Top, with their blues foundation and distinctive sound, have become legends in rock, embodying both the past and future of the genre.
