ZZ TOP Rocks “The Show” at Agua Caliente
Story and Photos by Pat Krause

ZZ TOP rolled back into The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino, delivering their legendary Rock, Blues, and Boogie sound to a sold-out crowd. The trio may have silver in their beards, but their music still strikes pure gold. Fans packed the theater, eager to relive decades of gritty Texas swagger and guitar grit that have defined ZZ TOP for more than fifty years.

Elwood Francis

When Elwood Francis stepped out carrying a colossal 17-string bass guitar, jaws dropped. Somehow, he made that beast sing. Billy Gibbons, with his trademark long white beard and cool swagger, took command of the stage as if no time had passed. Together with drummer Frank Beard—the only member ironically without a beard—they rolled through hit after hit, each song sparking cheers of recognition from longtime fans.

The crowd roared to “Tube Snake Boogie,” one of the local favorites, and sang along to classics like “Viva Las Vegas,” “Legs,” “Pearl Necklace,” “Tush,” and, of course, “Sharp Dressed Man.” Each tune landed like a time capsule, taking the audience back to jukebox nights and long desert drives.

Billy Gibbons

Though original bassist Dusty Hill’s passing left a deep void, Elwood Francis has carried the torch with flair—his spiky white hair and full beard making him fit right in with the ZZ TOP image. More importantly, he’s kept the rhythm alive, blending seamlessly with Gibbons and Beard as they continue to tour the world and prove that good rock never dies.

Elwood Francis and Billy Gibbons  -  ZZ TOP

The Show keeps the spotlight bright with an incredible upcoming lineup. November features Jefferson Starship (Nov. 14), Dirty Heads (Nov. 15), Gin Blossoms (Nov. 21), The Beach Boys (Nov. 22), comedian Felipe Esparza (Nov. 28), and the unforgettable Matteo Bocelli (Nov. 29). December promises even more star power—so stay tuned.