ZZ Top's Elevation Tour 2025: A Journey Through Five Decades of Rock
ZZ Top, a band with a long history spanning nearly 57 years, has been on tour for most of 2025, extending their Elevation tour that began in October 2024. The band, consisting of guitarist/singer Billy Gibbons, drummer Frank Beard, and bassist Elwood Francis, performed in the region at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster and the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem. Rock Music Menu caught up with Gibbons to discuss various topics, including the reception of Elwood Francis by fans and the band's extensive catalog of hits.
Elwood Francis, who replaced the late Dusty Hill in 2021, has seamlessly integrated into ZZ Top both musically and visually, sporting a distinctive beard that has become a topic of discussion within the band. Despite initially considering shaving it, Francis decided to keep the beard, influenced by the passing of Hill and a request from actor/musician Billy Bob Thornton. The band continues to deliver their signature sound with Francis on bass, maintaining their iconic status in the music industry.
ZZ Top's live performances showcase a diverse range of hits from their extensive five-decade-plus catalog. From the bluesy Texas boogie of "La Grange" to the synthesized sounds of "Gimme All Your Lovin'," the band covers a wide spectrum of musical styles. Their mid-'80s era, marked by iconic videos and mainstream success, was influenced by a collaboration with UK synthpop legends Depeche Mode. This partnership introduced ZZ Top to new electronic elements, enriching their sound and expanding their artistic horizons.
Billy Gibbons reflects on his past experiences, including opening for the Jimi Hendrix Experience with his pre-ZZ Top band, The Moving Sidewalks. Despite a short set and the need to include songs by the headliner, the encounter led to a lasting friendship with Jimi Hendrix himself. These anecdotes offer a glimpse into the band's journey and the influential figures they have encountered along the way.
In the realm of new music releases, Slipknot's self-titled debut album from 1999 has been reissued in a deluxe edition to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The reissue includes rare recordings and live performances that capture the band's evolution from a fledgling metal act to a cultural phenomenon. With various vinyl and digital formats available, fans can explore the full story behind the making of this iconic album and experience the raw energy of Slipknot's early live shows.
The "Slipknot [25th Anniversary Edition]" package offers a comprehensive look at the band's formative years, showcasing their intense live performances and creative process. From blood splattered vinyl to remixed audio recordings, this reissue immerses listeners in the world of Slipknot and their groundbreaking debut album. Fans can delve into the band's history and witness the evolution of their sound through this special release.
For more music-related content and updates, readers can contact music columnist Michael Christopher via email at [email protected] or visit his website at thechroniclesofmc.com. Stay tuned for weekly features on new and upcoming vinyl releases from a variety of artists, offering a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of music.