From the 99th Floor to the 99th Fret: Billy Gibbons' Journey with Jimi Hendrix
Before Billy Gibbons became known for his iconic beard and spinning fur guitars with ZZ Top, he was a member of the psychedelic/garage-rock band, the Moving Sidewalks. The band's hit single, "99th Floor," gained them recognition in their hometown of Houston, Texas, and led to them opening for rock legends like Jimi Hendrix in 1968. Despite their cheeky decision to play Hendrix songs in their set, Hendrix was impressed by their boldness and struck up a friendship with Gibbons.
Touring with Hendrix allowed Gibbons to witness the guitar legend's innovative techniques up close. Hendrix's rule-breaking style and mastery of the instrument left a lasting impression on Gibbons, who marveled at Hendrix's ability to push the boundaries of guitar playing. In a memorable hotel room encounter, Hendrix and Gibbons bonded over listening to Jeff Beck's debut album, with Hendrix expressing admiration for Beck's unique sound.
The experience of touring with Hendrix and witnessing his musical genius firsthand had a profound impact on Gibbons, shaping his own approach to guitar playing and inspiring him to push the boundaries of his own creativity. The influence of Hendrix's innovative spirit can be seen in Gibbons' later work with ZZ Top, as he continues to channel the same sense of daring and experimentation that he witnessed in the legendary guitarist.