Jimi Hendrix's Influence on Billy Gibbons: A Pivotal Encounter in Texas, 1968
When The Moving Sidewalks were chosen to open for Jimi Hendrix in Texas in 1968, they had a limited number of songs in their repertoire. Future ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons, who was still a teenager at the time, formed the Houston-based psych-blues band. They were scheduled to support The Jimi Hendrix Experience at concerts in Fort Worth and Houston in February 1968. The band had to play a 40-minute set each night, and Gibbons realized they could only meet the time requirement by including two Jimi Hendrix covers they regularly performed: "Foxy Lady" and "Purple Haze."
During their performance, Gibbons noticed Jimi Hendrix standing in the shadows, grinning, as they played the Hendrix covers. This encounter led to a bond between the two musicians. Hendrix praised Gibbons for his boldness and nerve, and even offered him a better hotel room during their stay. Gibbons acknowledged that Hendrix was pushing the boundaries of electric guitar playing and experimenting with new techniques that inspired him.
Gibbons learned valuable lessons from Hendrix's innovative approach to guitar playing, including modifying the whammy bar to create unique sounds and exploring unconventional techniques like string-bending. He admired Hendrix's collaboration with his bandmates, Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding, and how they maintained a solid foundation while exploring musical boundaries. Gibbons incorporated these lessons into his own music with ZZ Top, emphasizing a rock-solid foundation and creative exploration.
Despite Hendrix's shy demeanor off-stage, Gibbons described him as a mesmerizing performer who transformed on stage, showcasing otherworldly guitar skills. Reflecting on the experience, Gibbons considered it a mind-bending and eye-opening opportunity that influenced his musical approach. The encounter with Hendrix left a lasting impact on Gibbons and shaped his perspective on guitar playing and musical collaboration.
The interaction between Billy Gibbons and Jimi Hendrix during The Moving Sidewalks' performances in Texas in 1968 was a pivotal moment that inspired Gibbons and influenced his musical journey with ZZ Top. Hendrix's innovative guitar techniques and collaborative spirit resonated with Gibbons, shaping his approach to music and performance. The encounter with Hendrix left a lasting impression on Gibbons, highlighting the transformative power of musical mentorship and creative exploration.