Come for the ripper rock riffs, stay for the majestic beards. Fans of ZZ Top will already know their distincitve, blues-inspired sound – but even newcomers might find themselves surprised by the energy the legends will bring to Rockhal on Friday, 10 July.
Formed all the way back in 1969, they initially received little attention in their native United States. It was only by the release of their third studio album, Tres Hombres, that audiences started switching on to their sound: classic Americana with inovative stylings, growling guitars, tongue-in-cheek lyrics. The soundtrack to a biker bar brawl.
Given their dedication and their consistency, ZZ Top soon rose to serious prominence. Following Tres Hombres' breakout success, they enjoyed a meteoric rise to pop culture stardom. Consisting of guitarist-vocalist Billy Gibbons, bassist Dusty Hill, and drummer Frank Beard, the trio where well on their way to rock legendry.
Ironically, Frank Beard was/is the only member of the trio to not actually sport a massive beard.
But of all their albums released in the 1970s and 80s, most will be familiar with Eliminator (1983), which featured back-to-back bangers like Gimme All Your Lovin, Sharp Dressed Man, TV Dinner, and Legs.
Eliminator also marked their definitive shift towards more modern, new wave sounds. Now firmly at home on the musical charts, they were regularly seen and heard all over the world. Afterburner (1985) and Recycler (1990) followed this sonic trend.
And although they didn't quite reach the same heights of commercial success as Eliminator, their (mostly) bearded faces were now firmly etched in the minds of rock 'n' roll fans around the world.
ZZ Top returned to a more classic rock sound in the early 1990s, releasing a string of albums all throughout the decade. The 2000s were marked by a more paced approach: album production gave way to extensive touring.
Their latest two LPs, Mescalero (2003) and La Futura (2012), still resound with the ZZ Top sound: driving riffs, blues-y verve, and just a hint of that signature sleaze.
ZZ Top casually won the Guinness world record for the longest-running band with no line-up changes in 2018. But following a hip injury whilst on tour in July 2021, long-time bassist Dusty Hill was forced to leave the ongoing tour.
A week later, ZZ Top had announced that he had passed away at his home in Houston at the age of 72.
In accordance with Hill's wishes, he was replaced by their longtime guitar tech, Elwood Francis, who to this day makes up one third of the iconic trio.
Fortunately, Francis' membership also kept a long-standing tradition alive. Possessing a flowing mane and a great deal of facial hair, ZZ Top have kept their beard-based profile alive.
With a show scheduled very soon at Rockhal, here's your chance to witness mythic rock 'n' roll and majestic beard action in person.
RTL Today Radio are giving away two tickets to ZZ Top live at Rockhal on Friday, 10 July.
For a chance to win, simply answer the following question:
Which current member of ZZ Top does ironically NOT have a huge beard?
If you know the answer, send it to +352 621 52 5000 on Whatsapp and include your name and email address.
ZZ Top
Friday, 10 July, 2026
Luxexpo Open-Air
Doors: 7pm
