ZZ Top

ZZ Top @ the Fox Theatre -- 2008.09.30

Nearly four decades after their debut, ZZ Top rolled into the Fabulous Fox Theatre and threw down an epic set of rock. The three-piece band delivered a tight performance of classic hits, including the 1983 Eliminator trifecta of “Gimme All Your Lovin',” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs.”

Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill led the attack at the front of the stage, sporting their trademark sunglasses, chest-length beards and matching outfits. The pair traded vocal duties at two custom chrome mic stands, and often mirrored each other's movements on stage during the instrumental segments.

Seated behind a massive kit emblazoned with metal skulls, Frank Beard dropped the pummelfest of the band's bluesy, hard-rocking sound.

Set List:

Got Me Under Pressure
Waitin' For The Bus/Jesus Just Left Chicago
Chevrolet
Pincushion
Future Blues
Cheap Sunglasses
I Need You Tonight
Two Trains Running
Hey Joe
Heard It on The X
Just Got Paid Today
Gimme All Your Lovin
Sharp-Dressed Man
Legs

Encore:

Jailhouse Rock
LaGrange/Sloopy Drunk/Bar-B-Q
Tush

ZZ Top @ the Fox Theatre -- 2008.09.30

ZZ Top @ the Fox Theatre -- 2008.09.30

ZZ Top @ the Fox Theatre -- 2008.09.30

ZZ Top @ the Fox Theatre -- 2008.09.30

ZZ Top @ the Fox Theatre -- 2008.09.30

ZZ Top @ the Fox Theatre -- 2008.09.30

ZZ Top @ the Fox Theatre -- 2008.09.30

ZZ Top @ the Fox Theatre -- 2008.09.30

ZZ Top @ the Fox Theatre -- 2008.09.30

ZZ Top @ the Fox Theatre -- 2008.09.30

ZZ Top @ the Fox Theatre -- 2008.09.30

ZZ Top @ the Fox Theatre -- 2008.09.30

ZZ Top @ the Fox Theatre -- 2008.09.30

ZZ Top @ the Fox Theatre -- 2008.09.30

ZZ Top @ the Fox Theatre -- 2008.09.30

Photographer's Notes:

With almost four decades under their collective belts, I was expecting a big, blaring rock show, and ZZ Top did not disappoint.

The press were granted two songs for this performance, and the end of the second song seemed to come all too soon. I shot this from the pit with four other photographers.

Overall, the band's set saw some great lighting effects, and I've come to expect nothing less from the Fabulous Fox. The tours the venue books almost always come packing a great production.

I photographed this set using the Nikon D3, D700, and my three go-to zooms: the Nikon 14-24mm, 24-70mm, and 70-200mm.

End Notes:

I have to say, ZZ Top was a thrill to photograph. If they're coming to a venue near you, I would highly recommend you check them out.