ZZ Top, Rose Tattoo @ FestivalHall, Melbourne (18/04/2011)

Thu 21st Apr, 2011 in Gig Reviews

You could tell it was a ZZ Top gig just by walking the streets around Festival Hall. They were littered with motorcycles and middle-aged people having a few pre-show drinks.

Iconic locals Rose Tattoo strutted out to greet the gathering crowd; frontman Angry Anderson offering up his signature cackle while he and the rest of the band assumed their positions. He informed the audience that they weren’t here to fuck around and, true to his word, the band played a short ‘hits’ set much to the delight of those in attendance.

Preaching to his brothers and sisters as much as possible between songs, Anderson seemed much his old self, even if the years had quite obviously taken a toll on his stage presence. This was something that was mirrored in his band mates too, but while they may not have been much to watch, Rose Tattoo were, if nothing else, technically very sound. They sang about rock n roll, but at this stage they’re heading more towards classic gold. Finishing with a semi medley of We Can’t Be Beaten and Bad Boy For Love, Rose Tattoo just about saved the best for last. Just as well, because by this stage the crowd was getting a little restless.

Right on cue ZZ Top took to the Festival Hall stage. Opting not to use the large amount of space available, the three members remained front and centre, close together. Bassist Dusty Hill and guitarist Billy Gibbons, with their matching biker jackets, sunglasses and beards played in front of drummer Frank Beard. The latter’s motorcycle themed drum kit came complete with wheel bass drums, suspension coil cymbals and exhaust pipes for who knows what.

Without more than a ‘hello,’ ZZ Top burst into opener Got Me Under Pressure from 1983s Eliminator. With Dusty and Billy playing and moving around the stage in synchronization, it took little more than a mutual sway from them to excite the crowd. That said, ZZ Top are the most coordinated band in rock and roll. Not merely shaking along in unison, the two have taken it further and choreographed steps and kicks to various songs. And in the case of La Grange, an air drum solo.

An early crowd highlight of the evening came during I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide. Rocking some impressive basslines, the band used their backdrop to project various Australian images behind them. Images of our road signs, koalas and even an I Love Australia slogan excited the crowd, despite it seeming like the production team had just Google searched Australia prior to the show to find them.

After declaring that he was without a blues hat, Gibbons requested some technicians come out rectify the problem. Cue some scantily clad woman waltzing on stage to what turned out to be one of the biggest cheers of the evening. With new blues hat in hand (on head) the trio took a break from their own 40+ year career and began a bit of a covers session. Beginning with Willie Browns Future Blues, ZZ Top proved just how versatile they can be.

Giving a nod to fellow Bluesfest artist B.B. King, the band pushed through an amazing cover of their track Rock Me Baby. Although this was severely overlooked by many of those in attendance, the next track in the series of covers was a sure winner. Playing the late great Jimi Hendrix Experience classic track Hey Joe, the band enthralled the crowd and engaged them in a frankly very out of time, but nevertheless heartfelt head-nodding session.

Trudging through their set, the trio played a few more lesser known songs before launching into what turned out to be a ‘best of’ to close off the evening. Starting the drummer’s bass drum spinners (yes, like the hubcaps) spinning, ZZ top launched into their hit Gimme All Your Lovin’. The crowd loved it, grooving along with fists in the air.

Following this was Sharp Dressed Man, complete with the classic video clip playing in the background. In spite of the years between the clip and this performance, the band still had the moves and even more than that, the nimble fingers to pull off such a crowd favourite.

Bringing out the fury but sadly not spinning guitars as shown behind them on the screen, the next song was obviously going to be Legs, encouraging an enthusiastic sing a long from the many fans present, and a fantastic way to cap off the main set.

Coming back on stage in decidedly more sparkly jackets, the first song of the encore was La Grange. A slightly extended version of the song saw those who hadn’t danced yet get off their seats and boogie it out.

The second song of the encore and the last of the night Tush, featured images of the band throughout the years on the screen behind, showing the humble, practically clean shaven start of the band up until present day. This photomontage of the group showcased some of the artists they have been associated with, such as Jimi Hendrix, Aerosmith and The Who to name a few.

ZZ Top have a career spanning over 4 decades and no doubt many of their fans have been here for the majority of the years. After this performance, it’s clear they’ll be here for many more.