ZZ Top @ Kwinana Motorplex,Perth (23/04/11)

Thu 28th Apr, 2011 in Gig Reviews

What makes a rock star? If you ask ZZ Top they’re likely to tell you it has something to do with a beard. Whether it is in the name or on the face, the facial fluff is what this band is all about. Heading down to Kwinana Motorplex last Saturday for their first Australian tour in eleven years. The trio were supported by Sydney group Rose Tattoo, as well as local acts Datura and The Joy Evelation.

The cathedral of burnt rubber and diesel fuel that is the Kwinana Motorplex was converted into an alfresco concert venue. Huge stadium lights illuminated the Motorplex as thousands of leather-clad punters packed into the stadium in anticipation of the concert.

The Joy Evelation began the night with some very catchy power pop songs. The quartet fronted by femme fatale Mia Joy, with strong rhythm backing, performed songs that were chock full of both energy and sexuality. Their songs were not as raw as their headlining counterparts, however their set went down well with the crowd.

Datura provided a stark contrast to the polished sound of Joy Evelation. Psychedelic blues at its most dirty and raw, with the open night sky and crowds of unwashed revellers, you could close your eyes and almost picture yourself at Woodstock, sans a plethora of LSD of course.

Australian rock icon Angry Anderson and his band Rose Tattoo followed Datura and from the second Anderson walked on stage, cackling manically, it was clear he meant business. The bald-headed, beer-gutted Anderson exploded with Bad Boy For Love, and other testosterone-filled songs that epitomise Australian rock. The gritty and commanding vocal style of Anderson washed over the stadium as his band played a strong set with heavy blues-rock songs that have become the archetype of pub rock.

With the conclusion of Rose Tattoo it was time for ZZ Top. Eager spectators forced their way in to the pit to afford a better view as the trio walked on stage and took to their instruments. Starting the set with a few of their rockier songs, the band was off to a strong beginning. This was impeded however by the lights cutting out midway through Jesus Just Left Chicago, at the precise moment that frontman Billy Gibbons sang the lyrics, “Well you might not see him in person,” to which Gibbons added the quip, “In fact I don’t think people see anything.” Like seasoned professionals ZZ Top hardly broke stride during this blackout and continued playing under a single spotlight.

After a quick on stage hat change by Gibbons, the set continued with a cover of the Muddy Waters classic Rock Me Baby, and a couple of their own including Cheap Sunglasses and Just Got Paid, which went down a treat with punters. So much so that several bras found their way on stage, much to the amusement of the ZZ Top boys.
A sensational homage to Jimi Hendrix’s Hey Joe was also played, which turned out to be the absolute highlight of the night. Followed by yet another blackout during the classic Sharp Dressed Man, though this did nothing to quell the spirits of either the band or the audience.

The set was closed with_Legs_, followed by an encore including an extended version of La Grange and Tush. Gibbons’ whiskey-soaked vocal style has not diminished with age, if anything, like a fine whiskey it’s matured, becoming grittier and more dynamic. It’s clear that even after all this time the ZZ Top boys still love to have a good time, whether that means synchronised dancing on stage, cracking jokes about their (beardless) drummer Frank Beard, or having women dressed in red negligees come on stage to present Gibbons with a ‘blues hat.’ The boys show no signs of slowing down.