Billy Gibbons
For nearly 50 years, Billy Gibbons has been making his mark as a fundamental bluesman as the frontman for ZZ Top. Taking a break from his brothers, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard of ZZ Top, Billy has taken to the road in support of a new solo album, The Big Bad Blues. For two consecutive sold out shows at The Iridium off Time Square in Manhattan, Billy gave the people what they came for; loud, raunchy, blues guitar and his trademark growl! Backing him were Austin Hanks, sharing both lead vocals and trading rhythm and lead roles, Matt Sorum of Guns & Roses and Velvet Revolver fame on drums and Elwood Francis on the Harp as well as serving as Lead Guitar Tech.
Although doors promptly opened at 7pm for an 8pm show, along with a few others, I didnt get to my seat until shortly after 8p which agitated and questioned a lot of people as to why it took more than an hour to sit a small venue of 170 people on this chilly night! But once the music started, at approximately 8:15p we forgot what an inconvenience getting to our seats was. Opening his set was Missin’ Yo Kissin’ off of his Big Bad Blues CD and from there there was no turning back! More selections from his latest release including Bring It To Jerome, Hollywood 151, where he shared a quick story about the song and how it came about from a small mexican group drinking Bacardi 151 and My Baby She Rocks. Billy and the band also satiated our hunger for the blues with a few covers, one of which was Treat Her Right! Of course the night wouldnt be complete without a few ZZ Top classics such as Sharp Dressed Man, Blue Jean Blues and Jesus Just Left Chicago. The night was unfortunately brought to a close after about 75 minutes with a 2 song encore which included “Whole Lotta Love” with Matt Sorum on vocals complete with a John Bonhamesque drum solo and “La Grange”.
The audience was brought to a standing ovation, showing much love to one of the “bearded twins” and the night was complete. In full stride of a 24 date tour run, anyone lucky enough to see Billy live is in for a facefull of the Big Bad Blues!!! (Photos taken at The Paramount, show review from The Iridium)
Read MoreAlthough doors promptly opened at 7pm for an 8pm show, along with a few others, I didnt get to my seat until shortly after 8p which agitated and questioned a lot of people as to why it took more than an hour to sit a small venue of 170 people on this chilly night! But once the music started, at approximately 8:15p we forgot what an inconvenience getting to our seats was. Opening his set was Missin’ Yo Kissin’ off of his Big Bad Blues CD and from there there was no turning back! More selections from his latest release including Bring It To Jerome, Hollywood 151, where he shared a quick story about the song and how it came about from a small mexican group drinking Bacardi 151 and My Baby She Rocks. Billy and the band also satiated our hunger for the blues with a few covers, one of which was Treat Her Right! Of course the night wouldnt be complete without a few ZZ Top classics such as Sharp Dressed Man, Blue Jean Blues and Jesus Just Left Chicago. The night was unfortunately brought to a close after about 75 minutes with a 2 song encore which included “Whole Lotta Love” with Matt Sorum on vocals complete with a John Bonhamesque drum solo and “La Grange”.
The audience was brought to a standing ovation, showing much love to one of the “bearded twins” and the night was complete. In full stride of a 24 date tour run, anyone lucky enough to see Billy live is in for a facefull of the Big Bad Blues!!! (Photos taken at The Paramount, show review from The Iridium)
