ZZ Top in concert at the Zénith in Paris: we were there, we tell you all about it

It was a return many ZZ Top fans had been waiting for. After a 5-year absence from the capital, and three years after the death of Dusty Hill, ZZ Top made a comeback in Paris. So it was inevitable that emotion was palpable this Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at Le Zénith in Paris when the late bassist and co-founder of the Texan band was not on stage. All the more so as the line-up of this Houston-based trio had remained unchanged for over fifty years. But fans could count on the presence of singer Billy F Gibbons and drummer Frank Beard, as close-knit and complicit as ever. Since Dusty Hill's death, the two acolytes have been joined by Elwood Francis on bass.

So, what does this new trio come up with? At 9:10 p.m. sharp, the American blues-rock band took to the Zenith stage to thunderous applause. The set design is simple but effective, with an avalanche of amps surrounding the drums and two microphone stands that change color with each song.

Frank Beard is already seated behind his imposing drum kit, where a barrel emerges from each of his two large drums. Billy F Gibbons and Elwood Francis arrive on stage a few seconds later. While the former sports a rather classic Gibson guitar, the latter is armed with an imposing 17-string yellow bass! An impressive instrument, but one that doesn't seem to frighten Elwood Francis. Quite the contrary, in fact. The man who was the band's former guitar technician for several years displays a disconcerting ease.

And the combo hit the ground running with a rendition of the famous " Got Me Under Pressure " from"Eliminator" (1983). But that's not the only hit ZZ Top will be honoring this Tuesday evening at the Zénith de La Villette. The three musicians have decided to take us back in time by playing the catchy " Gimme All Your Lovin' ", as well as " Sharp Dressed Man " and " Legs ", also taken from"Eliminator", and " I Gotsta Get Paid ", taken from"La Futura" (2012). The guitar riffs are razor-sharp, the bass lines brutal and powerful, while Billy F Gibbons ' deep, raspy voice transports us to the heart of Texas. The trio also allowed themselves two covers on Tuesday evening, including Merle Travis' excellent " Sixteen Tons ".

• To be read
• Chelsea Wolfe in concert at L'Elysée Montmartre: we were there, we tell you all about it
• Sheryl Crow in concert at the Olympia: we were there, we tell you all about it
• Garbage in concert at the Grand Rex in Paris: we were there, we tell you all about it

On stage, the three acolytes perform one song after another with great ease and a touch of humor at times. There are, of course, the incomparable little choreographed dance steps of Billy F Gibbons and Elwood Francis - whose complicity is obvious - but also that smoky entrance on stage of the guitar technician, dressed for the occasion in a black cowboy outfit. Then there are the two guitars covered in white hairpiece on which Billy F Gibbons and Elwood Francis play at the end of the set.

On Tuesday evening, the guitarist and bassist each sported a sparkling jacket. Elwood Francis even went so far as to opt for a pair of flashy red shoes, also sparkling. Faithful to his look for years, Billy F Gibbons didn't forget his must-have accessories: hat and dark glasses. As for his beard, it remains incredibly impeccable. Because ZZ Top is also about beards. Elwood Francis also boasts an imposing beard, sometimes making you wonder whether it's real or not. One thing's for sure: the three artists don't take themselves too seriously, and seem to be having the time of their lives. It's a great atmosphere to be in!

After just one hour, ZZ Top disappeared from the stage. But it was only to return with a new stage outfit, pink this time, but still sparkling. For this encore, the three artists chose to perform " Brown Sugar ", taken from the band's very first opus released in 1971. This was followed by " Tube Snake Boogie ", from the 1981 opus"El Loco", not forgetting the band's inimitable riff hit " La Grange ". As effective as ever, this global hit rounded off ZZ Top's Parisian set, which lasted just over 1h15. A successful show, but too short in our eyes. We'd have liked to hear a bit more, especially some tracks from"La Futura", the record that remains the last studio opus by " that little old band from Texas "!

Setlist:

Got Me Under Pressure
IThank You (Sam & Dave cover)
Waitin' for the Bus
Jesus Just Left Chicago
GimmeAll Your Lovin'
Pearl Necklace
I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide
IGotsta Get Paid
My Head's in Mississippi
Sixteen Tons (Merle Travis cover )
Just Got Paid
Sharp Dressed Man
Legs

Reminder:

Brown Sugar
Tube Snake Boogie
La Grange