Hirsute Heroes

It bills itself simply as that "Little Ol' Band from Texas," but considering that its pedigree stretches back some 35 years, ZZ Top might be the best-known power trio since Cream. The band's videos pass off a slapstick image -- two front men boasting huge amounts of facial hair, wide-eyed...

By Lee Zimmerman

October 13, 2005

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It bills itself simply as that "Little Ol' Band from Texas," but considering that its pedigree stretches back some 35 years, ZZ Top might be the best-known power trio since Cream. The band's videos pass off a slapstick image -- two front men boasting huge amounts of facial hair, wide-eyed ogling and guitars swinging, plus the added irony of having the one clean-shaven member actually named Frank Beard -- but it's the music that has indelibly etched the Top's identity. It's a sound dredged from the Mississippi Delta, revved up and retooled into a high-octane blend of driving blues, blistering boogie, and Texas bluster. This rare foray into our part of the world provides an opportunity to witness a show that's visceral and visual. Given their ability to trot out a considerable back catalog of hits ("Tush," "Cheap Sunglasses," "Sharp-Dressed Man," et. al), these Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame inductees have more than "Legs" to stand on.

ZZ Top performs at 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 18, at the Hard Rock Live Arena, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood. (Show also features a 50th birthday bash for "Young Ron" of Big 105.9's morning team Paul Castronovo and "Young" Ron Brewer.) Tickets cost $35, $45, and $55. Call 954-797-5531.

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