The evolution of ZZ Top: Billy Gibbons Reflects on Influences from Hendrix and Cream
At just 20 years old, Billy Gibbons embarked on a musical journey that would define his life: the formation of ZZ Top. As the 1970s approached, Gibbons drew inspiration from two monumental figures in rock history—Cream and Jimi Hendrix. Their influence was pivotal in shaping the sound and identity of ZZ Top, a legacy that continues too resonate today.
Challenges of a Trio: More Than Just Simplicity
“Let’s be clear,ZZ Top didn’t simply become a trio for convenience; it’s a far more demanding setup,” Gibbons shared in an interview with Classic Rock.“Hendrix and Cream were the gold standard for us, and it was during those formative years of trying to replicate their unique sounds that we truly bonded.”
early Foundations: The Moving Sidewalks
Before ZZ Top took shape, Gibbons was already making waves with his previous band, Moving Sidewalks. Influenced by the psychedelic rock movement, particularly the sounds of Roky erikson’s 13th Floor Elevators, Gibbons crafted a similar vibe. Their single “99th Floor” opened doors for meaningful touring opportunities.
“That track garnered us more airplay and led to a tour with the Jimi hendrix Experience, who became both friends and mentors,” Gibbons recounted in a recent Guitar Player interview. “I vividly remember playing a Fender Jazzmaster through a Vox Super Beatle and a Hohner harp through a Fender Bassman.”
meeting the Legend: A Life-Changing Experience
Sharing the stage with Hendrix was a transformative experience for Gibbons.“We toured with him in 1968,and it was nothing short of mind-blowing,” he recalled. “Hendrix had a knack for pushing the boundaries of what could be done with a Fender Stratocaster, and he did it with remarkable skill.”
“At 18, I found myself conveniently placed in a hotel room right across from his,” Gibbons reminisced. “It was the perfect chance to ask him the burning question: ‘How do you do that?’”
Behind the Scenes: Hendrix’s Musical Rituals
Gibbons fondly remembers the days when hotels lacked in-room stereos. “Each day, a massive hi-fi console, about the size of a small car, was brought in for Hendrix to enjoy his favorite records,” he said. “One album that stood out was the first Jeff Beck Group record, Truth. Hendrix was absolutely obsessed with Jeff’s guitar work.”
This obsession had a curious twist; as Hendrix sought a more appreciative audience, he ventured to the UK, where he captivated everyone who heard him. His impact was so profound that even Beck, who Hendrix admired, contemplated leaving the music scene altogether.
The Blues Influence: A Shared Passion
“Interestingly,Hendrix was eager to incorporate blues licks into his repertoire,even when they were less favored among many American artists,” Gibbons noted. “I had the chance to perform alongside him, but it was the behind-the-scenes moments that truly captured the essence of that time.”
Channeling Influences: The Birth of ZZ Top
by the time Moving Sidewalks disbanded, Cream was at the peak of their success, and Hendrix was making significant waves across the Atlantic. Gibbons was steadfast to infuse that energy into his new project, armed with the lessons learned from his experiences with Hendrix.
Gibbons’ iconic ‘59 ‘Pearly gates’ Les Paul guitar serves as a testament to Clapton’s influence on him. Inspired by seeing Clapton’s Sunburst Gibson Les Paul on the cover of the bluesbreakers album, Gibbons sought out the now-discontinued model for himself.
Legacy and Future: The Road Ahead
Even today, Gibbons continues to thrive in the music scene.He has announced that new ZZ Top music is on the horizon, marking the band’s first release sence the passing of bassist Dusty Hill. Additionally, Gibbons is working on his solo project, the BFGs. Without the profound influence of Hendrix and Cream, Gibbons may never have transitioned from psychedelic rock to become the celebrated artist he is today.
