I got to see ZZ Top, finally with one of my sons, last night. I was excited and also curious as to how things were going to be handled since long-time bass player/singer/songwriter, Dusty Hill had passed a couple of months ago. I had read that he hand-picked his long-time bass tech, Elwood Francis to fill in for him after his hip surgery so the tour could continue. Sadly, Dusty’s second to last show was in Manchester, it was noticed that Dusty was in a lot of pain and needed help. After that show he went on to perform his last show at the Iroquois Amphitheater in Louisville, KY on July 18th. He passed a few days later.
Elwood stepped up and stepped in as Dusty told Billy Gobbins to let “Elwood take the bottom to the Top.” Elwood Francis seems to fit right in with the asthetics of the band, beard and all, but since he wasn’t performing with the band, a lot had to be learned.
Billy and Dusty had a lot of choreography they had mastered over 50+ years together. They each knew their parts and when to use them. Dusty would add high harmonies to Billy’s vocals and the both had it all down blind.
Elwood seems to be a character like the otthers, but he has a learning curve. He’ll get there, I’m sure. Throughout the show in Cedar Rapids, I noticed Billy giving him cues and even talking to him during a song or in between, to remind him of what was coming up and “Remember that part I told you about?”
Elewood was probably doing his best but the choreography Billy and Dusty are known for was off as only Billy really knew how to do it. There was a part where Elwood was off mic, near the stage-left speakers when Billy was at the mic for a chorus and you could hear a high harmony. Well, I knew drummer Frank Beard had a mic on so I chalked it up to him doing it. But I also saw Billy look across the stage to Elwood like he missed it. When the chorus came around again, Elwood was at the mic this time and the high harmony that was there the last time, was the same this time. I totally understand having to punt and run a recording in certain areas when someone is missing and you have a new fill in. Poor Elwood was just thrust into a position he had no plan to take and then hit the road so too many dates weren’t cancelled. It was to be expected.
It was a really fun show, the sound was great, the songs were awesome (though I would have been happy hearing anything off of ‘Afterburner’ and ‘Antenna’) and it was great seeing the guys bounce back from such a terrible loss.
The opener was KILLER!
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band from Indiana is roots music done right. Just a small drum set, a woman playing some light percussion and washboard and Rev. Peyton rounding it out with the slide guitar, harmonica and vocals.
These guys are so much fun and some great music to have fun with! Blues to a T, baby!
I’d love to see them around here again soon. You should check them out here:
The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
