ZZ Top

ZZ Top – Just Got Paid Performance from Double Down Live at Grugahalle, Essen

Grugahalle
Essen, Germany

• In January 1980, ZZ Top was experiencing a significant period of success, following the release of their album "Degüello" in late 1979, which include... Read Full Description >

  In January 1980, ZZ Top was experiencing a significant period of success, following the release of their album "Degüello" in late 1979, which included hits like "I Thank You" and "Cheap Sunglasses." The live recording from Grugahalle in Essen, Germany, captures the band at a peak in their career, showcasing their signature blend of blues rock and boogie while further solidifying their reputation as electrifying live performers. The concert is part of the "Double Down Live" album, which features performances recorded during their 1979–1980 tour. Notably, this era marked a transition for ZZ Top as they began to incorporate more synthesizers and a harder rock sound, influencing their subsequent work. The band, known for its sharp-dressed image and unique sound, continued to gain traction during this tour, setting the stage for their later commercial successes in the 1980s.

ZZ Top Live in Essen, Germany: I Thank You / Waitin' for the Bus / Jesus Just Left Chicago

Essen, Germany

• In January 1980, ZZ Top was riding high on the success of their fifth studio album, "Degüello," which was released in December 1979. This album marke... Read Full Description >

  In January 1980, ZZ Top was riding high on the success of their fifth studio album, "Degüello," which was released in December 1979. This album marked a significant evolution in the band's sound, incorporating more diverse influences like blues and rock while maintaining their signature Texas style. The live recording from Essen, Germany captures ZZ Top at a pivotal moment in their career as they were transitioning from their earlier raw sound to a more polished, radio-friendly rock presence. Notably, "Degüello" included hits like "Cheap Sunglasses" and "I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide," which showcased their trademark blend of humor and musicianship. The band's dynamic live performances, characterized by Billy Gibbons' distinctive guitar work and the dual drumming of Gibbons and Dusty Hill, continued to cement their status as rock icons during this era. This performance in Germany is indicative of their growing international appeal in the early '80s.

ZZ Top - La Grange Performance from Double Down Live in Essen, Germany

Grugahalle
Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

• In early January 1980, ZZ Top was riding the wave of their rising popularity, having just released their album "Degüello" in December 1979. This albu... Read Full Description >

  In early January 1980, ZZ Top was riding the wave of their rising popularity, having just released their album "Degüello" in December 1979. This album marked a significant point in their career as it broadened their musical style, incorporating elements of rock, blues, and boogie, while also featuring some of their most enduring hits. The live recording from the Grugahalle in Essen, Germany, featured their iconic track "La Grange," showcasing their dynamic sound and stage presence. Notably, the release of "Double Down Live," which includes this performance, not only highlights the band's energetic live shows but also signifies a key moment when they began to gain international acclaim. With their trademark beards and the blend of Texas blues rock, ZZ Top solidified their reputation during this era, setting the stage for substantial future successes, including further popular albums in the 1980s.

ZZ Top - 'Jesus Just Left Chicago' Live in Essen, Germany from 'Double Down Live'

Grugahalle
Essen, NR, Germany

• In January 1980, ZZ Top was riding high on the success of their album "Degüello," which was released in December 1979. This studio album marked a sig... Read Full Description >

  In January 1980, ZZ Top was riding high on the success of their album "Degüello," which was released in December 1979. This studio album marked a significant evolution for the band, showcasing a blend of rock, blues, and their distinct Tex-Mex influences, leading to popular tracks that would frame their image in the 1980s. The live recording featured in the video, "Jesus Just Left Chicago," illustrates the band's formidable skills as a live act during this period, as they were gaining momentum and expanding their fanbase internationally. "Double Down Live," the concert release from which this performance is drawn, reflects ZZ Top's energetic stage presence and the growing popularity of their sound. By this time, the band was also renowned for their iconic image, including their long beards and sunglasses, which would become synonymous with their brand throughout their career.

ZZ Top Full Concert: Live in Paris - Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings, El Diablo, Cheap Sunglasses, and More

Pavillon Baltard
Nogent sur Marne, IL, France

• In April 1980, ZZ Top was enjoying significant commercial success with their album "Degüello," released in December 1979. This period marked a crucia... Read Full Description >

  In April 1980, ZZ Top was enjoying significant commercial success with their album "Degüello," released in December 1979. This period marked a crucial moment in their career, as they were transitioning from their blues-rock roots to a more polished sound characterized by a fusion of rock and boogie, as reflected in songs like "Cheap Sunglasses" and "La Grange." The live performance captured in Paris showcases the band as they were solidifying their presence in the music scene and expanding their international fan base. Notably, this concert is significant as it was their first performance in Paris, highlighting their growing popularity in Europe. The recording features energetic renditions of tracks that would define their legacy, and it stands as a testament to ZZ Top’s distinctive style during the late 1970s and early 1980s, setting the stage for future hits in their career.