Legendary American boogie-rockers ZZ Top have given an update on sessions for their new album.
For a period in the mid 70s ZZ Top were the most lethal live band in American. Cutting their teeth in tough bar rooms across the nation, the bearded brothers honed a rough ‘n’ ready take on R&B.
Releasing a string of albums, ZZ Top had a wonderful sleazy charm. The band reached huge fame in the 80s, with globally successful albums such as ‘Accelerator’ but fans still harbour a soft spot for their boogie roots.
Now the band seem to be turning back the hands of time. Working with Rick Rubin, ZZ Top are set to take inspiration from those epochal early recordings on their new album.
Speaking to Spinner, guitarist Billy Gibbons spoke of the effect the maverick producer has had on the band. “He’s very instrumental in striking a resonant chord,” Gibbons says of Rubin. “He’s able to find ways to pull things out that you might not know where there in the first place.”
Continuing, the guitarist reflected on the difficulty of re-capturing their once worldwide fame. “There’s more music now in every shape and form – something to please everybody,” he says. “I think the bigger challenge is: Where do you go to discover it? If you’re lucky, maybe word of mouth. Somebody will make a recommendation, and if you trust them, you might take the time to check it out.”
However Billy Gibbons did praise ZZ Top’s loyal fan base. “We’re kind of in the cat-bird seat,” Gibbons says. “We’re very fortunate that we’ve established a gangload of fans that may not have a place to go buy a CD but, by hook or by crook, they will either beg, borrow or steal it.”
Taking a break from the studio, ZZ Top have confirmed a joint tour with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. Due to return to work on their new album later this year, Ohio blues duo The Black Keys are amongst those confirmed to make a guest appearance.
