ZZ Top stands tall as one of the most iconic rock bands in American music history, blending gritty blues with electrifying rock for over 50 years. In 2025, the bearded legends are hitting the road again with a tour that’s got fans buzzing, featuring two major legs: The Elevation Tour and the Red Hot Summer Tour. From the raw power of ZZ Top songs like “Gimme All Your Lovin’” to the unmistakable presence of members Billy Gibbons, Frank Beard, and Elwood Francis—carrying the torch for the late Dusty Hill—this tour promises a mix of fresh performances and classic hits from albums like Degüello and Afterburner. With a ZZ Top setlist primed to celebrate their enduring legacy, the excitement is palpable. Get ready for a deep dive into what makes these 2025 shows a must-see for rock aficionados everywhere!
ZZ Top in 2025 – A Quick Overview
ZZ Top, the legendary Texas trio formed in 1969, has been a cornerstone of American blues-rock for over five decades. Known for their gritty sound, sly lyrics, and iconic bearded image, the band—originally consisting of Billy Gibbons (vocals/guitar), Frank Beard (drums), and Dusty Hill (bass/vocals)—built a legacy with hits like “La Grange” and “Sharp Dressed Man.” In 2021, the band faced a seismic shift with the passing of Dusty Hill, ending a 50-year run with their original lineup. Per Hill’s wishes, Elwood Francis, their longtime guitar tech, stepped into the bassist role. As of 2025, ZZ Top continues to thrive with Gibbons, Beard, and Francis, proving their adaptability while honoring their roots.
Tour Announcement
The buzz in 2025 centers on ZZ Top’s two major tours: The Elevation Tour and the Red Hot Summer Tour. The Elevation Tour kicks off in the U.S. with dates like March 5 in Dothan, Alabama, and stretches across the Southeast and Midwest, with a standout show at Red Rocks Amphitheater on August 4. Meanwhile, the Red Hot Summer Tour brings the band to Australia, headlining Series 2 with stops like Bendigo on April 26, marking a rare return Down Under.
These tours underscore ZZ Top’s resilience and timeless appeal. Gibbons and Beard, now in their mid-70s, keep the engine roaring, while Francis’s seamless integration shows the band’s ability to evolve without losing their soul. The Elevation and Red Hot Summer Tours aren’t just nostalgia trips—they’re a testament to ZZ Top’s staying power, delivering boogie and blues to new generations while keeping the spirit of Dusty Hill alive in every riff. This is a band that refuses to fade, proving their music still resonates across continents and decades.
ZZ Top Members – Who’s Taking the Stage in 2025?
Current Lineup: In 2025, ZZ Top rolls onto the stage with a trio that balances legacy and renewal. The lineup features:
Billy Gibbons
Billy Gibbons, the legendary frontman and guitarist of ZZ Top, is a true icon of rock and blues. Known for his gravelly voice, masterful guitar skills, and unmistakable swagger, Gibbons has been the driving force behind ZZ Top’s signature sound for over five decades. As the band’s sonic architect, he has crafted some of the most memorable riffs in rock history, solidifying his place as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Born on December 16, 1949, in Houston, Texas, Gibbons was drawn to music from an early age. He formed his first band, The Moving Sidewalks, in the 1960s, which gained local fame and even opened for Jimi Hendrix. However, it was the formation of ZZ Top in 1969 that catapulted Gibbons to international stardom. Alongside bassist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard, Gibbons created a unique blend of blues, rock, and boogie that became the band’s trademark.
Gibbons’ guitar playing is instantly recognizable, characterized by its gritty tone and infectious grooves. Tracks like “La Grange,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’” showcase his ability to blend technical prowess with raw emotion. His use of custom guitars, such as the famous “Pearly Gates” Gibson Les Paul, has become legendary in the music world. Gibbons’ tone is so distinctive that it has inspired countless guitarists across genres.
Beyond his musical talent, Gibbons is a cultural icon. His signature look—long beard, sunglasses, and sharp suits—has made him one of the most recognizable figures in rock. Despite his rockstar persona, Gibbons is known for his humility and deep respect for the blues tradition. He has collaborated with legends like B.B. King and Jeff Beck, further cementing his status as a bridge between blues and rock.
In recent years, Gibbons has continued to innovate. He released solo albums like The Big Bad Blues (2018) and Hardware (2021), showcasing his versatility and love for the blues. His 2023 collaboration with Joe Bonamassa on the track “Sixteen Tons” was a trending highlight, reminding fans of his enduring relevance.
Billy Gibbons is more than just a musician; he’s a living legend. His contributions to ZZ Top and the broader music world have left an indelible mark, proving that his gritty blues-rock vibe is truly timeless.
Frank Beard
Frank Beard, the ironically clean-shaven drummer of the legendary rock band ZZ Top, is a cornerstone of the group’s iconic sound. Born on June 11, 1949, in Frankston, Texas, Beard’s journey with ZZ Top began in 1969 when he joined forces with guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill. Together, they created a blues-rock powerhouse that has endured for over five decades. Despite being the only member of ZZ Top without his signature beard, Beard’s drumming has been anything but understated, providing the relentless grooves that define the band’s music.
Frank Beard’s drumming style is rooted in simplicity and precision. His ability to lay down steady, driving beats has been the backbone of ZZ Top’s sound since their inception. Tracks like “La Grange” and “Tush” showcase his knack for creating infectious rhythms that are both powerful and understated. Beard’s drumming draws heavily from blues traditions, blending them with rock sensibilities to create a unique sound. His work on albums like Tres Hombres (1973) and Eliminator (1983) highlights his versatility and ability to adapt to the band’s evolving style.
Unlike many drummers who seek the spotlight, Beard has always been content to let his music speak for itself. His understated stage presence allows the band’s guitar riffs and vocal hooks to shine, making him the unsung hero of ZZ Top. As ZZ Top gears up for their 2025 Elevation Tour and Red Hot Summer Tour, Frank Beard’s drumming remains as vital as ever. Fans are eager to see how his rhythms will bring new energy to classic hits and potential new material.
Frank Beard’s contributions to ZZ Top go far beyond his drum kit. His steady beats, innovative style, and quiet dedication have cemented his place as one of rock’s most influential drummers. As ZZ Top continues to tour and inspire new generations, Beard’s legacy as the band’s rhythmic anchor remains unshakable.
Elwood Francis
Elwood Francis is an American musician and long-time guitar tech, best known for taking over as the bassist for ZZ Top after the passing of Dusty Hill in 2021. Prior to joining the band full-time, Francis had worked with ZZ Top for nearly three decades as a guitar technician, helping maintain and tune the band’s instruments during their extensive tours.His basslines thump with the same soul Dusty Hill brought, but he’s not afraid to stand out—sometimes rocking a wild 17-string bass that nods to ZZ Top’s penchant for bold, quirky flair. His deep connection to the band’s history shines through in every note.
Elwood Francis, born August 23, 1961, in Lexington, Kentucky, has become a pivotal figure in ZZ Top’s ongoing legacy, stepping into the role of bassist following the death of Dusty Hill in July 2021. Before this unexpected transition, Francis spent over three decades as the band’s guitar tech, a behind-the-scenes maestro ensuring the instruments were stage-ready for Billy Gibbons, Frank Beard, and Hill. His journey to the spotlight wasn’t planned—he initially filled in when Hill sidelined himself with a hip injury, only to find himself permanently thrust into the role after Hill’s passing, per the late bassist’s explicit wishes. Hill reportedly told Gibbons, “If I’m late to the stage, give my guitar to Elwood,” a directive that became a bittersweet prophecy.
Francis’s integration into ZZ Top is a study in loyalty and adaptability. A self-taught musician who picked up the guitar at 13 or 14 after hearing The Tornados’ “Telstar,” he brings a raw, intuitive edge to the band’s sound. Unlike Hill, who played with his fingers, Francis uses a pick, sharpening the basslines with a distinct finesse that Gibbons has praised. His long, ZZ Top-worthy beard—grown during the 2020 lockdown—adds visual symmetry to the trio, a quirky nod to the band’s iconic image. Yet, Francis remains humbly detached, telling Guitar World in 2024, “Dusty is their bass player. I’m not in the band. I’ll never be in the band. It’s Dusty’s thing.” This reluctance underscores his reverence for Hill, despite his undeniable fit.
Trending chatter on X highlights Francis’s wild 17-string bass, a viral sensation since he debuted it in 2022 during “Got Me Under Pressure.” Ordered impulsively from a Chinese website, the monstrous instrument—hard to play and harder to fret—has become a fan favorite, though Francis admits he “hates” wrestling with it nightly due to Gibbons’s insistence after its online explosion. Posts on X also buzz about Gibbons’s recent comment to Australian Musician in 2025, calling Francis and Hill “two peas in a pod,” a testament to their shared spirit.
Beyond ZZ Top, Francis fronts The Mighty Skullhead, a band he founded in the ‘80s, and boasts a tech resume with legends like Joe Perry and Steve Vai. His 2025 performances—blending Hill’s soul with his own spark—keep ZZ Top’s boogie alive, a bridge between past and present.
Transition Context
When Dusty Hill passed in 2021, it could’ve been the end of an era—but Elwood Francis ensured ZZ Top’s spirit stayed alive. Handpicked by Hill himself, Francis had been part of the ZZ Top family for decades as Gibbons’s guitar tech, making his shift to bassist a natural fit. He doesn’t just mimic Hill; he channels the band’s legacy with respect and grit, keeping the low-end rumble intact for classics like “Jesus Just Left Chicago.” Gibbons and Beard have praised his seamless integration, and fans have embraced him as the bridge between ZZ Top’s storied past and its rocking present. In 2025, Francis proves the band’s engine still purrs, carrying their timeless sound forward with every gig.
The Elevation Tour – Dates, Locations, and Lineup Breakdown
Kicking off 2025 with a bang, The Elevation Tour stands out as one of the crown jewels in ZZ Top’s schedule this year. This headlining run sees “That Little Ol’ Band from Texas” bringing their electrifying blues-rock legacy to fans across the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, proving once again why they’ve been a force in music for over half a century.
Tour Overview
The Elevation Tour is a global celebration of ZZ Top’s enduring sound and style, featuring the current lineup of Billy Gibbons (vocals/guitar), Frank Beard (drums), and Elwood Francis (bass). Following the passing of Dusty Hill in 2021, the band has kept the engine roaring, and this tour promises to elevate their live experience to new heights. Spanning multiple continents, it’s a testament to their timeless appeal, blending high-energy performances with the gritty soul that’s defined them since 1969.
The Elevation Tour – Dates and Tickets
ZZ Top: The Elevation Tour
Key Dates
The tour launches in the U.S. with a notable stop in Dothan, Alabama, on March 5, setting the stage for a Southeastern swing that includes cities like Cincinnati (April 8 at The Andrew J Brady Music Center). The band then heads Down Under, hitting Australia with shows like Sydney on May 13 at ICC Sydney Theatre, alongside dates in Adelaide (April 29), Perth (May 1), and Melbourne (May 7). New Zealand fans get their fix with Auckland (May 17) and Wellington (May 18). Back in the States, summer brings a bucket-list gig at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado, on August 4, with a homecoming in Lubbock, Texas, slated later in the year—exact date TBD but sure to be a Lone Star highlight.
Supporting Acts
For select dates, ZZ Top teams up with blues-rock heavyweights George Thorogood & The Destroyers, who bring their own catalog of anthems like “Bad to the Bone” and “I Drink Alone.” This powerhouse pairing amps up the Australia/New Zealand leg and select U.S. shows, marking Thorogood’s final Australian run—a bittersweet bonus for fans. Stateside, additional supporting acts may vary, but the focus remains on ZZ Top’s headlining prowess.
What to Expect
Fans can anticipate a setlist that’s a love letter to ZZ Top’s discography, mixing timeless classics with deeper cuts. Expect staples like “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs” from Eliminator, the raw groove of “La Grange” from Tres Hombres, and maybe even a nod to their later work like “I Gotsta Get Paid” from La Futura. The tour celebrates these landmark albums, showcasing the band’s evolution from Texas barroom boogie to MTV icons and beyond. Gibbons’s searing guitar, Beard’s relentless rhythms, and Francis’s thumping bass—sometimes on that wild 17-string beast—will keep the energy sky-high.
Tour Theme, Venues, and Special Features
The Elevation Tour isn’t just a name—it’s a vibe. The theme leans into lifting spirits and sounds, with venues ranging from intimate arenas like Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne to the breathtaking open-air majesty of Red Rocks. Stage design promises to amplify ZZ Top’s larger-than-life persona—think hot rods, spinning guitars, and those iconic beards front and center. Visuals might nod to their MTV heyday with sleek, retro-futuristic flair, while Gibbons’s penchant for custom gear could spark unique collaborations or surprises. This tour isn’t just a concert series; it’s a full-on ZZ Top experience, blending nostalgia with a fresh jolt of rock ‘n’ roll reverence. Get ready to be elevated.
Red Hot Summer Tour – Australia’s Hottest Rock Event
Get ready to crank the volume because the Red Hot Summer Tour Series 2 is blazing into Australia in 2025, co-headlined by the legendary ZZ Top alongside a lineup of rock titans that’ll set stages alight. This isn’t just a concert—it’s a full-on celebration of rock’s golden era, bringing together some of the genre’s most iconic acts for a multi-act festival that’s as gritty as it is unforgettable.
Tour Overview
The Red Hot Summer Tour Series 2 unleashes ZZ Top as the marquee draw, with “That Little Ol’ Band from Texas” headlining a scorching run across Australia in April and May 2025. Known for their bearded swagger and blues-drenched rock, ZZ Top shares the spotlight with a roster of legendary acts, turning this tour into a must-see event for rock fans Down Under. It’s a festival-style bash that promises high-octane performances under the Aussie sun, delivering nostalgia and raw energy in equal measure.
Key Dates
The tour ignites on April 26 at the Bendigo Jockey Club in Bendigo, VIC, kicking off a string of iconic outdoor shows. Highlights include May 3 at Roche Estate in Hunter Valley, NSW, with additional stops like Mornington Racecourse (April 27), Stuart Park in Wollongong (May 4), and Sandstone Point Hotel in Queensland (May 10). These dates are locked in as can’t-miss rock pilgrimages for 2025.
Lineup Breakdown: This isn’t just ZZ Top’s show—it’s a rock ‘n’ roll summit featuring
- ZZ Top: The Texas trio—Billy Gibbons, Frank Beard, and Elwood Francis—brings their signature boogie and blues, a sound that’s been shaking stages for over 50 years.
- George Thorogood & The Destroyers: Blues-rock royalty, delivering gritty anthems like “Bad to the Bone” and “I Drink Alone” with Thorogood’s final Australian run adding extra stakes.
- The Living End: Aussie punk-rock legends, known for high-energy hits like “Prisoner of Society,” injecting a local edge into the mix.
- Baby Animals: A staple of Australian rock, bringing sultry power with tracks like “Rush You” and “Painless.”
- Rose Tattoo: The raw, outlaw spirit of Aussie rock, tearing it up with classics born from their 1976 roots.
- Dallas Frasca: A fierce voice and guitar slinger, adding a modern rock punch to this stacked bill.
What sets the Red Hot Summer Tour apart is how it complements ZZ Top’s gritty, roadhouse style with a diverse roster that spans continents and decades. This isn’t a one-note gig—it’s a rock mosaic, blending ZZ Top’s Texas twang with Thorogood’s barroom blues, The Living End’s punk fury, and the Aussie grit of Baby Animals, Rose Tattoo, and Dallas Frasca. It’s a festival that feels like a jukebox of rock history come to life, each act amplifying the others.
ZZ Top Setlist Insights
Expect ZZ Top to roll out a setlist stacked with fan favorites that’ll have the crowd roaring. “La Grange,” with its snarling riff and tales of Texas mischief, is a lock. “Sharp Dressed Man” will bring the slick, MTV-era strut, while “Gimme All Your Lovin’” delivers that irresistible groove. They might dig into deeper cuts too—think “Tush” or “Jesus Just Left Chicago”—tailored to keep the energy soaring alongside their tourmates. With Gibbons’s searing solos, Beard’s pounding drums, and Francis’s bass anchoring the legacy, it’s pure ZZ Top magic.
ZZ Top Songs – What’s on the 2025 Setlist?
When ZZ Top takes the stage in 2025 for The Elevation Tour and Red Hot Summer Tour, their setlist will be a sonic roadmap of their five-decade journey—a heady brew of blues-rock grit, Texas swagger, and timeless hooks. These songs aren’t just tracks; they’re the DNA of a band that’s shaped rock history, and they’re primed to dominate both tours with unrelenting energy.
Iconic Tracks and Legacy
ZZ Top’s most iconic songs—like “La Grange,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’”—are more than hits; they’re cultural touchstones. “La Grange,” with its snarling riff and nod to the Chicken Ranch brothel, cemented their early reputation as blues-rock renegades. The Eliminator trio—“Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’”—catapulted them into the MTV stratosphere in the ‘80s, blending their raw roots with sleek production and hot-rod visuals. These tracks showcase ZZ Top’s knack for marrying gritty authenticity with irresistible grooves, building a legacy that’s equal parts barroom and blockbuster.
Blues-Rock Roots : At their core, ZZ Top’s sound is steeped in the blues—think John Lee Hooker’s raw howl filtered through Texas heat. Billy Gibbons’s pinched harmonics and slide guitar conjure a swampy vibe, while Frank Beard’s shuffling rhythms and Dusty Hill’s (now Elwood Francis’s) rumbling basslines keep it grounded. Songs like “Jesus Just Left Chicago” or “Waitin’ for the Bus” drip with that slow-burn blues soul, a thread that ties their boogie anthems to their earliest days jamming in Houston dives. Live, this rootsy foundation shines through in Gibbons’s soulful delivery and the band’s loose, lived-in chemistry.
Setlist Predictions: Drawing from recent outings like the Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd, here’s what ZZ Top might bring to 2025:
- Staples : These are non-negotiable crowd-pleasers. “Sharp Dressed Man” struts with its polished swagger, “Legs” spins with funky flair, “La Grange” roars with primal energy, and “Gimme All Your Lovin’” locks in that infectious groove. They’re the backbone of any ZZ Top show, guaranteed to ignite the audience.
- Fan Favorites: For the die-hards, “Jesus Just Left Chicago” and “Waitin’ for the Bus” (often played back-to-back) deliver that slow, smoky blues punch, while “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide” flexes their outlaw cool with Gibbons’s wicked licks. These tracks reward longtime fans with deep-cut grit.
- Covers: ZZ Top loves a good reinterpretation. “Sixteen Tons,” the Tennessee Ernie Ford classic, gets a brooding, bass-heavy twist—especially with Francis’s touch—while “I Thank You” (a Sam & Dave cover) brings a soulful strut to the mix. They’re nods to the band’s influences, delivered with their own dusty stamp.
- Tour-Specific Twists: With The Elevation Tour hitting diverse venues and Red Hot Summer packing a festival vibe, expect surprises. From Tres Hombres, we might hear “Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers” for its rowdy edge, or “Tush” for its compact punch. Eliminator could yield “Got Me Under Pressure” as a high-octane wildcard. There’s even a slim chance for a La Futura cut like “I Gotsta Get Paid,” tying their modern growl to their classic sound. Gibbons’s love for improvisation might spark a jam or two, keeping things fresh.
Live, these songs are pure adrenaline. “La Grange” kicks off with that riff, and the crowd’s howling along by the first verse. “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs” turn venues into dance floors, with Gibbons’s spinning guitars and Francis’s wild 17-string bass adding visual flair.
ZZ Top Albums – The Soundtrack of the Tours
ZZ Top’s 2025 tours—The Elevation Tour and Red Hot Summer Tour—aren’t just live events; they’re a journey through a discography that’s defined blues-rock for over five decades. From barroom grit to MTV gloss and back to raw roots, their albums provide the heartbeat of these shows, shaping setlists and showcasing a band that’s evolved without losing its soul.
Key Albums:
- Tres Hombres (1973): This is where ZZ Top’s blues-rock sound took root. With tracks like “La Grange,” “Waitin’ for the Bus,” and “Jesus Just Left Chicago,” Tres Hombres bottled their Texas dive-bar energy—raw, raucous, and unpolished. It’s the foundation of their live DNA, a gritty touchstone that still resonates in 2025.
- Eliminator (1983): The game-changer. Eliminator turned ZZ Top into MTV superstars with synth-kissed hits like “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’.” Its sleek production and hot-rod aesthetic didn’t ditch the blues—it turbocharged them, making it their biggest seller and a setlist goldmine.
- Raw (2022): A recent live album, Raw captures ZZ Top post-Dusty Hill, recorded in 2019 at Gruene Hall but released in 2022. Stripped-down takes on classics like “Tush” and “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide” reflect their current vibe—lean, mean, and true to their origins, with Elwood Francis locking in the groove.
Influence on 2025
These albums are the pillars of the 2025 tours. Tres Hombres brings the rootsy fire—expect “La Grange” to kick dust and “Jesus Just Left Chicago” to simmer with bluesy soul. Eliminator fuels the crowd-pleasers; its trio of hits will light up venues with slick energy and nostalgia. Raw mirrors the band’s present state—unadorned and road-tested—hinting at how Francis’s bass and Gibbons’s grit keep the legacy alive. Together, they trace ZZ Top’s evolution: from Houston honky-tonks to global icons, then back to basics without missing a beat. Setlists will lean on these eras, balancing the rough with the refined.
Career-Defining Overview : ZZ Top’s discography is a wild ride. Early works like ZZ Top’s First Album (1971) and Rio Grande Mud (1972) laid the blues-rock groundwork, rough and unvarnished. Tres Hombres perfected it, while Fandango! (1975) mixed live chaos (“Tush”) with studio swagger. The late ‘70s—Degüello (1979) and El Loco (1981)—added swagger and quirks (“Cheap Sunglasses,” “Tube Snake Boogie”). Then Eliminator and Afterburner (1985) launched them into the stratosphere; Afterburner kept the synth vibe rolling with “Sleeping Bag” and “Rough Boy,” refining their ‘80s sheen. The ‘90s and beyond (Recycler, Antenna, La Futura) saw them pivot back to rootsier tones, with La Futura (2012) proving they could still growl (“I Gotsta Get Paid”). Each phase shows a band stretching without snapping—blues at the core, dressed up or stripped down.
Homage and New Horizons : The 2025 tours will pay tribute to this arc. Tres Hombres and Eliminator will dominate—think “Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers” or “Got Me Under Pressure” as crowd-rousers—while Afterburner might sneak in with “Velcro Fly” for variety. Raw ensures the set feels current, not just nostalgic. And don’t rule out a surprise: Gibbons has teased new riffs in interviews, so a fresh track or two could debut, blending seamlessly with the classics. These tours aren’t a museum piece—they’re a living, breathing salute to ZZ Top’s past, present, and maybe even a peek at what’s next. Dig into the albums, and you’ll hear the soundtrack of a band still burning rubber in 2025.
What Makes These Tours Special?
In 2025, ZZ Top’s The Elevation Tour and Red Hot Summer Tour aren’t just concerts—they’re a testament to a band that’s defied time, tragedy, and trends. With over 50 years under their belts, these tours are a victory lap, a reinvention, and a rowdy celebration all rolled into one, delivering a unique experience that’s as much about honoring the past as it is about rocking the present.
Legacy Factor: ZZ Top’s half-century-plus run is a rare feat in rock—a saga of blues-drenched riffs, sly humor, and unshakable cool that started in Houston dives and conquered the world. The 2025 tours honor this history by weaving their storied catalog into every show. From the raw edge of Tres Hombres to the polished punch of Eliminator, the setlists are a living archive, spotlighting a legacy that’s survived lineup shifts and cultural shifts alike. This isn’t a farewell—it’s a flex, proving ZZ Top’s sound still reverberates in a world they helped shape.
Member Dynamics : The spotlight shines on the trio powering these gigs. Billy Gibbons, the grizzled guitar wizard, remains the band’s soul—his pinched harmonics and snarling solos (think “La Grange” or “Sharp Dressed Man”) are masterclasses in tone and swagger. Frank Beard’s steady, stomping drums keep the engine humming, a quiet force behind the chaos. But Elwood Francis’s integration is the X-factor. Stepping in for Dusty Hill since 2021, Francis doesn’t just fill shoes—he adds his own stomp, sometimes wielding a 17-string bass that’s as wild as it is reverent. His chemistry with Gibbons and Beard keeps the vibe familial yet fresh, a seamless bridge between ZZ Top’s past and now.
Global Reach : The tours split the globe with distinct flavors. The Elevation Tour is a U.S.-centric odyssey (with Australia/New Zealand detours), hitting heartland spots like Dothan, AL, and bucket-list venues like Red Rocks, tailored to American rock roots. Meanwhile, Red Hot Summer Tour turns Australia into a festival playground, co-headlining with acts like George Thorogood & The Destroyers and The Living End for a multi-act, sun-soaked spectacle. The contrast—intimate stateside gigs versus Aussie rock summits—shows ZZ Top’s versatility, delivering their Texas twang to diverse crowds with equal gusto.
Fan Connection: Expect a boogie-filled, rowdy ride tied to ZZ Top’s songs and setlists. These shows are built for fans—whether it’s belting “Gimme All Your Lovin’” or swaying to “Jesus Just Left Chicago,” the energy’s infectious. Gibbons’s spinning guitars, Francis’s bass theatrics, and Beard’s relentless beat turn venues into dance floors and singalong havens. It’s a communal jolt, connecting grizzled road warriors who caught ‘em in the ‘70s with younger fans hooked by streaming playlists.
Unique Aspects: The 2025 tours pack extras that elevate the experience. Special guests like Thorogood (both tours) and Aussie icons (Red Hot Summer) add firepower—imagine “Bad to the Bone” bleeding into “Legs” for a double-dose of grit. Multimedia might lean into ZZ Top’s MTV heyday—think hot-rod visuals or retro-futuristic screens syncing with Eliminator cuts. Exclusive merch—custom tees, tour posters, maybe even a Gibbons-approved guitar pick—will tempt collectors. Stage setups could nod to their quirks, like the car-and-fur-guitar rigs of old, amped up for 2025’s scale.
Cross-Generational Appeal: ZZ Top’s magic lies in their ability to span generations. Boomers relive the ‘70s bar gigs, Gen Xers recall the ‘80s video boom, and Gen Z digs the timeless hooks—all united by a setlist that’s both nostalgic and immediate. “La Grange” hits the same whether you’re 60 or 16; it’s primal, universal rock ‘n’ roll. The band’s humor, style, and musicianship keep them relatable, a rare feat in a fractured music landscape.
Setlist Significance: That ZZ Top setlist is the thread tying it all together—reflecting a career that’s raw (Tres Hombres), revolutionary (Eliminator), and resilient (Raw). Staples like “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs” anchor the show, fan favorites like “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide” dig deeper, and covers like “Sixteen Tons” nod to their roots. It’s a curated blast through their story, with potential surprises—maybe a La Futura cut or a new riff—hinting at what’s next. These tours are special because they don’t just play the hits; they wield them like a living testament to ZZ Top’s enduring fire. Get ready for a night where the past roars into the future.
Conclusion
ZZ Top’s 2025 tours—The Elevation Tour and Red Hot Summer Tour—are shaping up to be electrifying chapters in the saga of “That Little Ol’ Band from Texas.” With Billy Gibbons’s searing guitar mastery, Frank Beard’s unshakable grooves, and Elwood Francis’s fresh yet faithful bass anchoring the lineup, the band’s ready to deliver. The setlists promise a killer mix of staples like “Sharp Dressed Man” and “La Grange,” fan favorites like “Jesus Just Left Chicago,” and nods to albums that built their legend—Tres Hombres, Eliminator, and even the raw energy of Raw. From the U.S. to Australia, these tours blend nostalgia with a live jolt that spans generations, proving ZZ Top’s legacy isn’t just intact—it’s thriving.
Don’t sleep on this. Grab your tickets for The Elevation Tour or Red Hot Summer Tour and witness the magic of ZZ Top firsthand—whether it’s the intimate roar of Red Rocks or the festival fire of Bendigo. Share your favorite ZZ Top tracks or memories in the comments below, or hit up social media to spread the word—let’s hear your “Legs” stories or “Tush” throwbacks! Follow the tour updates to stay in the loop, because ZZ Top’s still got the groove in 2025—don’t miss that little ol’ band from Texas tearing it up live!
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