ZZ Top - Live From Texas (DVD)
Eagle Rock Entertainment
Southern-Influenced Blues Rock
17 songs (122'00)
Release year: 2008
Eagle Rock Entertainment
Reviewed by Marty
It's hard to believe that a band like ZZ Top with an almost 40 year history has never released a live DVD...until now. Originally starting off as a blues influenced southern hard rock band, albums like Rio Grande Mud, Fandango and Deguello vaulted them into the realms of commercial success. Who could have imagined the huge world-wide success and multi-platinum sales for the album Eliminator that also heralded the beginning of the MTV music video craze; something that they were a big part of. The videos for Sharp-Dressed Man and Legs are all-time classics that made ZZ Top a household name. Still touring on the merits of their classic material, this band still smokes in a live setting with bassist Dusty Hill and guitarist Billy Gibbons showing no signs of their age other than their greying beards.

ZZ Top tours with its extended "family"; those who have been with the band since day one. Some of the roadies, lighting and sound engineers have been with the band for decades. It's nice to see the stripped down ZZ Top format of the 70's back in full form with the band performing as a true three piece band and no sythns, drum loops or other electronic percussion that was the staple of albums like Eliminator and Afterburner. The set list includes such older classics from their early years like the combo of Waitin' For The Bus/Jesus Just Left Chicago, Heard It On The X, Blue Jean Blues, La Grange, Pearl Necklace, Cheap Sunglasses, Tube Snake Boogie, Just Got Paid and Tush along with 80's classics like Got Me Under Pressure, Pin Cushion, Rough Boy, Gimme All Your Lovin' Sharp Dressed Man and Legs. It's a great mix of classic ZZ Top but it's missing Beer Drinkers and Hell-Raisers!!

One of the tightest and most consistently solid live acts, guitarist Billy Gibbons is a big reason for that. Weaving in and out of lead fills and meaty riffs, he is a true master of the instrument. His bluesy yet energetic style has been a big influence on many rock guitarists over the years. KK Downing of Judas Priest has often mentioned that they modelled their guitar sound for albums like Stained Class and Hell Bent For Leather after Billy's guitar sound on the song Tush. Excellently filmed and recorded, Live From Texas takes you front row centre for a ZZ Top concert experience. Added bonuses include backstage footage as well as a performance of Jimi Hendrix's Foxey Lady. An absolute must for fans, this one enables you to a relive a ZZ Top concert right in the comfort of your own home with just the touch of a button.

Killing Songs :
Waitin' For The Bus/Jesus Just Left Chicago, Heard It On The X, Just Got Paid, La Grange and Tush
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