ZZ Top vs. Billy Gibbons and the BFGs: Set List Comparison

Technically, Billy Gibbons is on a break from ZZ High proper now. However in actuality, he is digging deeper into the band’s historical past than he has in a very long time.

Gibbons is at the moment touring with the BFGs, main a trio that additionally options bassist and Hammond B3 participant Mike Flanigin and longtime Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Bother drummer Chris Layton.

Evaluating one of many final reveals of ZZ High’s 2024 tour to the latest Cleveland cease of Gibbons’ trek reveals some cool similarities and variations. You may see the complete set listing from every live performance under.

Seven ZZ High classics (in daring under) seem in each units: “Waitin’ for the Bus,” “Jesus Simply Left Chicago,” “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Simply Obtained Paid,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Brown Sugar” and “La Grange.”

Gibbons’ set with the BFGs was nearly fully devoted to ZZ High’s ’70s catalog, shifting into the ’80s just for Eliminator‘s two greatest hits. However, the ZZ High present was totally half comprised of songs from the ’80s and past, with twice as many songs from Eliminator and two from 1981’s El Loco.

The elevated deal with his foremost band’s first decade gave Gibbons the possibility to dig out songs ZZ High hasn’t performed in years, together with “Francine” ( final performed in 2010 in accordance with SetList.fm), “Nasty Canine and Funky Kings” (2013) and “Thunderbird” (2019).

The BFG reveals additionally characteristic a extra natural sound, significantly evaluating Layton’s stripped-down, club-friendly package to the one ZZ High drummer Frank Beard makes use of to duplicate the band’s digitized post-Eliminator sound. You may hear the distinction within the fan-shot movies of “Gimme All Your Lovin'” from each excursions that are embedded under.

Flanigin switched to the Hammond for a few songs to additional increase the BFG’s palette, and he tackled the late Dusty Hill’s vocal elements very properly on “Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers.”

Gibbons can be on the street with the BFGs till a Feb. 20 present in Bristol, Tennessee, and can then as soon as once more staff up with Beard and bassist Elwood Francis for a ZZ High tour that kicks off March 5 in Dothan, Alabama.

Learn Extra: ZZ High and Billy Gibbons Set 2025 Tour Dates

ZZ High Nov. 23, 2024 Dodge Metropolis, KS Set Record (from SetList.fm)

1. “Obtained Me Underneath Strain” (from 1983’s Eliminator)
2. “I Thank You” (Sam & Dave cowl, from 1979’s Deguello)
3. “Waitin’ for the Bus” (from 1973’s Tres Hombres)
4. “Jesus Simply Left Chicago” (from 1973’s Tres Hombres)
5. “Gimme All Your Lovin'” (from 1983’s Eliminator)
6. “Pearl Necklace” (from 1981’s El Loco)
7. “I am Dangerous, I am Nationwide” (from 1979’s Deguello)
8. “I Gotsa Get Paid” (from 2012’s La Futura)
9. “My Head’s in Mississippi” (from 1990’s Recycler)
10. “Sixteen Tons” (Merle Travis cowl)
11. “Simply Obtained Paid” (from 1972’s Rio Grande Mud)
12. “Sharp Dressed Man” (from 1983’s Eliminator)
13. “Legs” (from 1983’s Eliminator)
14. “Brown Sugar” (from 1971’s ZZ High’s First Album)
15. “Tube Snake Boogie” (from 1981’s El Loco)
16. “La Grange” (from 1973’s Tres Hombres)

Billy Gibbons and the BFGs Feb. 2, 2025 Cleveland Set Record

1. “Kiko”
2. “Waitin’ for the Bus” (from 1973’s Tres Hombres)
3. “Jesus Simply Left Chicago” (from 1973’s Tres Hombres)
4. “Gimme All Your Lovin'” (from 1983’s Eliminator)
5. “Low cost Sun shades” (from 1979’s Deguello)
6. “Obtained Love if You Need It (Slim Harpo cowl, from 2015’s Perfectamundo)
7. “Blue Jean Blues” (from 1975’s Fandango!)
8. “Cunning Woman” (Jimi Hendrix cowl)
9. “Francine” (from 1972’s Rio Grande Mud)
10. “Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers” (from 1973’s Tres Hombres)
11. “Nasty Canine and Funky Kings” (from 1975’s Fandango!)
12. “Simply Obtained Paid” (from 1972’s Rio Grande Mud)
13. “Sharp Dressed Man” (from 1983’s Eliminator)
14. “La Grange” (from 1973’s Tres Hombres)
15. “Folsom Jail Blues” (Johnny Money cowl)
16. “Brown Sugar” (from 1971’s ZZ High’s First Album)
17. “Thunderbird” (from 1975’s Fandango!)