For Billy Gibbons, ZZ Prime’s Tres Hombres was extra than simply an album title. It has been a steadfast mission assertion for the legendary guitarist and vocalist. Simply because the Texas legends have all the time been a trio, Gibbons maintains the identical construction along with his solo group, the BFG’s.
As he is fast to level out, there is a sure mojo that comes on account of conserving it to the facility of three. “The presence and demand of giving it 110% is all the time the cornerstone,” Gibbons shared throughout a latest dialog on Final Basic Rock Nights. “All people has received to be on level. I believe that the simplicity and the sparseness of the trio, it is all the time at the back of one’s thoughts to know that you just’re given the chance to place your greatest foot ahead. Something wanting that, it turns into a bit too skinny. We just like the sound that is large and fats.”
Within the early ’80s, Tres Hombres was additionally the identify of the band that includes future Oscar winner Billy Bob Thornton on drums. The group had originated in Arkansas within the ’70s below the identify Nothin’ Doin’. After they relocated to Houston later within the decade, issues finally took a distinct path. An area promoter identified that they sounded so much like ZZ Prime. Perhaps they need to shift their focus and change into a tribute band? A reputation change would assist as effectively. Tres Hombres emerged formally with their new identification.
Although they noticed their attendance at gigs rise on account of the change, an try to put out an album’s price of authentic songs did not work out as effectively. 1983’s Gunslinger shot solely blanks and the band finally dissolved.
Years later, Gibbons appreciates what Thornton and his bandmates did at a time when it was much less frequent to pay tribute to your favourite group. “It is fairly shocking to seek out that there is quite a few what they’re now referring to as tribute bands,” he says. “To listen to completely different variations of one thing that resides at midnight corners of the mind is considerably invigorating. I discover it quite pleasant to listen to completely different takes on a few of these songs which have change into considerably standardized through the years. It is fairly cool.”
Thornton and Gibbons have been mates for quite a few years, and their friendship has now crossed over into the musical realm. Gibbons helped pen an authentic track, “Livin’ It Up Down in Texas,” for Landman, the tv program helmed by Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan. Thornton and nation artist Mark Collie are each featured on the Paramount+ drama and collaborated with Gibbons on the observe, which echoes his wealthy musical legacy with ZZ Prime.
Take heed to Billy Gibbons’ ‘Livin It Up Down in Texas’
“Taylor is a mad genius and was in no small half an enormous draw for me to become involved with Mark and Billy Bob,” Gibbons says. “I stated, ‘I do know you guys have gotten some concepts. Is there a thread of a suggestion which manner you wish to transfer?’ I received an image of a flaming oil effectively engulfed in smoke they usually stated, ‘Let’s do one thing that appears like this.'”
Gibbons’ present solo tour with the BFG’s kicked off with a pair weeks of dates the place they have been allowed to place down prolonged roots in each Hawaii and California. “The absence of the load-in and load-out on a nightly foundation is sort of a reward, not just for the street crew, however for the good thing about the band,” he admits. “We received to spend time studying new materials. We really got here ahead and wrote a few issues whereas we have been in Hawaii, and that was as a result of the gear was arrange and able to rock.”
READ MORE: ZZ Prime vs. Billy Gibbons and the BFG’s: Set Checklist Comparability
The newest incarnation of the BFG’s has been modified barely with drummer Chris “Whipper” Layton, recognized for his work with Stevie Ray Vaughan, and extra lately, guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Longtime Gibbons cohort Mike “The Drifter” Flanigin completes the lineup. “Chris has saved his chops up and is stronger than 40 acres of onions,” Gibbons says, who notes that each members being Austin residents is a further bonus. “These communities present a pleasant backdrop for considered one of these inventive gatherings. It is fairly the reward. That Texas factor, no matter that factor could also be, exists on a excessive level, significantly in Austin. I believe comfort performs an enormous half within the inventive spirit [that comes out]. ‘Hey, let’s go throughout city.’ As an alternative of going state to state, you possibly can simply discover your option to the studio or the work room in a number of blocks.”
The present Billy Gibbons and the BFG’s tour has dates working by Feb. 20. After a brief break, the bearded rock legend will return to the street for ZZ Prime’s first exhibits of the 12 months beginning in early March.
Rating Each ZZ Prime Album
From the primary album to ‘La Futura,’ we try the Little ‘ol Band From Texas’ studio data.
Gallery Credit score: Nick DeRiso
