ZZ Top- DeGuello 45th Anniversary- Billy Gibbons, Frank Beard 11-11
Because I was on the radio at ROCK 103, I distinctly remember practically every major touring band that came through Memphis then, home of ZZ Top recording mecca Ardent Studios, marveling at the sounds that Billy Gibbons had created on their November 1979 release, DeGuello (“no mercy”).
These were pre-MTV days, so you might not remember the album cover or title but you’ll definitely recall radio staples “Cheap Sunglasses”, ZZ Top’s nod to their Memphis hosts with the Sam and Dave chestnut “I Thank You”, the ’round midnight blues howl of “Fool for Your Stockings”, and the slow rollin’ “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide”. Join Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard In the Studio to recall a real turning point for ZZ Top’s career forty-five years ago with DeGuello the week of November 11. -Redbeard