Billy is the perfect Texan gentleman. I was tossed out on my own at 16, I became a man in Texas. Worked in a foundry, hot dipping steel in molten zinc for bridges and other large structures. Worked construction wheelbarrowing "mud" on 2x8 planks in soggy sites and shoveling that "mud" to the stucco monkeys up three stories of scaffolding, ride a motorcycle with "some guys", been shot at, lived with some Mexican dudes behind a Drive In" (think, Roadhouse) and saw a lot of things.... And that Little ol' Band from Texas, was always playing on the radio and in my mind. From there, I joined the USAF, retired in December of '92. So, yeah. I'm Texan, cuz Texas straightened me out. God bless Billy Gibbons, RIP Dusty Rhodes, keep Frank Beard safe, snd ZZ Top alive forever. And never forget SRV.
The Cameroon story gave me chills. How cool was that? Cameroon is my favorite soccer team from the African continent since 1982 and Roger Milla. Cheers from Texas, y'all.
I really love ZZ Top! Their videos were killer...when I was a senior in High School in 1983 my best friend and I wanted nothing more than a ZZ Top key chain. Back then it said it all...
I hear you mate! You and I were doing the same thing, except I was Downunder in Melbourne, Australia. What year was Legs released? Mark from Melbourne Australia
@@markfryer9880 Hi Mark, it was on Eliminator in 1984. My favourite album! She's Got Legs, Gimme All Your Lovin' and Sharp Dressed Man are such great songs, I still get excited listening to them! BTW I was in Melbourne in 2015 for a conference and visited the Indian Motorcycle shop there, I still have the cool shirt I bought! Really nice city, we had a lot of fun there. Anyway, ZZ Top just brings back great memories for me...
Wanted the key Chain aswell . Had a VW Beetle as first car and Eliminator was one of my first cassettes I'd play in the car , great memories . How time goes by ....
@@markfryer9880 It was in November. There was a cool pub by the river, near a big pedestrian bridge, we went there repeatedly. I did enjoy it very much, but a different video comment I think!
Craig - “…COULD BE…?” Are you nuts? In the relatively short history of Rock guitar virtuosos, he’s without question in the top half of everyone’s list!
I use to hang around Digital Services recording studio here in Houston where they use to record sometimes and I remember running into him in the big rehearsal hall where the ping pong table was and he was absolutely memorized by a huge collection of African masks he’d bought and had shipped to the studio. They were piled on the ping pong table. He was circling them, studying them and admiring them as if in a trance. You’re one of a kind, Billy. I swear.
Saw ZZ Top in 1973 opening for Alice Cooper, and they were absolutely fantastic! Billy had his 10 gallon hat but no beard then, just just some thick sideburns...
Always enjoyed ZZ!! All through the 80s MTV & ZZ tried to make Dusty & Billy look like twin brothers in their video's.... and oh what great video's they were!! I graduated high school in '89, back when ZZ top were _huge_
I grew up in the 80s in a tiny little town in the UK listening to ZZ Top. I just couldn’t get enough of them. Loved them then and I love them now. Three dudes bringing in the feeling, the groove and the style.
His hair began to thin in the late 80s, he became bald in the early/mid 90's, only some hair back in the neck, that's why he is always seen with the cap in public
I saw him 2 summers ago, he sounded better singing live at that age than he did in the music videos as a young man. His voice has aged like a fine whiskey.
@@markfryer9880 Yes,she did! She looked at me and my bro,then pointed out the ones that had sped up their "dance in place" speed,alongwith those happy faces. Killer moment--salute that 50-something hottie for bringing it to our attention. What's sad,I wasn't even noticing 'till she pointed it out. I'm old...still,life can be really good sometimes!👍
I was standing in a booth at a pro audio trade show some years back listening to a 5.1 mix of a ZZTop live show and someone came up just behind me on my left and stood there listening as well, when it was over he said to me “damn they’re pretty good aren’t they?” When I turned it was Billy standing there smiling. It was a cool moment.
My sons and I got beer poured all over us by drunks at a concert at the Capitol Center in DC in 1994. The pit boss moved us to right side stage VIP section 5 feet from Billy and his guitars. Billy played several rifts throughout the night to my 12 year old son. Awesome to say the least. Nice guy, first class
As you probably know, Billy ( as a brother Texan I hope we are on the first name basis), that Hat trade was most likely the best Foreign Trade policy move with Camaroon, ever! Cheers from (north) Texas.
I remember back in the 60s, I was in Port Arthur Tex. 3 guys came on stage. On was wearing a mini Mouse hat and all of a sudden all hell Broke Lose .It was ZZ TOP. Billy was the one with the HAT.💥💥💥.
I think I was at a couple of ZZ Top’s concerts in the 70s but I’m positive I went to one last year in north Ga. Dusty had past but I still enjoyed it very much
Saw ZZ in Glasgow 🏴 on the Deguello tour they were fantastic & I have seen a few decent guitarists (Page,Blackmore,Young..etc) Billy was outstanding (as we're Dusty&Frank)....🎸🎛️🎙️🥁
I met him long ago. We were both in a Blockbuster store, reaching for the same VHS of "Gone With The Wind ". I let him have the video instead. He gave me a ZZ TOP keychain that I still have. I really wasn't sure if it was really him. What if I asked, "Are you Billy Gibbons?", and he said, "Nope "???
My brother-in-law’s best friend’s family is good friends with ZZ Top. I found this out at a graduation party back in 2010 when I saw a photo of the family with ZZ Top and realized that the photo was taken in the living room I was sitting in. The mom told me, “they were suppose to be here but they had another engagement”. The dad grew up with Billy Gibbons and knew him since grade school. I almost got to hang out with ZZ Top.
Always the best at doing what they did but a recognisable trademark like the beards helped people remember the name and recognise the band. The band always had a great look without resorting to hair, makeup and (the scourge of the 70s and 80s ) Spandex.
I got to meet him in 2021 and he was wearing that hat!! He was such a gentleman and asked if we could take a pic. It hangs on my wall. ❤️🎸
I love Billy Gibbons. Excellent songwriter, guitarist and vocalist.
and....story teller
BILLY G is all of the things mentioned and more 😊😅😮😊❤
I think hes the coolest senior citizen on earth
Hey One man cinema I won't ask about your alias but I do pretty much agree with what you said about Billy Gibbons 😊😅❤😂
Yes. Great satanic brutal death metal singer. Up there with Glenn Benton fron Deicide.
I just love his voice, both when he sings and when he talks!
Absolutely. This is the most iconic band there is.
absolutely!!
Perfectamundo uses auto-tune, unfortunately, and is virtually unlistenable! 😢
What a great story! He’s a magnificent musician, and apparently a great diplomat!
I love ZZ Top, they put out one album with all their hits, and the drummer who has no beard has the name Frank Beard.
What bearded girls they were
Every ZZ Top comment section has that one guy who has to mention how Frank has no beard as if no one ever said it before 🤦♂️
@@kdvincent1982 girl
@@JuneH-j8p queer
@Br So nor a billy goat. (As far as I know)
No matter how you slice it, Billy is the Real Deal. Legend. RIP Dusty. Hopefully, you're still making sweet music.
I couldn't have said what you just did any better if I tried
Feel a little silly for believing a hoax without confirming it now, eh?
That's why he chose who replaced him and that's why ZZ is still going. He is playing through the guys, he's always there.
love the saying, 'no matter how you slice it."
Billy is the perfect Texan gentleman.
I was tossed out on my own at 16, I became a man in Texas.
Worked in a foundry, hot dipping steel in molten zinc for bridges and other large structures. Worked construction wheelbarrowing "mud" on 2x8 planks in soggy sites and shoveling that "mud" to the stucco monkeys up three stories of scaffolding, ride a motorcycle with "some guys", been shot at, lived with some Mexican dudes behind a Drive In" (think, Roadhouse) and saw a lot of things....
And that Little ol' Band from Texas, was always playing on the radio and in my mind.
From there, I joined the USAF, retired in December of '92.
So, yeah. I'm Texan, cuz Texas straightened me out.
God bless Billy Gibbons, RIP Dusty Rhodes, keep Frank Beard safe, snd ZZ Top alive forever.
And never forget SRV.
Good story. Glad to hear it. However, it was Dusty Hill.
Dusty Rhodes had a different kind of American Dream.
@@stantheman9072LOL. Thanks for the correction. I knew that, but boomered it anyways!🤣
I've worked in hot-dip galvanizing, too. It ain't easy work, for sure. At least that stink washes off, though.
Good storyteller with good stories to tell! Wish this was a much longer video
I think the whole interview is about an hour. This is just a snippet.
@@stephenriggs8177 His memory and recollections are so incisive and spot on.
Agree, I watched him do several interviews and he is excellent at keeping your attention with no stuttering or stammering.
The Cameroon story gave me chills. How cool was that? Cameroon is my favorite soccer team from the African continent since 1982 and Roger Milla. Cheers from Texas, y'all.
Such a legend. Huge huge influence on everything what's great !
Billy Gibbons is always a great interview.
I really love ZZ Top! Their videos were killer...when I was a senior in High School in 1983 my best friend and I wanted nothing more than a ZZ Top key chain. Back then it said it all...
I hear you mate! You and I were doing the same thing, except I was Downunder in Melbourne, Australia.
What year was Legs released?
Mark from Melbourne Australia
@@markfryer9880 Hi Mark, it was on Eliminator in 1984. My favourite album! She's Got Legs, Gimme All Your Lovin' and Sharp Dressed Man are such great songs, I still get excited listening to them! BTW I was in Melbourne in 2015 for a conference and visited the Indian Motorcycle shop there, I still have the cool shirt I bought! Really nice city, we had a lot of fun there. Anyway, ZZ Top just brings back great memories for me...
Wanted the key Chain aswell . Had a VW Beetle as first car and Eliminator was one of my first cassettes I'd play in the car , great memories . How time goes by ....
@@pja-ok4714 Did you get to enjoy our trams? What time of year were you in Melbourne, Australia?
@@markfryer9880 It was in November. There was a cool pub by the river, near a big pedestrian bridge, we went there repeatedly. I did enjoy it very much, but a different video comment I think!
I have to say he could be considered a Rock & Roll legend!
IS.
Craig - “…COULD BE…?”
Are you nuts? In the relatively short history of Rock guitar virtuosos, he’s without question in the top half of everyone’s list!
Not sure where you have been Craig But ZZTOP are already in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 😊😅😂😮❤😊
His status as a member of the Rock and Roll HOF equates to legendary status - in other words, he IS considered a legend.
I sure hope that was a joke
That was a cool hat swap story. His talent and his personality if why folks can't get enough of BFG.
I had heard something of the beard story but not the hat. I had no idea that it came from Cameroon!
Billy is a national treasure. God bless.
You are right about that. Best singer song writer and musician. I'm sure going to miss him .
Amen !
ZZ Top - Most favorite group for me since 1975 and Fandango release.
Great band, give 'em all your lovin' 😊❤️
Met him, in Houston Texas,in the 90s. What a gentleman. ❤, 2023, I'm still rocking to the zz. 🎸🎩📿, From MI. We love you.
I'm smiling ear to ear listening to this story. Shows what a cool cat Billy G is.
Billy is something else. A gentlemen's gentleman.
I LOVE ZZTOP as a whole! I've often wondered how often they trimmed their beards.
Incredible music by a legendary group! Awesomeness!
I use to hang around Digital Services recording studio here in Houston where they use to record sometimes and I remember running into him in the big rehearsal hall where the ping pong table was and he was absolutely memorized by a huge collection of African masks he’d bought and had shipped to the studio. They were piled on the ping pong table. He was circling them, studying them and admiring them as if in a trance. You’re one of a kind, Billy. I swear.
Billy is so fantastic, and his music helped me see and experience life so differently so long ago!
Saw ZZ Top in 1973 opening for Alice Cooper, and they were absolutely fantastic! Billy had his 10 gallon hat but no beard then, just just some thick sideburns...
This guy is the shit. Hendrix agreed.
I love Billy. He's amazing.
Hendrix didn't want Gibbons more than two steps away from him at all times.
@@dg-hughes Thank you, i didn't realize they were that close..Actually, i grew up with these guys and did know they were aquainted until recently.
Always enjoyed ZZ!! All through the 80s MTV & ZZ tried to make Dusty & Billy look like twin brothers in their video's.... and oh what great video's they were!! I graduated high school in '89, back when ZZ top were _huge_
Dan and Billy are both national treasures in their own right.
The reverend Billy Gibbons is the epitome of COOL 😎.
Seen them 4 times. As good as RUSH in concert. Who I’ve seen 4 times also. 🤘🏼
@@jerrypuckett6733 Both 3 piece bands that thump a big sound.
@@Itelkner fuck yes. I’ve probably seen 300 concerts in my 62 years. Those two are right at the top. ZZ TOP that is. Pun intended.
And yes, he is an ordained minister!
I’ve seen ZZtop at least twenty times. Love the band!!! Billy Gibbons,is one COOOOOOOL cat!!!!!!!!!👍🇨🇦👊
Very cool interview with the legendary Gibbons. Always did have respect for the man and his success.
Billy is a good story teller. Good choice of words spoken in radio voice. Pleasure to listen to him ....
What classy guy. You can see he's comfortable in success and remains to himself.
I love this kind of guys, they are rocks and rockstars at same time 👍
Dan Rather ! So excited to see you ! You made my day !
I grew up in the 80s in a tiny little town in the UK listening to ZZ Top. I just couldn’t get enough of them. Loved them then and I love them now. Three dudes bringing in the feeling, the groove and the style.
How are you doing today Sillysod?
It's nice meeting you here!
Billy still has his Southeast Texas accent.
I've never heard that story either. Billy is the OG
Down to earth as they come
I wondered about the hat and where it came from more than the beards. Cool story!
His hair began to thin in the late 80s, he became bald in the early/mid 90's, only some hair back in the neck, that's why he is always seen with the cap in public
What a great man! God bless him!
In my opinion, the absolute GREATEST band known to mankind in my lifetime, and quite possibly ever, past or future!
I saw him 2 summers ago, he sounded better singing live at that age than he did in the music videos as a young man. His voice has aged like a fine whiskey.
Just saw ZZ with Willie,down in Texas. When Billy started Pearl Necklace,the lady standing close by said " Look at all the happy girls dancing!"
I wonder if she knew the double meaning behind Pearl Necklace?😂
@@markfryer9880 Yes,she did! She looked at me and my bro,then pointed out the ones that had sped up their "dance in place" speed,alongwith those happy faces. Killer moment--salute that 50-something hottie for bringing it to our attention. What's sad,I wasn't even noticing 'till she pointed it out. I'm old...still,life can be really good sometimes!👍
Excellent Interview!! Thank You I've seen them in concert twice, years ago.
I recently learned that ZZ Top came up with their name from the two most popular brands of rolling papers at the time - ZigZag and Tops.
I was standing in a booth at a pro audio trade show some years back listening to a 5.1 mix of a ZZTop live show and someone came up just behind me on my left and stood there listening as well, when it was over he said to me “damn they’re pretty good aren’t they?” When I turned it was Billy standing there smiling. It was a cool moment.
Billy Gibbons, just a cool dude.
What a story teller and what stories to tell. Love them all, but Mr. Gibbons has a way about him that's pure likable.
My sons and I got beer poured all over us by drunks at a concert at the Capitol Center in DC in 1994. The pit boss moved us to right side stage VIP section 5 feet from Billy and his guitars. Billy played several rifts throughout the night to my 12 year old son. Awesome to say the least.
Nice guy, first class
"I had these leather moccasins that sounded just like him" - the greatest description of the Reverend Billy Gibbons' voice that I've ever heard
I love the story about the cap. I had A good chuckle about it.
That little ol’ band from Texas.
As you probably know, Billy ( as a brother Texan I hope we are on the first name basis), that Hat trade was most likely the best Foreign Trade policy move with Camaroon, ever! Cheers from (north) Texas.
Dude is a legend. Great story about the hat!!
The man is a straight up cool guy. Sounds like a great interview.
I could listen to his stories all day long.
So happy to finally get the story behind the hat.
I remember back in the 60s, I was in Port Arthur Tex. 3 guys came on stage. On was wearing a mini Mouse hat and all of a sudden all hell Broke Lose .It was ZZ TOP. Billy was the one with the HAT.💥💥💥.
Billy is a living legend and a true artist. I am still sad about Dusty. I always thought that they will be together until the end.
Iv’e met Billy Gibbons he’s a very humble guy I guess you could call him a Texan Gentleman
Billy is the best. Hands down Rock.
fuckin love Billy Gibbons
lol 😂 it was that simple !! Always wondered about that, thanks for the post, love ZZ TOP !! R.I.P Dusty Hill 😔 🙏
I think I was at a couple of ZZ Top’s concerts in the 70s but I’m positive I went to one last year in north Ga. Dusty had past but I still enjoyed it very much
Great story teller, very charming
WOW !
You had me under pressure !
His last solo album Hardware Is killer
His work with Joshua Homme on Desert Sessions is great too.
Both are excellent and worthy
How can you not like Billy Gibbons
Seen ZZTop in Jax florida Afterburner tour at the Veterans coliseum 1986 was quite a show and bought the ZZkey chains !
Great Rock Band from Texas.
Two iconic Texans, Dan and Billy.
Great story love ,ZZ top saw them twice 70s and 80s
Thank you so much. I love ZZ top
Could listen to him tell stories all day.
He’s a Legend! I got to see them with Lynyrd Skynyrd in September. It was an awesome show!
I love ZZ Top, and I love Dan Rather. Great combination.👍
I grow up with ZZTop, but I never see the eyes from Billy.
I see a beautyfull soul in these eyes.
Love Dan Rather's interviews!!!!
Billy you are awsome !!!
ZZ Top and Billy Gibbons, both the best of all time
Saw ZZ in Glasgow 🏴 on the Deguello tour they were fantastic & I have seen a few decent guitarists (Page,Blackmore,Young..etc) Billy was outstanding (as we're Dusty&Frank)....🎸🎛️🎙️🥁
Great story. Thanks for the music
Epic Beard ,Epic Group ! 👍👍👍👏
After watching the video with Dan Rather sounds like a good down to earth man.
Billy is the Man!
We love you, ZZTOP.VERY 😎
Billy Gibbons and I have similar Gastro impulses. I’ve seen him at a Taqueria. I have seen him at a barbecue joint.
I love that answer😂
I met him long ago. We were both in a Blockbuster store, reaching for the same VHS of "Gone With The Wind ". I let him have the video instead. He gave me a ZZ TOP keychain that I still have. I really wasn't sure if it was really him. What if I asked, "Are you Billy Gibbons?", and he said, "Nope "???
Then you’d have been gone with the wind.
@@globalnova I did. Celebrities don't like to talk to just anyone. For the record, he left the store first.
one of the greatest axmen ever
I love that southern accent!!
My brother-in-law’s best friend’s family is good friends with ZZ Top.
I found this out at a graduation party back in 2010 when I saw a photo of the family with ZZ Top and realized that the photo was taken in the living room I was sitting in. The mom told me, “they were suppose to be here but they had another engagement”.
The dad grew up with Billy Gibbons and knew him since grade school.
I almost got to hang out with ZZ Top.
Missed it by that much.
How humble her is about the hat.
Thank you Billy!
Billy is not dead. Dusty is the one that passed away.
I never heard the hat story ! Good one !
Great insights!
Always the best at doing what they did but a recognisable trademark like the beards helped people remember the name and recognise the band. The band always had a great look without resorting to hair, makeup and (the scourge of the 70s and 80s ) Spandex.
I love ZZ Top.
LEGEND