OLD SCHOOL: LIVE TEXAS BLUES, BLUESROCK AND HARD ROCK FROM ZZ TOP

Opinions about the performance of ZZ Top in the second decade of this new century differ. The DELUXE editors got a chance to form their own opinion about the three Texans first-hand live at Cologne’s open-air venue The Tanzbrunnen.

40 years into their career, they’re easily recognizable: Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill in long trenchcoats, paired with black sunglasses and hats. The performance in Cologne revalidated their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Neither the trio themselves nor its distinctive sound has changed much over the years. The Tanzbrunnen in Cologne was converted in short to the ‘Rockbrunnen’, and the three bluesrock musicians performed their 80s hits like “Gimme All Your Lovin’”, “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs”. The three senior rockers didn’t need a big stage show for that. It’s evident that they impress their fans more with their instrumental skills and guitar heroics. The musical euphoria was as ever professionally sustained throughout the entire 90 minutes of the first set. Besides concertgoers being indulged with extensive guitar solos on most songs, Gibbons and Hill entertained the audience with witty interaction, joking and goofing around.

The performances of both guitarists together with their drummer Frank Beard are acknowledged as musical delicacies for over 40 years - and that can also be said of the appearance in Cologne’s Tanzbrunnen. The unmistakable raw and raunchy sound, sprinkled with finest blues makes ZZ Top immortal, and probably also still many years more a worthy experience.

Genre enthusiasts who can do without excessive stage shows, pyrotechnics and extravagant acts are at home with the three Texans. They reduce the concert to what matters most: real, honest, sometimes hard music. The group, one of the few rock bands still playing in original formation after all those years, took its show to various German cities in June. For those of you who are too late: hold tight, they’ll certainly be back to Germany. And until then, you can let your beard grow - hopefully it isn’t too “long” by the time they get back!