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ZZ Top and their love for unique and sometimes bizarre guitars
ZZ Top is a legendary American rock band that has been entertaining fans with their signature sound for over five decades. From their early days in the 1970s to their more recent releases, ZZ Top has been known for their catchy riffs, bluesy sound, and distinctive style. However, one thing that has always stood out about the band is their love for unique and sometimes bizarre guitars. These guitars have become an integral part of the ZZ Top experience, and fans around the world have come to recognize them as symbols of the band’s music and image.
In this article, we will explore the story behind some of ZZ Top’s most iconic guitars. From the Eliminator era guitars to the Furry Guitar, the Pearly Gates Guitar, and the Mexican Blackbird Guitar, we will take a closer look at each of these guitars and uncover the stories behind them. We will also discuss the role that these guitars have played in ZZ Top’s music and image, and how they have contributed to the band’s success over the years. So, sit back and get ready to dive into the fascinating world of ZZ Top’s crazy guitars.
Billy Gibbons’ Guitar Collection
Billy Gibbons, ZZ Top’s lead guitarist and vocalist, is known for his love of guitars. Over the years, he has built up an impressive collection of guitars, many of which are unique and one-of-a-kind. Gibbons’ collection includes guitars made by some of the world’s most renowned luthiers, such as John Bolin, Tom Murphy, and John Cruz.
Some of the guitars in Gibbons’ collection have become famous in their own right, such as the Furry Guitar, the Pearly Gates Guitar, and the Mexican Blackbird Guitar, which we will discuss in more detail later in this article. These guitars are not only significant because of their association with Gibbons but also because of their role in ZZ Top’s music and image.
Gibbons has said that his love of guitars started when he was a child and he was given his first guitar by his father. He has also spoken about how he sees guitars as works of art and has described his collection as a “guitar museum.” He often uses these guitars during live performances, and fans have come to expect to see him playing some of his signature guitars.
The significance of Gibbons’ guitar collection to his career cannot be overstated. His collection has helped to shape his sound and has become an important part of ZZ Top’s image. It is a testament to his love of music and his dedication to his craft, and it has inspired countless guitarists around the world. In the next sections, we will take a closer look at some of the guitars in Gibbons’ collection and explore their stories.
The Eliminator era is arguably one of ZZ Top’s most famous periods, characterized by their hit album “Eliminator” and its accompanying music videos featuring the band’s iconic hot rods and beautiful women. The guitars used during this era are also significant, as they played a key role in ZZ Top’s sound and image.
One of the most famous guitars from this era is the 1959 Gibson Les Paul known as “Pearly Gates.” This guitar was used extensively on the “Eliminator” album and is now one of the most sought-after guitars in the world. It has a unique sound, thanks to its original PAF pickups, and its distinctive “aged” look is the result of years of use by Gibbons.
Another guitar that played a key role in ZZ Top’s sound during the Eliminator era is the Gretsch Duo Jet. This guitar was used on songs such as “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” and its distinctive twangy sound helped to define the band’s sound during this period. Gibbons’ particular Duo Jet is a 1958 model with a Bigsby tailpiece and is now considered one of the most valuable Gretsch guitars in the world.
Finally, the Fender Stratocaster played a significant role in ZZ Top’s sound during the Eliminator era, particularly on songs such as “Legs” and “Sleeping Bag.” Gibbons’ particular Stratocaster was customized with a silver sparkle finish and a mirrored pickguard, giving it a unique look that became synonymous with the band’s image during this time.
Overall, the guitars used during the Eliminator era were instrumental in shaping ZZ Top’s sound and image, and they remain some of the most iconic guitars in rock history. Their influence can still be heard in the music of countless bands today.
One of the most unusual guitars in Billy Gibbons’ collection is the Furry Guitar, which is covered in real fur. This guitar has become one of the most recognizable guitars in rock history, and it is closely associated with ZZ Top’s image and sound.
The Furry Guitar the symbol of ZZ Top
The story behind the Furry Guitar is quite unique. According to Gibbons, he came up with the idea for the guitar after seeing a similar furry design on a car. He then commissioned a company in Nashville to cover a Gibson Flying V guitar in fur, and the result was the Furry Guitar.
The Furry Guitar has become an important part of ZZ Top’s image, and it has been featured prominently in the band’s music videos and live performances. It is known for its unique sound, which is partly due to the fact that the fur on the guitar acts as a natural dampener, creating a muffled sound that is perfect for bluesy guitar solos.
The Furry Guitar has become a symbol of ZZ Top’s irreverent and quirky style, and it has inspired countless guitarists to experiment with their own guitar designs. It is a testament to Gibbons’ creativity and his willingness to push the boundaries of what is possible with a guitar.
Today, the Furry Guitar is one of the most famous guitars in rock history, and it remains a beloved part of ZZ Top’s legacy. It is a true icon of the guitar world, and its influence can still be felt in the music of countless bands today.
The Pearly Gates Guitar
The Pearly Gates Guitar is one of the most famous guitars in Billy Gibbons’ collection, and it has become closely associated with ZZ Top’s music and image. This guitar has a unique sound, thanks to its original PAF pickups, and its distinctive “aged” look is the result of years of use by Gibbons.
The story behind the Pearly Gates Guitar is quite interesting. According to Gibbons, he acquired the guitar in the early 1970s when he was living in Houston, Texas. The guitar had been left in a pawn shop by a man named Pearly Gates, who was unable to reclaim it due to legal issues. Gibbons purchased the guitar and began using it extensively in his live performances.
Over the years, the Pearly Gates Guitar became an important part of ZZ Top’s sound, and it was used extensively on the “Eliminator” album. Its distinctive sound can be heard on songs such as “La Grange” and “Tush,” and it has become closely associated with the band’s bluesy sound.
Today, the Pearly Gates Guitar is one of the most sought-after guitars in the world, and it has become a symbol of ZZ Top’s legacy. Its distinctive sound and unique look have inspired countless guitarists, and it remains a beloved part of Gibbons’ guitar collection.
In 2021, the Pearly Gates Guitar was sold at auction for a record-breaking $6 million, making it the most expensive guitar ever sold.
The Mexican Blackbird Guitar
The Mexican Blackbird Guitar is another iconic guitar in Billy Gibbons’ collection, and it has played a significant role in ZZ Top’s music over the years. This guitar is known for its distinctive design, which features a Mexican flag and a blackbird, and its unique sound, which is perfect for bluesy guitar solos.
The story behind the Mexican Blackbird Guitar is quite interesting. According to Gibbons, he came up with the idea for the guitar while on a trip to Mexico. He saw a guitar with a Mexican flag design and was inspired to create his own version. He commissioned a company in Nashville to build the guitar, and the result was the Mexican Blackbird Guitar.
The Mexican Blackbird Guitar has become an important part of ZZ Top’s sound, and it has been used extensively on songs such as “Mexican Blackbird” and “Francine.” Its unique sound and design have helped to define the band’s sound and image, and it remains a beloved part of Gibbons’ guitar collection.
The story behind ZZ Top’s crazy guitars is a fascinating one that speaks to the band’s creativity, innovation, and dedication to their craft. From the Eliminator era guitars to the Furry Guitar, the Pearly Gates Guitar, and the Mexican Blackbird Guitar, each of these guitars has its own unique story and has played a significant role in ZZ Top’s music and image.
Billy Gibbons’ guitar collection is also an important part of the band’s legacy, and it has helped to shape their sound and image over the years. His love of guitars and his dedication to his craft have inspired countless guitarists around the world, and his guitars have become symbols of ZZ Top’s music and image.
Overall, the story behind ZZ Top’s crazy guitars is a testament to the power of music and the enduring legacy of one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Their guitars continue to inspire and influence musicians around the world, and they remain an important part of rock history.
Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VmVK2s3aTc
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