Kickin off the evening in style, George Thorogood and the Destroyers took to the stage with a performance that set the perfect tone for a night of wild rock and roll. From the raw energy of ‘Who Do You Love’ to the rhythm of ‘Get a Haircut’, the band kept the momentum throughout the first part of the show. The undeniable crowd-pleaser ‘Bad to the Bone’ lit up the crowd and was delivered with power and rawattitude. It was a bold, tightly executed, and thoroughly entertaining set that laid the foundation for the rock legends to follow.
ZZ Top might be older and greyer than they were in 2013, but they had lost none of their edge. The band remained as sharp and commanding, playing to a packed stadium of blues and rock ’n’ roll fans spanning two generations. One grew up in the ’70s, living and loving the golden age of rock, while the other, a new wave of young adults and children, experiencedthe legacy firsthand.
This iconic band that blended blues, boogie and hard rock together with their unmistakable style of beards, shades and glitzy outfits featured Billy Gibbons (vocals, guitar), Elwood Francis (bass, vocals) and John Douglas (drums).
With a packed stadium, ZZ Top’s bassist Elwood Francis made a bold entrance in the opening number, stepping out with an extraordinary 17-string bass guitar — a striking match for the powerful, hard-edged track ‘Got Me Under Pressure’. This moment gave Francis the perfect opportunity to showcase both his musical talent and commanding stage presence. His playing added weight and drive to the performance, making it one of the standout moments of the night. Together Francis’s pounding bass and Billy Gibbons’s gritty guitar work created a raw and electrifying sound that gave the number a street-smart edge.
While John Douglas initially stepped in for original drummer and ZZ Top founding member Frank Beard, he deserved recognition not merely as a stand-in, but as an exceptional talent in his own right. He is a drummer whose precision, energy, and connection with the band created a tight musical bond that perfectly complemented their distinctive style. Douglas delivered an impressive performance behind the drum set, showcasing tight timing and a rock-solid beat. His smooth control and ability to shift between different rhythms added depth to every track. He maintained the band’s classic blues-rock feeling while locking in effortlessly with Elwood Francis to form a tight rhythm section.
The momentum carried straight into ‘Tush’, a fast-paced rock number and a standout moment that highlighted Douglas’ssharp sense of rhythm and commanding presence behind the drums. This heavier, more hard-edged sound provided anopportunity to show his ability to drive the band with force.
While Douglas held the rhythm, it was Elwood Francis who complemented the band with his driving bassline and energy. In his rough-edged rendition of ‘I Gotsta Get Paid’ Francis showcased his raw, electric style, delivering a strong rhythm that he demonstrated with both technical control and confidence. His bass lead the number setting the tone with authority. The rhythm was relentless, and Francis locked in with Douglas while letting the guitar take centre stage. It wasa tight, focused performance that underlined the importance of the bass to the band’s modern sound.
One of the highlights of the night was ‘La Grange’, which gave Francis the chance to deliver the song’s well-known bass rhythm. His confident playing gave the track life, adding a warmth that clearly resonated with the crowd. The atmosphere was electric, and the audience came alive with renewed energy.
With the rhythm section locked in, it was Billy Gibbons who stepped into the spotlight, delivering his signature blues-rock mastery. Beginning with one of my all-time favourites ‘I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide’, Gibbons’s performance was polishedand confident, with a rhythm that gave him space to showcase his particular style. His blues-driven guitar work was crisp and expressive, rich in tone and full of character. Gibbons brought a laid-back feel to the track, playing with charm and control.
Few songs captured the essence of ZZ Top’s blues background like ‘Waitin’ for the Bus / Jesus Just Left Chicago’. This medley gave Gibbons the chance to showcase the core of his playing. His guitar was rich and full offeeling. With its slow, steady rhythm, the medley allowed each note to linger, drawing out the depth of classic blues. This was a standout moment that reminded me how deeply rooted the blues is in the essence of ZZ Top.
‘Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers’ brought a louder, rowdier energy to the set and shifted the mood. The crowd responded with enthusiasm as Gibbons performed this strong, bold, rebellious number. His playing was unpolished, providing a glimpse of a performer in full command.
This evening was a celebration of rock and blues that stirred memories, lifted spirits and united two generations. From the first explosive chord to the final encore, the crowd witnessedthe raw, rebellious and wild energy that defined an era. This wasn’t just a concert, it was a tribute to the enduring power of music that echoed the defiant spirit of a past generation that affirmed our belief above all:
“Long live rock ‘n’ roll”
