Billy Gibbons Talks About Texas Culture | The Big Interview with Dan Rather

Explore the rise of "Redneck Rock" and how this unique blend of musical styles emerged, capturing the essence of Texas and creating a sound that resonated with audiences far and wide in an interview with ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons.
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[@urbanus3546]

Billy Gibbons is a super star, fantastic musician and a very humble, intelligent human being.

[@Babysmack-ns2vx]

It's easy to be humble when you are a billionaire

[@mad_cat_1st]

Love this dude. One of the best showmen in the history of recorded music. RIP Dusty Hill - we miss you, brother.

[@DrGaryGreen]

I didn't even know Dusty was gone. Wow.

[@justiceforall6412]

I didn't know Dusty had passed. RIP

[@kenparr6682]

Felt that Billy Gibbons should have got a Nobel Peace Prize for his trip of music and goodwill to Cuba; 'Quiero Mas Dinero', in a communist country. Then there was the time in the Liberty Hall parking lot when Dusty leaned against his L.T.D. Brougham, produced a Texas pinroll, and passed it around to Terry W. and myself before a gig. Major memorable moments. RIP, Bro.

[@melanieshaw3210]

​@@DrGaryGreenhe passed away in his sleep in July of 2021

[@trailerparkcryptoking5213]

What Billy would never arrogantly proclaim is that he is a genius! Things didn’t happen to him out of sheer luck, he had great musical skills and was super intelligent to create a long lasting career out of it. He speaks very articulate and chooses his words wisely!

[@CYCHIATRIC]

Hendrix said a few times Billy was the best guitarist in the world.

[@paulmorgan8254]

@@CYCHIATRIC Billy showed Jimi how to get that in between strat pickup sound with the original 3 position switch.

[@eddieboggs8306]

Amazing in all of those decades not change in their line up.

[@JimBobsonJones007]

Why would anyone declare themselves to be a Genius.

[@trailerparkcryptoking5213]

@@JimBobsonJones007 are you familiar with narcissism? They self proclaim to be anything good in this world! Do yourself a favor and learn about this toxic personality disorder, you will realize you probably contend with one, but just didn’t know there was a name for it. Many great videos on KZbin to educate yourself, may I recommend Dr Ramani & Dr Carter.

[@steve6290]

Paul McCartney was recently asked, what does it feel like to have been in the Greatest Band on Earth. He replied " My memory is failing me right now! I don't remember being in ZZ Top"

[@aleonyohan6745]

Billy Gibbons has such an awesome unique personality. He's so outgoing but so laid-back at the same time.

[@terryboothe2309]

That’s called being “ Cool” .

[@fusion5866]

The Rev has done more to unite Americans than any politician ever has. 😎

[@kingboagart899]

Agreed, and you can't blame him for the piece of shit state that he comes from. He stays away from there as much as possible.

[@tomwhite716]

Lots more that Rather……

[@8pumpkin18]

@@kingboagart899 Thank You and please tell all your friends.

[@themarbleking]

He united european colonists maybe. Not Americans.

[@jasonjohnston94]

I was at that concert in La Grange. The ticket into the fair was $35 and my kids were free. The stage was at one end of the pasture. You could stand or sit wherever you liked. The concert was great!

[@andrewweis5857]

The cosmic cowboy could only have happened in Austin, Texas. It was a magical time. Willie Nelson is underestimated as a complete musician.

[@AdmiralYeti8042]

The old Austin, hell yeah. The new Austin is just a bunch of insufferable liberals trying to make the place as gay and unlivable for the common man as humanly possible, like California.

[@donsmith8614]

tres hombres was huge when i went thru basic training in san antonio in july 74 and i've liked them ever since

[@JoseMorales-hr3kw]

I’m from San Antonio brother! Thank you for your service🙏🏼

[@randysiler7458]

I grew up in Houston Tx in the 60’s and 70’s. We were dope smoking, pill popping and beer drinking long haired Rednecks. We hunted, fished, surfed, had friends that rodeoed, friends that farmed, ranched and we all rode motorcycles. We listened to rockabilly, blues, country and blues rock music.

[@aceofspades5786]

Billy's intelligence and articulation is endearing

[@pullman1958]

What a great guy. I could listen to his stories all night.

[@stevenfrost6441]

Billy Gibbons is one of the reasons I picked up a guitar at 13. He is such an intelligent, innovative (Check out the Moving Sidewalks) and humble musician and one of the founding pieces of bedrock of True Texas Blues. ♥🎸

[@kenparr6682]

Would go to the Living Eye club in Houston whenever the Moving Sidewalks were playing. Guess I just "dated" myself. ZZ Top through the decades, Always Rockin.🇨🇱

[@mfh6982]

I've been to many, many concerts but ZZ Top at Red Rocks on a perfect Colorado summer night is way up there. Thank you, Billy and the band for all the years of listening to you guys. I am 60 and started listening to ZZ Top in 1975. Wow!

[@dklang]

Always Love seeing Billy Gibbons interviewed. The Wise Man of Texas Rock.

[@3rdmm]

ZZ Top played Essen, Germany one springtime evening in 1980, simulcast throughout Europe; blew the roof off a whole continent.

[@longrifle.]

Texas Approves this message. RIP Dusty. We remember you, for that you live on forever.

[@adamcoe]

I'm 43 years old and I've been listening to zz top for as long as I can remember, dozens upon dozens of interviews, videos, etc, and I can say that this is the very first time I have ever seen his eyes

[@danielkearnspsyd]

I’ve met Billy Gibbons twice in the grocery store. Can’t miss him. Very friendly guy.

[@timkis64]

i'll allways listen to what billy has to say.i grew up with his music.R.I.P. DUSTY.

[@williammetcalf7239]

My mom bought me their Eliminator Cassette in 83 when I was in middle school, and I have been a total fan of them ever since. Coolest dudes ever. I still have that same cassette.

[@KenPurcell]

Billy is such a Texas treasure, proud to have him on our planet. Grew up in North Texas in the eighties and witnessed the re-alignmentof the hippies and rednecks. And great time was had by all!

[@adamfindlay7091]

He's a gem. Always felt a warmth from his blast out. How is it Billy, Willie, and Buddy all came from Tx?!

[@natemeyer4980]

And Stevie Ray.

[@fredjennings5312]

So did Janice.

[@jamesspalten5977]

Plenty of others. Ian Moore, Eric Johnson, to name a couple.

[@alandavis1245]

And Johnny and Edgar Winter

[@joetatoesniff9525]

I met all of ZZ Top at Beaumont Airport as a teenager in the 70's hanging out with my girlfriend who was working there at security. I remember seeing a briefcase full of drumsticks. They were joking and funny😂❤

[@thenemophilist8559]

I love this guy. I had a random chance meeting with him in the bar of the Loews Hotel in Knoxville, TN in, I wanna say...2001? 2002? Anyway, it was 10 am and just him and me in the bar. The bartender was out of tobasco for bloody Marys and Billy had his own. We had a brief conversation and he left his tobasco for the bartender.

[@ew332]

A man who actually jammed with Jimi Hendrix..... Awesome

[@bryanluntz1603]

Good morning Bill/Dan A couple of my favorite people Always great conversation and insight Thank You Both For All The Great Years ZZ👍

[@es2056]

The man is a treasure. In my eyes he should be regarded up there with the Claptons, the Becks, the Harrisons, the Hendrixes, the Allmans. Feel free to add your own.

[@terryjross1184]

All the British blues men owe a great debt to the southern players

[@thetoddkeith]

I love how when you get old it doesnt matter how different you thought you were when you were young

[@jolynnhill8502]

What a wonderful interview with Billy and I love that Dan Rather conducted it.

[@rickguerrero2282]

I have also heard it theorized that Willie Nelson brought diverse groups of Texans together. I lived in Austin in the 1980's when a lot of this was happening, and Mr. Gibbons' description of the era is spot on. By coincidence, I graduated from the same Houston high school as Mr. Gibbons, albeit a few years after he did.

[@suomi35]

2 legends in their fields. Both still sharp as tacks 😎

[@dhollongstreet4725]

Dan Rather the king of telling a lie is more important then telling the truth.

[@bwalk009]

Billy is my favorite guitar player because you can listen to him and play his stuff. It's not over the top but his leads are very clever and well thought out. I've seen ZZ Top many times and some shows are better than others. I really like this because that's live music and they're 3 guys doing their own thing they're own way. Some bands are pure perfection augmented with extra musicians and perfectly reproduce their CD every single night. While that's great, too, I much prefer the raw live feel. I just relate to that more than listening to a CD.

[@alan22470]

The pinched harmonic solo in La Grange is no joke. Billly G has ridiculous talent

[@lab4389]

He is 100 correct! I grew up in Austin in the ‘70’s. I saw a zillion concerts at The Armadillo World Headquarters. Willie definitely helped the kickers and hippies in coming together. Ah, the good’ole days. My brother tried to get into the whore house in La Grange. He was 16- He didn’t get in. Lol

[@boogrbear788]

saw some great shows at the Armadillo

[@glennw9927]

I grew up in Austin too early 80’s: kickers and freaks. And your politics didn’t matter. My first fake ID was just to go see live music. It was all about the music.

[@rebeltuba9422]

I love to listen to Billy's interviews. He's so wonderfully well-spoken, so articulate, and so obviously intelligent. Such a nice guy.

[@kennethsonier1766]

The first album I bought in 1979, in cassette form was El loco. These guys are absolute musical geniuses

[@thomasminarchickjr.7355]

Doug Sahm was a massive influence on country and rock coming together with Texas music. Maybe even more so than Willie

[@donnieprice1158]

Rusty, Fromholz, BW, Jerry Jeff-- it was all just coming together. A magical time in Austin (before 'ATX' hipsters)

[@jnucleo]

Billy G. helped paint the canvas of Americana for the last 50+ years! Some of the most iconic tunes of the day. A fun time to grow up. "Drive that 'ol Chrysler to Mexico, boy"!

[@tealnexttimebond8859]

ZZ Top , top 5 bands all time if not top 3. If u can make a song about tv dinners and it’s bad ass ,you are fantastic.

[@gregbartley2475]

The epitome of cool. ZZ didn’t need any tricks, their music spoke loud and clear

[@oldfriend327]

Thank you so much for posting this. Great interview with great live clips too.

[@jasonbates2687]

The Rev. Billy Gibbons is thick guitar and down home boogie. His tone is second to none.

[@ButternoteBackingTracks]

I'd love to drink a beer with Billy Gibbons and Keith Richards. Can't imagine anything cooler!

[@vince9771]

No one else comes across so cool and likeable in interviews. Definitely at the top.

[@timmclaughlin1787]

Great interview and just listening to Billy you can tell he is very smart and he is still on top.

[@trnlft]

30 years ago on MTV, the band members said there was a pizza place by them called "PIZZA STOP" and the neon was broken for years so at night it would say " ZZ TOP". I'm sticking with that version. LOL

[@caseroj6020]

Man I used to love watching ZZ Top music videos on MTV during high school. My favorite is "Legs" with the hot babes and hotrod!

[@dandeloge3]

I don't know how this came to my feed, but so glad it did. Thoroughly enjoyed a quality interview.

[@andydufresne8034]

Talk about worlds colliding, I had an encounter with him in Beverly Hills, of all places. I drove into a carwash and a black Chevy Silverado pulled in behind me and he got out. He stood next to me while we waited for our cars but I didn't say anything because I worked with a lot of celebrities and had a policy of leaving them alone. But in retrospect, there were a few occasions when it wouldn't have been all that terrible for me to say hello and I wish I had in retrospect.

[@Goruthar]

God love ya Billy Gibbons. ZZ Top are sooo talented.

[@querdenker4210]

I love Billy's voice. So warm confidental. R.I.P. Dusty.

[@Hugo-t8i4n]

When I was a kid they played here in Houston and the radio promo guy said (Houston your band is coming home) I didn't know why but it gave me goosebumps...now I know why... They will bury me here

[@kevinkoket3343]

One of the greatest!!!!

[@GroundbreakGames]

Willie has and always will be the enigma because he's a good hearted soul.

[@mjblack2010]

I was lucky enough to see the 2015 Fayette Co fair show. One of the coolest things shows I've ever seen.

[@Lopfff]

I met Billy on his birthday in December of 2021. What a sweet guy. Bad, AND nationwide

[@georgehuerta1990]

I’ve seen ZZ Top quite a few times in my life but I missed the La Grange show which I really regret. Because that is the only time they’ve ever played there and now that Dusty Hill has passed on I will never be the same again. Hey Dusty rest in peace and thank you for all the memories and great music and I will always play the top as long as I’m living

[@mrgrogfather]

I picked up a guitar in '71 and ZZ was a massive influence on me. It was the Boogie! They provided me with a second life time job. Cheers!!!! From down under and get your asses down here again!

[@Ratguitar58]

Literally the coolest rockstar ever Thank you Rev Willy G

[@2116sassafrass]

I've never seen an interview with him, and not terribly surprised to find him so articulate and relaxed. Saw him 20 plus years ago, in Reno with George thorogood- and actually stumbled on him in the circle k. Dude was wearing that matador suit The kooshball hat, and damn right sunglasses.

[@BlueBird-vi8vo]

Love ZZ Top. One of the all time great bands and honored that they are true sons of Texas.

[@truthseeker9688]

Wasn't born here in Texas....but LOVE it.

[@albesk]

It's delightful to listen to this legend.

[@paw45]

In 1974, I was at summer church camp riding horses in La grange Tx. The Chicken Shack was just down the road.

[@davemccausland5039]

I was staying at the same hotel in Soho, London as this great man, 2 weeks ago when I was down for an Iron Maiden gig at the O2. Walked into the hotel restaurant for breakfast and he was sitting there with that exact hat on! I didn't bother him although I wash had told him how dirty, gritty and incredible the opening line of the live version of Jesus Just Left Chicago is. Can't get enough of that song and a whole lot of others by his amazing band. Legends.

[@rexxengineering8333]

Have been working at play the Reverend’s music since 1980. I still don’t do it justice but it gets better all the time. What a legend he is.

[@mattc8723]

God bless Billy Gibbons!

[@Romans219]

Being a professional drummer for many moons I have always had the deepest respect for Billy and ZZ top. Tres Hombres will always be my favorite of theirs. I wore out several of the Tres Hombres 8 tapes and cassette tapes practicing the drums to Frank's very tasty groove's and fill's.

[@crushingbelial]

Frank brings it so nasty. Killer groover!

[@Slowrollinlow1962]

I got to see ZZ TOP and Willie twice in the 80s , ZZ TOP really puts on a good show , the whole package

[@marvinshenk]

Billy Gibbons is a US national treasure.

[@theycallyouthebandit]

I can't remember where we were goin' but, I know the band i was with was ridin' in an early 80's Chevy Suburban. We got to a stop sign, maybe a red light there in La Grange & the fiddle/mandolin carryin' fella put his head & shoulders out the window to listen. He sighed with disbelief that the town didn't have that tune playin' through a PA on a loop.

[@plainolamerican]

Billy Gibbons attended the Warner Brothers' art school in Hollywood, California. His father was an entertainer, orchestra conductor, and concert pianist who worked for Samuel Goldwyn at MGM Studios. He didn't get there by talent alone. His manager was Bill Hamstein.

[@blancolirio]

Great Story teller!!

[@andrewbecker3700]

Always thought their name was just a couple rolling paper brands that were very popular. Zigzag and Top.

[@wildcard9724]

Yes, I've heard that likewiZZe!

[@lindaellen808]

Another great interview ,love these.

[@rodneyringler3745]

It was dubbed... Cosmic Cowboy. And we still exist. KEEP ROCKIN'❤❤❤

[@j.d.thompson3505]

Can't wait for the new record.

[@hotwheel6663]

Texas forever!

[@aschneider70]

A living legend!

[@svbarr]

Sometime in the late 90's. One of those super super hot summer days in Hollywood. Like 105 degrees....Around lunchtime. Stumble into Los Compadres Mexican restaurant on Sunset Blvd, in "guitar row" across the street from the Guitar Center and surrounded by at least 5 or 6 other guitar and music stores. Like any decent Mexican place with a bar on a hot day -- it's very dark inside and the AC was cranked down to what felt like 70-72 degrees-- in other words a cool oasis in a sea of asphalt and heat. It was like a wave of coolness hit you in the face. The Hostess is taking me to my table and I see Billy Gibbons and a couple of his companions at a table eating huge plates of what looked like really tasty Mexican food. As I'm walking by his table I smile and say "Tres Hombres Fold Out Photo". Not missing a bet Billy looks up and says the "La Grange" chant "Ah ha huh huh", smiles and winks. See the Tres Hombres album opens to the most amazing spread of what looks like a 3 or 4 item Mexican combination plate...lol...Very very cool dude that Billy Gibbons...

[@jimbolene]

God bless Dan Rather ❤

[@rob9340]

legend! Thankfully living legend. God bless you Billy!

[@aprilosborn6034]

Love these guys from TX

[@fu2201]

Both these men are legends

[@petergorm]

He's one of my true heros.

[@superlead1002]

Ladies and Gentlemen, put your hands together for Mr. Billy Gibbons and his Tokai Love Rock!

[@johnbreedlove3245]

Another story on how they got the name is producer Bill 'Billy Mac' Ham used to tell his friends in Waxahachie growing up, 'im tired of being poor, im going to the top!" he told Charlie Deal over and over, so when he saw stars in Billys talent in the Moving Sidewalks, it may have played into what Billy said..there are so many stories. Bill Ham really made this band what it became.

[@pisomark]

An awesome person and an awesome musician, along with his 2 colleagues (r.i.p. Dusty).

[@hvfd5956]

My connection - I've been to his parents house - on a fire truck! about 1979.... In Houston, there is an intersection near that house that is blind in all 4 directions. Our driver just stood on the air horn and kept right on going. A couple of years later the only person that would let him drive any more was the chief out of 28's station. Later the chief (Max McRae - RIP) and the driver, nick named Rock were kicked out of suppression and chief McRae was tasked with building a world class Hazmat team. He just did what he had always done, he found the sources and created what was then the first Hazmat team in Texas - and it was world class. Since I was a volunteer, I always had to ask him if I could ride (station chief or captain).

[@bigLoser818]

Many amazing stories start with: "We were in Reno."

[@-ZIO]

Billy always had the BEST sleds

[@shilohstreetpictures2640]

Another Masterful Gem. Wow

[@paulsimmons5726]

Great interview, what a character!

[@melodymakermark]

Who doesn’t love this guy? To quote Jeff Beck, “Mr. Billy Gibbons. My boy. What a boy.”

[@officialacefrehleychannel]

How are you doing today Melody? Nice meeting you here!

[@brucecall1595]

Every smoker knows zig zig and top. Two rolling paper brands. Ive been aware of it since the 70's. Just a rumor.

[@eezyclsmooth9035]

Some music legends can talk and tell stories. All you can do is sit intently and listen for hours and hours. Paul McCartney is one and Billy Gibbons.

[@TheFern72]

Pete Townsend, Keith Richards. ..

[@hotpiegravy2347]

What a cool guy and incredible musician.

[@augustusbetucius2931]

My recollection is a bit different. I grew up in Texas, and my mom, aunt and uncle before me, as well as the entire side of my mom's family. I recall hearing about how when my mom and her brother and sister were growing up (late 50s early 60s) that radio was non-segregated. You heard blues, country, rock and roll, jazz, all on the same station. During the time my sisters and I came up, radio had changed and it was one style per station. But the rednecks, stoners, metal heads and long hairs all mixed. Those boundaries were largely gone. You had a few holdouts, but we were all drawn together by the love of a good party and loud music.

[@MrGuitars8]

Such a Brilliant Guitarist 2nd to none .

[@shumoon1]

Mike Myers, while playing the title character of "Wayne's World", once asked if in England, was the band called Zed Zed Top? Well, I happened to be in London in 1996 when they were performing at a venue called Brixton Academy. The radio promotion for this performance announced their name as Z. Z. Top. I hope that settles the matter😊

[@williamdrijver4141]

Effortless natural cool. Top guy and top band. If they haven't already done so, the state of Texas should honor them.