Billy Gibbons Interview - GearFest 2020

More videos like this Billy Gibbons Interview 👉 • Artist Interviews
Living legend and ZZ Top frontman Billy Gibbons delivers a masterful session about peso picks, slinky-strings, fat tones, hot rods and hot sauce, and the importance of thumb slides in the Texas trio’s classic track "Tush.”
After you watch, check out Sweetwater.com today for all your music instrument and pro audio needs! 👉 imp.i114863.net/b3JoOM
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Billy & Nicks Origin
2:13 - Rock & Roll Gearhead
5:40 - Billy Gibbons Solo Projects
7:42 - Magnatone Super 15
10:54 - String Gauge Preference
14:55 - Peso Pick
17:48 - Guitars and Pickups
19:18 - Whisker Bomb Hot Sauce
21:20 - Tim Montana & The Red Sox
24:30 - Jeff Beck & ZZ Top
27:50 - Billy Gibbons Guitar Lesson
32:00 - Thanks For Watching!
#Sweetwater

[@sweetwater]

Truly a legend alive, this was such a fun interview! What was your favorite part of our chat with Billy Gibbons? If you enjoyed this interview, hit those subscribe and like buttons!

[@fanoboss]

good stuff

[@brythecracker]

Billy, I’m so blue collar, it would make you puke. Reach out to me to reach the blue collar guy.

[@brythecracker]

I teach blue collar guys how to be blue collar.

[@brythecracker]

I’m salty, and cantankerous, teaching the next generation

[@MAP448]

Also I just need to know how to deal with this horrible tennis elbow? I've been playing since I was about 8yrs old & I am 44 now & this last year I began dealing with this horrible elbow problem & I had read somewhere that Tony Rice had the same problem, sadly before he passed. It seems like a big problem that nobody is talking about?

[@keithjohnston5936]

What a great interview. Billy Gibbons is a treasure.

[@kurtbogle2973]

ZZ Top music never gets old. Its what I run on.

[@davidthompson6832]

"Mr.Gibbons" is simply one of the most gracious human beings alive ... so truly appreciate his spirit, aura and especially his music !!! THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!!!💖💖💖

[@querdenker4210]

I love your music and your voice! .......and I Thank You ! Billy Dusty Frank !

[@mattbrillhart2922]

Over the last couple of months I’ve revisited their entire catalog. Rhythmeen is an incredible album. His tone is insane.

[@if6turnedouttobe9]

Right on Matt...Billy the Tone Master...

[@querdenker4210]

Rhythmeen is pretty cool....but....what about Mescalero ?

[@if6turnedouttobe9]

@@querdenker4210: Mascalero is ok, but Rhythmeen is way better...Matt is right, the tone on Rhythmeen is insanely awesome...Thick as black tar...

[@COZZIG]

Amen to that!

[@RyanCrase1]

Heading to listen to that one now. I’ve been stuck on Tres Hombres for a while now.

[@screwmerunnin]

I used to have Grim Reaper on cassette in the mid-80's. Y'all don't sleep on Nick Bowcott; he's old school badass despite his self-deprecating manner. Much respect, sir!

[@ekw555]

see you in hell, my friend!

[@DeadShred9]

Brother you aint Kidding !! Nicks a Metal Shred Monster who doesn't get enough props compared to other Guitarists .

[@tonylocke1214]

Gotta love the Rev. He never stops selling his merch. He tells a story about when he used to adopt a preacher’s garb (hence the rev. Willie G), and sold shaved tennis balls door-to-door as “prayer balls”. All part of his unique charm. Definitely one of the greatest guitar players, and singer song writers, of all time.

[@drummerjoey003]

Billy Gibbons is the man! Love his music from zztop to his music now! The man is a true legend!

[@badsmac]

Great interview. Thank you for not asking the same questions that have been asked & answered a million times over the years!

[@georgeallison6228]

Seriously though guys. 2 great legends. Both of whom made their mark in the music industry and influencd most of us during the 80s. Very humble dudes...and that's why they are very well LOVED by us. Yeah Nick. That thumb slide. It does go from F to G. LOL. OMG. Just heard Charlie Daniels passed away. Please keep the family in prayers. I know you guys know what a major influence he had in the music industry worldwide.

[@jimmyd1626]

The Coolest Cat on planet Blues.

[@domg9186]

I’ll 2nd that! ✌🏼

[@johnroberts7018]

I swear Billy gets older and older but he never quite seems like an old man. Hell I’m not even 50 yet and I don’t have his energy lol. He’s all over the place always busy.

[@bertgetner9397]

Always fun to listen to Billy. I like the Tush lesson in his pj's. Classic.

[@stevevines1278]

Hey Billy is the Best Kick Ass Guitarist anyone will ever find. I am a Fan 9 conserts shows. Thank you ZZ Top. from. Steve Vines

[@stuartgray1751]

I love ZZ Top and Billy Gibbons fantastic player. What a Legend 🙏

[@JamesJohnson-hb1me]

Love the reflection in the glasses! Billy Gibbons is the definition of cool. Thank you Sweetwater!

[@419thmilitia]

Heard it on the X is what made me start playin guitar. On Fandango back in the late 70'S I think.

[@jokermaan1]

Fandango was my introduction to ZZ Top too. On vinyl of course, the album had a studio recorded side and a live concert side.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

Fandango is one of the greatest Rock records of all time. It should be in the HOF by itself.

[@charles56737]

Me too :)

[@TexasGuitarist]

Oh man, I love me some Billy Gibbons. The truest gentleman of Rock N Roll.

[@andymelendez9757]

I cannot over estimate the contribution to my music education made by Billy and ZZ. Thanks Rev

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Super Excellent Interview . And Yes Billy Gibbons Is One Amazing Generous Friendly Musician . Play On .

[@awrogers3013]

I love this man. He has the best tone..year after year…

[@jukebox5308]

I’ve seen Billy break a lot of strings, but never miss a note he was always right on it

[@robertashton8069]

Thanks for this, Nick. Billy will always be The Man!

[@PeterAlanA1234567890]

Stray Cats, Pretenders, ZZ Top all capital letters the best concert ever!!!

[@jdouglas22]

Man what an icon grew up with tres hombres back in early 70s

[@jakel5050]

Gosh damnit, I love everything that is The Rev. Willie G

[@querdenker4210]

I love your music and your voice! .......and I Thank You ! Billy Dusty Frank !

[@weirdlysawbones8547]

I've been a fan of Mr. Gibbons musical output since I first heard the ZZ Top album Fandango sometime around 1980. Over the last couple of years I've listened to him speaking during various interviews and have come to view Billy as a positive and well spoken gentleman. Long may he live.

[@touchthesun2448]

I love this story...Billy Gibbons, Sweetwater and Magnatone. LOVE LOVE LOVE

[@barrystoy8222]

Billy Gibson is the best guy in the music business luv him would ❤️ to meet him I'm in windsor Ontario Canada watching.

[@jasondesjardins7371]

Such a terrific interview as always. Nick is such a terrific ambassador for the instrument and the genre. Nick is also a terrific human being. It's no wonder he has so many friends.

[@DanielRamirez-li6zc]

I’m loving this type of music related interview.. It’s so genuine,so real.. 👍😎

[@jamesstewart8054]

Nick great job interviewing Billy Gibbons. The Jeff Beck story was great. Cheers James.

[@querdenker4210]

I love your music and your voice! .......and I Thank You ! Billy Dusty Frank !

[@everettsmith971]

Didn’t realize I was tuning into a commercial for all of BGs stuff

[@Curlysblues]

one of the best things I've ever seen on KZbin! Thanks, Nick! I could never imagine playing like the Rev G, however, I do know a thing or two about guacamole, and my recipe is better than RBGs! Billy, if you're ever in the LA area (and I know you are sometimes!), try Los Agaves in Westlake Village. Great salsa and Margaritas! Lest you have any doubts, I grew up in Imperial Valley, California. My favorite place was a hole in the wall out in the country called "Camacho's". The best beans, the best salsa, cold Pepsi in bottles. The walls filled with pictures of the Blue Angels, who visit often. Please keep bringin' the Blues! My motto is "Blues Heals", and everyone needs that kinda healing nowadays!

[@jimrankin5320]

I only learned about the Billy Gibbons Reverend Willy's Mexican Lottery Brand Super Light Gauge Strings in the last couple of months...And I FRIGGIN' LOVE THEM!!! Thank You Billy!!!!

[@terryowen1308]

Really enjoyed this. Billy always comes across as such a warm and likeable guy. The back catalogue isn't bad either!

[@MetallicA29]

This was fantastic!

[@GmanMusicProductions]

Billy just oozes coolness! Great interview Nick!

[@jacko717]

The intro from "Brown Sugar" gives me goosebumps everytime. Rock on Sir Billy🤘🏻

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

Was just listening to the first album ( again ) at work today.

[@querdenker4210]

Sir Billy is cool!

[@mirraco323]

Brown Sugar is arguably the quintessential example of what makes a 59 burst so coveted. His tone on that song is nuts.

[@KennyEvansUK]

Well conducted interview. Thank you for posting.

[@stevestarr6395]

God Bless Billy from Tejas, he’s so cool!!

[@drayve8590]

…Ever the Salesman, Billy is!lol I love that dude!

[@dboblues8778]

Love Billy!

[@bluesbubba7429]

Hey Billy, That's my backyard. Grew up in Palm Springs, listening to La Grange and Tush in the 70's. Pioneer Town is always a fun place. Robert Plant visits there all the time. How's Gilligan.

[@TRGP331]

Nick, you are a great interviewer. Keep doing these videos, please! I have uses those 007 strings. They are surprisingly stable at standard and drop tunings

[@GrahamsYouTube]

The living guitar god!

[@mikenaykki2173]

Great interview!👍👍🎸😎

[@derekclacton]

Billy Gibbons is the coolest guy on the planet 😎 I knew Nick way back in our university days, when he was in Grim Reaper ... I remember a friend saying then it would be criminal if he didn’t make it in the music business. Very glad that no one’s had to stand trial and it’s really good to see he hasn’t changed, apart from the hairstyle 😉👍

[@ampersandmcvinegar5681]

Billy blushing at the beginning is a testament to his humility.

[@41663]

Yes , thats for sure. A true rock n roll / blues gentlemen

[@gerryloughran1676]

Great share - thanks

[@martinleicht5911]

GR8 VID !!! 💥 😎 👍

[@SuperStrik9]

Billy Gibbons is awesome.

[@szabowabo91]

I use his 07s and have for 3-4 years. They sound SO good. You’d think they’d be weak and thin sounding, but they sound fat and have a very satisfying, sweet, smooth high end zing with excellent string separation and definition. Love them.

[@jaecenwhite2590]

Do you break strings very often?

[@szabowabo91]

I’ve broken the high E a couple times in those years, but only when they were old and due to be changed anyway. I don’t blame the string for that. The rest I’ve never broken and doubt I could. If you play 09s, imagine tuning your A string down to E, D to A, etc and that’s what playing 07s is. There is a lot less tension on each string.

[@gravy_brain]

"Four flat tires on a muddy road". LOL! Love BFG. such a class act.

[@querdenker4210]

I love your music and your voice! .......and I Thank You ! Billy Dusty Frank !

[@oldguy5381]

Lot’s of names dropped, I’m going too get a bigger bucket to catch them all. Grate interview

[@26ruben1]

indeed ... especially the mention of Obeid Khan, a killer guitarist and amp designer ... I love Billy G... ZZ is so classic!

[@johntoland3520]

Fantastic

[@wretchedsaint8847]

I live in Palm Springs, hope to run into Papa BFG one of these days, he spends a lot of time out here...

[@billorourke7152]

20 years ago I used to use the heaviest strings I could play with but I recently switched to 9's and I was really surprised.

[@34hpo]

Definitely, one of the most charismatic and interesting current guitar heroes to listen to! What a pleasure! Excellent job from the interviewer by the way.

[@timp.9582]

an excellent speaker, no doubt about it. charming as well

[@richardtaber6029]

I'm looking forward to see you in El Paso in December when people say I look like you I take that as a compliment unlock like I say I'm looking forward to seeing you in December 11th has Taylor Cesar Chavez Center in concert I also also dress like you and my books to the next Jimi Hendrix I know why he thought of you as one of the great guitarists I love ZZ Tops music and KZbin music I hope I I can meet you in person backstage before the concert please text me and let me know God bless you Billy

[@richardtaber6029]

My name is Richard Lee t a b e r I'm a veteran US Navy

[@BrianKlobyGuitar]

Awesome :)

[@trondivarmidthaug4335]

Great!

[@i_live_pain8420]

If you folks love Billy as much as I do, go checkout his solo album Perfectamundo! I recently found out about it and it just gets better each and every time. Some folks won't like it because it's a little different than what they are used to, but Billy is a genius when it comes to implementing his style into a Cuban blues thing. We love you Billy!

[@randycunningham7318]

Hardware is his best solo effort. A rocking album. I hope we get more of that on a new album soon. Please, Billy G.?

[@Bigirondoug]

Billy is a class act.

[@gergemall]

Love him

[@nigelpickett2471]

Just about to install a set of Mexican Lottery's on my SG Special.

[@MarcCoteMusic]

Gibbons is like one of those smooth talking salesman who can regale you with great stories while making you happy to buy his latest product. One of my favourite bands, I probably have more ZZ Top in my repertoire than any other band. ...and yet, I've never gotten to see them live. Every time they've played anywhere near me I've had a gig of my own to play. Someday, perhaps.

[@tomcoryell]

Marc Coté I’ve seen them twice. The first time was with REO Speedwagon. REO outshone them that night. Next was on the Eliminator tour and they really kicked arse on that night.

[@MarcCoteMusic]

@@tomcoryell - ZZ and REO would seem to be a bit of an odd pairing. That said, I do like several of their songs. But given the choice, it's ZZ Top all the way for me.

[@randyheath8566]

A True Living Legend Reverend Billy F Gibbons ❤👍🙄👏❤

[@charalampostseronis6500]

my favourite guitar is in the background

[@rolandjgutierrez7737]

The Rev. looks good bright and healthy he can give a great interview imo you can learn a lot abought guitar threw interviews...RocknRollFlat5

[@mooningthemoon]

My older brother seen him in the 70s, idk if that was the tour with steers n eagles on stage. Awesomeness in tone #whiskerbiscuit

[@Kamelzenniaofficial]

Bill is a great gentleman !

[@user-et2fj8xm5l]

Long live the Reverend Billy..

[@trendkill1891]

Billy SweetWater Gibbons from ZZsweetwaterTop, brought to you by SweetWater. I think I heard him say he got his first guitar from them😂

[@bobbys4327]

my hands are wayyyyy to small to do that thumb slide. the man IS a master!

[@markcullen4983]

HE IS THE BEST

[@bluesharp59]

Thumbs Up, Liked your video.

[@kurtolsen7989]

Great Interview. Great Interviewer

[@PonziZombieKiller]

Gotta love the Reverend !

[@FlecheDeFer]

Clearly my favorite guitarist but also an amazing singer, even if few people ever mention it

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

12:54 ... "I don't want to be known as a string breaker.." "They don't call me theTexas Homewrecker and Heartbreaker for nothin', maybe... but NOT strings!! 🤣 I could listen to Billy Gibbons all day!

[@PonziZombieKiller]

Billy is like a modern Ray Charles. A hole Lotta S O U L !

[@mountainbikelife2526]

I have seen zztop live in Bellville Ontario Canada 🇨🇦 2010 East zwicks Park front row and casino rama 2018 its a honor to see mr. Nick Bowcott i love your articles in guitar world very good reading. I seen Billy and dusty at the Holiday Inn Peterborough Ontario 2016 having nachos and beverages i work at the holiday Inn lots of famous musicians actors stay at the holiday Inn in Peterborough Ontario Canada 🇨🇦 its awesome delicious food room service wicked swimming pool jacuzzi gym right beside little lake

[@meltedfro]

I saw ZZ at the memorial center in 2016 I'm also a fellow peterboroian haha my girlfriend use to work on the patio at the holiday Inn, hope all is well dude see ya around peterborough!

[@StamateTudorGuitar]

Those sunglasses tho :)

[@larrybrown7273]

A true guitar player'human being

[@jefferywarburton2116]

I would love,love to hear Billy Gibbons cover the Willie The Wimp songStevie ray Vaughn use to play.I think it would sound very tasty.

[@billythekid7090]

Yea I cranked up Billy’s album the other day and I quess the neighbors couldn’t hear it good enough so they threw a brick through my window, I got to keep the brick though lol

[@MrMike1258]

THe Reverend-The Coolest Cat ever..A common sight bouncing around Houston..We miss our compadre Dusty Hill..RIP.

[@danielgoncalves2306]

Great salesman

[@corzakkzakkcor3309]

I've still got that magazine

[@raymondvaughan6262]

Made some great albums over the time great three piece nice one Billy good interview seems like a great bloke can't help but think I no its your image take the beard off take 20 years off you man be in your 40s 👍

[@if6turnedouttobe9]

The very coolest and humble dude in every way possible...

[@martinclarke3562]

I've moved to rev willy's 8s on my strat. So much better. The are exactly as he states. I should have done it years ago. I can't handle the flap on a les paul though. Hybrid 9s for pauls. Great interview, thanks. GREAT to hear Billy over here in U.K.

[@BillLarkinmusic]

I would die over a new Magnaton... Oh lord have mercy. lol Thanks for the lesson too!

[@flannsixtyseven7489]

I would die over an old magnatone.

[@okaytastic6691]

I have a super 30 for sale on reverb right now! It’s 2 super 15 in stereo with vibrato and trem! Check it out!

[@redram5150]

There have been countless performances on TV and in front of large crowds that consist of nothing more than a mic’d 15w amp through the board. This is especially common back in the day when bands we think of as endlessly wealthy were road dogging, constantly broke, and had to transport everyone and everything in a van that wouldn’t fit umpteen Marshall stacks.

[@AnastasiaFafo]

I have that hat. He is the BEST.

[@rabalder08]

As long as you're not playing what you want to hear you're barking up the wrong tree - B. Gibbons

[@nimitz1739]

I just ordered some of his strings. lol 9s is the highest Iv ever gone