'ZZ TOP' PROVE THAT THE BLUES NEVER GROW OLD AT LA MARINA, VALENCIA • 24/7 Valencia

There are few bands in rock history as instantly recognisable as ZZ Top. With their trademark beards, dark sunglasses and effortless Texan cool, Billy Gibbons and bassist Elwood Francis brought their unmistakable blend of blues and boogie to La Marina, Valencia, on 22nd July, proving that more than five decades after the band first formed, they remain one of rock’s most entertaining live acts. Against the backdrop of the Mediterranean, thousands of fans gathered on a warm summer night to witness a band whose influence stretches far beyond blues-rock. The atmosphere was relaxed yet expectant, with generations of concertgoers united by timeless songs that have become part of the soundtrack to modern rock.

Without unnecessary theatrics, ZZ Top let the music do the talking. Opening with the muscular riff of ‘Got Me Under Pressure’, they immediately established the groove that would define the evening. The early part of the set dipped into their blues roots with an excellent version of Sam & Dave’s ‘I Thank You’, followed seamlessly by ‘Waitin’ for the Bus’ and the classic ‘Jesus Just Left Chicago’, showcasing Billy Gibbons’ unmistakable guitar tone and understated yet masterful playing.

As darkness fell over La Marina, the concert shifted through the band’s remarkable catalogue. ‘Gimme All Your Lovin’ drew one of the loudest singalongs of the night, while ‘Pearl Necklace’ and ‘I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide’ reminded everyone why ZZ Top’s combination of humour, swagger and blues remains unique.

Billy Gibbons continues to be one of rock’s true originals. His guitar playing was economical yet devastatingly effective, squeezing every ounce of emotion from each note without unnecessary excess. The drumming remained as solid as ever, providing the perfect foundation for the band’s trademark Texas shuffle. Alongside them, Elwood Francis, who joined the band following the death of the much-loved Dusty Hill in 2021, has become an integral part of ZZ Top’s live sound. Far from attempting to imitate his predecessor, Francis brings his own personality to the role while faithfully preserving the deep, driving bass lines that have always underpinned the band’s music. His relaxed stage presence and unmistakably long beard ensured that the visual identity of ZZ Top remains intact, while his confident performance demonstrated why he was personally chosen by Hill to carry the band’s legacy forward.

The newer ‘I Gotsta Get Paid’ fitted naturally alongside classics such as ‘My Head’s in Mississippi’, while Billy’s solo composition ‘Brown Paper Bag’ added another welcome blues flavour to the evening. ‘Cheap Sunglasses’ and ‘Just Got Paid’ further highlighted the band’s ability to balance gritty Texas blues with infectious rock hooks.

By the time the unmistakable opening chords of ‘Sharp Dressed Man’ arrived, the entire audience seemed to be on its feet. The atmosphere became even more electric during ‘Legs’, whose instantly recognisable riff remains one of the defining sounds of 1980s rock.

After a brief departure from the stage, ZZ Top returned for a generous four-song encore. ‘Brown Sugar’ eased the crowd back in before ‘Tube Snake Boogie’ injected another dose of irresistible boogie. ‘Thunderbird’ maintained the momentum, but everyone knew there was only one way the evening could end.

The iconic riff of ‘La Grange’ finally rang out across La Marina, prompting one last explosion of applause and dancing. It was the perfect finale to a concert that celebrated authenticity, musicianship and the enduring appeal of American blues-rock.

Rather than relying on elaborate production or visual spectacle, ZZ Top demonstrated that exceptional songs, world-class musicianship and genuine charisma remain more than enough. The chemistry between Gibbons and Francis felt completely natural, illustrating how successfully the band has entered a new chapter while honouring its extraordinary past.

For Valencia, hosting one of rock’s genuine legends on a beautiful summer evening beside the sea was a memorable occasion. For ZZ Top, it was simply another reminder that great blues-inspired rock never goes out of fashion. Over the years, Billy Gibbons has been visiting Valencia on numerous occasions where he has music friends and recording projects too. So, in a way, this memorable and atmospheric concert by the sea was a ‘home from home’ for the bearded dude with sunglasses!

Report by Will McCarthy

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’

‘ZZ Top’ photos copyright Rhyan Paul/ ’24/7 Valencia’

More info about Rhyan Paul: https://www.rhyanpaul.com/

‘ZZ TOP’ setlist at La Marina, Valencia on July 22^nd