ASK BFG – September 14, 2017

Do you remember how it felt and what you were doing the first time you heard yourself on the radio and what song it was?

We were just delving into the meaning of ZZ Top while driving into a Southern swing through the desperate climes of the hot and humid corridor of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, all the way to South Carolina, when we first heard the airwaves broadcasting our early, primitive, stab at blues-rock. And rock it did. We knew we were destined to remain true to the blue.

What is your songwriting process like …. For example do you write lyrics before or after you come up with the music?

We believe in maintaining the approach to songwriting from any and all angles. If there was a tried and true formula, we would probably be first in line, however, we always simply enter the studio and dig in.

Out of all the living musicians / songwriters who are a few you’d love to jam with and haven’t yet?

We have enjoyed a wealth of talents to engage with…! The one curious notion is a lingering song which has remained unfinished since the birth of the band. Uh, as the saying goes, “Someday, Maybe…!”

rev billy g how did you learn such a deep understanding of how to play the blues? like 3 chords ..turnarounds, licks and groove… is it a secret? break it down if not cause you gots the mojo…

Thank you for the compliments…! We are still striving to interpret this great American art form known as, “The Blues”…
Just know that keeping the turntable wheel spinning constantly will bring forth elements of the originators. John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed, Albert KING, Muddy, Howlin’ Wolf… Well, you name ’em…! Pick your favorite and go for it.

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Billy F Gibbons of ZZ Top
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