Sharp Dressed Men

Sharp Dressed Men: Rock Icons ZZ Top

Sam S.  Jan 25th 2024

Everyone has their own opinions on the bearded dudes of rock but make no mistake, ZZ Top are Rock Icons and trendsetters. I don’t say this likely so let me explain why. These guys were as authentic as they come and had stage presence like no one else. A wild mix of southern blues, boogie, and rock n’ roll, their music was raw and potent. From “La Grange” to “Sharp Dressed Man”, ZZ Top‘s music was like a loud, invigorating shot, the kind that gets your heart pumping and your foot tapping. Unprocessed, untampered with – just pure, unadulterated rock n roll. Taking and giving influence from the worlds of rock, country and bluegrass, this Little Ol’ Band from Texas were unique to say that very least.

Era-defining in their own way

ZZ Top was the kind of band that cemented the 80s and 90s as the golden age of rock. Why? Because they were different in an era where rock ruled! The 80s and 90s era was hard rock and glam metal, the sound was epic – and the look was, well, weird?! I’m talking men with long flowing locks, in tight leather pants and make-up. Walking on with their signature beards down to their belts, sleeveless tees showing off tatted arms, dark shades, and Stetson hats – Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard were sharp dressed men for sure. They were a no-nonsense, no-bullshit band.

Then v Now

Even in the Music today is all about flashy music videos, auto-tuned voices, and overproduced tracks. Now that’s not saying that there aren’t good artists out there but do they have the spirit, the originality, and the easy swagger of ZZ Top? I think not. Gimme that grating guitar, that pounding drumbeat, and those husky, hypnotic vocals any day over the manufactured music these days. You bet when I’m cruising in my hood (like a sharp dressed man); it’s ZZ Top “Gimme All Your Lovin” blasting through the speakers, each beat echoing the better times from the past.

Bottom line, the charm of the 80s and 90s and it’s music is not just in the arcades and the blockbuster movies (also available on my tees n sweats). It was in the spirit of the time, in the rawness and the authenticity. ZZ Top was a huge part of cementing that era as a time of realness in the era of blasting glam rock. If you’ve not heard them, then dude, it’s about time you let a little bit of that ZZ Top magic into your life. And if you don’t feel that infectious energy, that heady excitement, I’ll eat my zz tee.

On With the Show 🤘

Sam 😉

Rock ‘n’ Roll Junkie