Cheap Sunglasses

The song "Cheap Sunglasses" by ZZ Top, featured on their 1979 album Degüello, has a gritty charm that captures the band's blues-rock essence. One juicy tidbit comes from Billy Gibbons, the band's lead guitarist, who revealed in a 2009 Guitar World interview that the song's iconic riff was played through a 200-watt Marshall Major amp with a blown tube, giving it that "bulbous, rotund sound." He also used a Maestro ring modulator for the quirky, almost sci-fi effect that punctuates each verse, adding a trippy vibe to the track. Gibbons shared in a 1985 SPIN interview that the song's inspiration struck during road trips when the band would spot cardboard displays of cheap sunglasses at gas stations. They’d snatch up these shades, originally Ray-Ban Wayfarers costing just six bucks, and toss them into the crowd during shows as a fun gimmick. However, this led to a bit of shade from optometrists, with Gibbons recalling a convention in Hawaii where a poster warned, “Don’t wear ZZ Top’s cheap sunglasses. They’re bad for your eyes.”

Another cool story behind "Cheap Sunglasses" ties to its spontaneous creation. Gibbons told Guitar World that he wrote all three verses in one burst of creativity while driving from the Gulf Coast to Austin, Texas, passing through La Grange. The lyrics, penned in just 20 miles, stayed untouched, embodying the song’s laid-back, tongue-in-cheek attitude. The track also caught the ear of other artists, with the rap duo EPMD sampling it for their 1988 song “You’re a Customer,” Kid Rock using it in his 1990 track “Cramp Ya Style,” and Esham incorporating it into his 1992 song “Nine Dead Bodies.” A fan on Discogs raved about the song’s “badass groove” and psychedelic middle section, calling it one of ZZ Top’s best. The song’s live version, featured on the Chrome, Smoke & BBQ box set, adds even more raw energy, showing why it remains a fan favorite among Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO.

ZZ Top got their start in Houston, Texas, in 1969, born from the ashes of Billy Gibbons’ earlier band, the Moving Sidewalks. Gibbons, a blues-loving guitarist influenced by legends like B.B. King and British players like Peter Green, teamed up with drummer Frank Beard and bassist Dusty Hill, both from the band American Blues. Their chemistry was instant, blending Gibbons’ searing guitar with Hill and Beard’s tight rhythm section to create a sound that was equal parts Texas grit and sly humor. By 1971, they’d signed with London Records and dropped their debut, ZZ Top’s First Album, which laid the foundation for their raw, blues-rock style. Albums like Tres Hombres (1973) and Fandango! (1975) brought hits like “La Grange” and “Tush,” cementing their reputation as a killer live act. Their long beards, sunglasses, and matching stage outfits— debuted around the Degüello era—became their trademark, making them instantly recognizable.

Fans can keep up with ZZ Top through their official website, where you’ll find tour dates, merch, and news about projects like their 2022 album RAW. They’re active on social media too, with posts on Facebook, Instagram, and X, sharing everything from tour updates to throwback photos. For example, a 2019 X post hyped their documentary That Little Ol’ Band From Texas, which dives into their rise from Houston dive bars to MTV stardom. Zoo Freaks looking to connect with other fans can check out communities like the ZZ Top Fans Facebook group, where diehards swap stories, rare vinyl finds, and concert memories. Another fan hub is Classic Rock Forums, where threads buzz with love for tracks like “Cheap Sunglasses” and debates over the band’s best albums.