Give It Up

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Give It Up" by ZZ Top from their 1990 album Recycler, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this blues-rock gem. One juicy piece of trivia comes from a 2008 interview with Billy Gibbons, where he revealed that Recycler’s recording process took a turn toward the band’s blues roots during impromptu jam sessions in Memphis. While waiting for their high-tech gear to arrive, the band set up in a circle and just played, resulting in a raw, loose sound that influenced tracks like "Give It Up". Gibbons called this shift a return to their earlier style, blending the polish of their ‘80s albums with the grit of their ‘70s work, making the song a bridge between their synth-heavy past and bluesy origins.

Another tidbit about "Give It Up" is its place in ZZ Top’s Recycler era, which marked the end of their synthesizer-driven sound that started with Eliminator. The song itself, with its driving rhythm and cheeky lyrics, was one of five singles from the album, though it didn’t climb as high as hits like "Doubleback" or "My Head’s in Mississippi". Its music video leaned into the band’s self-aware humor, poking fun at the era’s excess with flashy visuals, a nod to their knack for blending irony with rock swagger. Fans on Facebook often cite the video’s quirky vibe as a highlight, with some Zoo Freaks likely grooving to its retro charm.

ZZ Top got their start in Houston, Texas, in 1969, when guitarist Billy Gibbons, fresh from the breakup of his band Moving Sidewalks, teamed up with drummer Frank Beard and bassist Dusty Hill. Gibbons had already caught attention, with Jimi Hendrix praising him as one of America’s best young guitarists on The Tonight Show. The trio signed with London Records and dropped their debut, ZZ Top’s First Album, in 1971, leaning hard into blues-rock inspired by legends like John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters. Their gritty sound and Texas flair started building a cult following, but it was 1973’s Tres Hombres, with the hit "La Grange", that put them on the map. The band’s name, as Gibbons shared in his book Rock ‘n Roll Gearhead, came from spotting a concert poster for ZZ Hill and tweaking it to ZZ Top, inspired by the idea of being the “top” in blues-rock.

You can keep up with ZZ Top on their official website, where they share tour dates, merch, and news about projects like their bourbon whiskey release. Follow them on Facebook for fan discussions and throwback posts, or check out Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots and tour highlights. On X, they post about milestones, like their 2019 documentary That Little Ol’ Band From Texas, which dives into their rise to fame. Fans gather at sites like Songfacts for trivia and stories, while the ZZ Top Fans Facebook group is a lively spot for Zoo Freaks to swap memories, share concert pics, and celebrate the band’s legacy.