I Got The Six

The song "I Got The Six" from ZZ Top's 1983 album Eliminator carries a gritty, high-energy vibe that captures the band's shift toward a more modern, synth-infused sound. One fascinating piece of trivia comes from an interview with drummer Frank Beard, shared in a 2018 Louder article, where he revealed the song's punk-inspired roots. Billy Gibbons, the band’s guitarist, drew influence from his time in London during punk’s peak in 1977, infusing the track with a raw, rebellious edge. The song’s stomping rhythm, clocking in at a danceable 124 beats per minute, was shaped by pre-production engineer Linden Hudson, who collaborated closely with Gibbons. According to David Blayney’s 1994 book Sharp Dressed Men, Hudson’s work on the song’s lyrics and tempo was pivotal, though his contributions sparked controversy, leading to a 1986 legal settlement where he received $600,000 and songwriting credit for another Eliminator track, “Thug.”

Another layer of intrigue surrounds the song’s production. As noted in a Wikipedia entry, "I Got The Six" features Hudson’s lyrical input, with its bold, cheeky tone reflecting ZZ Top’s signature humor and innuendo. The track’s recording process was unconventional, with Gibbons and Hudson laying down a rough draft before the full band entered the studio. Despite its high-octane feel, some longtime fans, as mentioned in a 2002 Guitar World retrospective, were initially put off by the album’s heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines, viewing tracks like "I Got The Six" as a departure from the band’s blues-rock core. However, the song’s infectious energy helped it resonate with new listeners, as evidenced by its inclusion in live performances on the 2008 Eliminator Collector’s Edition CD/DVD, which featured a live rendition of the track.

ZZ Top formed in Houston, Texas, in 1969, evolving from the ashes of Billy Gibbons’ earlier band, Moving Sidewalks. Gibbons, a virtuoso guitarist praised by Jimi Hendrix on The Tonight Show as one of America’s best young talents, teamed up with bassist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard to create a sound rooted in blues but infused with humor and swagger. As detailed on AllMusic, the trio signed with London Records in 1970 and released their debut, ZZ Top’s First Album, in 1971. Their early years were marked by relentless touring, building a loyal following through hits like “La Grange” from 1973’s Tres Hombres. By the time Eliminator dropped, their blend of boogie, blues, and new-wave elements, paired with iconic music videos featuring the band’s custom 1933 Ford hot rod, catapulted them to global fame, selling over 10 million copies of the album.

The band’s enduring appeal lies in their unchanging lineup—until Hill’s passing in 2021—and their ability to evolve while staying true to their Texas roots. A 2019 post from @ZZTop on X highlighted their documentary That Little Ol’ Band From Texas, which chronicles their journey from Houston dive bars to MTV stardom. Fans can connect with the band through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts. For deeper engagement, fan communities thrive on platforms like the ZZ Top Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts share memorabilia and concert stories, and Songfacts, which offers artist trivia and fan-driven discussions about the band’s legacy.