I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning the righteous tune "I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide" by ZZ Top from their 1979 album Degüello, and we’ve got some groovy trivia to share. This track, never released as a single, became a fan favorite with its swampy, blues-boogie vibe. It was inspired by Texas blues legend Joey Long, a cat who never had a driver’s license but always rolled in a shiny new Cadillac, driven by his wife to gigs. ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, in a nod to Long’s larger-than-life style, crafted lyrics dripping with swagger—picture a “fine fox in front” and “three more in the back” cruising in a new Caddy. The song’s gritty riff, played through a blown amplifier, captures that raw, untamed energy, and Gibbons’ punky guitar squeals show the band’s flirtation with the late-’70s punk scene they encountered during a hiatus. One fan, Cyd Heard, shared on X about meeting Gibbons and feeling the deep connection between him and Long, whose niece was her roommate. The Zoo Crew can’t get enough of this tale of Texas cool, and we know you Freaks are vibing with it too!

Let’s dive into how ZZ Top, that lil’ ol’ band from Texas, got their start. Billy Gibbons, born in Houston, was bitten by the blues bug early, especially after witnessing a B.B. King session. At 13, he scored an electric guitar and amp, setting the stage for his future. As a teen in California, he played in rock bands, but back in Texas, he formed the Moving Sidewalks, a psychedelic outfit with a local hit, “99th Floor,” inspired by the 13th Floor Elevators. When the Sidewalks split after bandmates were drafted, Gibbons, hungry for a rawer sound, teamed up with drummer Dan Mitchell and bassist Lanier Greig to form ZZ Top in 1969, named after bluesman Z.Z. Hill and a nod to “king” status. Dusty Hill and Frank Beard soon joined, locking in the trio’s iconic lineup. Their early albums, like ZZ Top’s First Album and Rio Grande Mud, built a cult following with gritty blues-rock. By 1973’s Tres Hombres, they hit their stride, blending boogie, blues, and Texas wit, paving the way for Degüello’s bold evolution.

Want to keep up with ZZ Top? Check out their official website for tour dates and merch. They’re active on Facebook, dropping posts about their legacy, and on Instagram, sharing retro pics and video clips. Over on X, they’ve hyped stuff like the 2022 music video for “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide.” For you Zoo Freaks craving more, join the ZZ Top Fans Facebook group, where diehards swap stories and rare photos. Fan sites like Dave Gott’s ZZ Top page offer deep dives into their discography. So, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let’s keep rockin’ with ZZ Top!