Thunderbird (2019)

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Thunderbird (2019)" by ZZ Top from the album RAW: 'That Little Ol' Band From Texas' Original Soundtrack, a track that captures the raw, unpolished energy of this legendary Texas trio. Recorded at Gruene Hall, Texas' oldest continually operating dance hall, this version of "Thunderbird" was part of an impromptu jam session during the filming of the 2019 Netflix documentary That Little Ol' Band From Texas. According to Ultimate Classic Rock, the band’s gear was set up for what was meant to be a photo shoot, but Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard couldn’t resist picking up their instruments, resulting in a live performance without an audience. The song, originally from 1975’s Fandango!, gets a fresh, gritty treatment here, with Gibbons and Hill delivering unison vocals that add a lively bounce, as noted in reviews. This session, captured in one day with minimal overdubs, was a nod to the band’s early recording style, making it a standout track dedicated to the late Dusty Hill, who passed away in 2021.

Another tidbit about "Thunderbird" comes from the band’s own liner notes for RAW, where Gibbons and Beard described the Gruene Hall session as a “return to our roots.” They emphasized the intimate setting—no audience, no tour buses, just the three of them jamming like in their early days. A review from Hotpress praises Dusty Hill’s bass work on this track, noting how he “lands like an elephant off a diving board,” driving the song’s boogie rhythm with Frank Beard’s shuffle. The song’s inclusion in the documentary soundtrack was a deliberate choice to showcase ZZ Top’s blues-rock core, with its raw mix highlighting Hill’s chunky bass lines, which fans on platforms like TalkBass have celebrated for their clarity compared to earlier polished recordings. This version is a fitting tribute to Hill, whose death marked the end of the band’s 51-year original lineup.

ZZ Top began in Houston, Texas, in 1969, when guitarist Billy Gibbons, then playing in the psychedelic band Moving Sidewalks, teamed up with drummer Frank Beard and bassist Dusty Hill, both formerly of American Blues. Gibbons, inspired by blues legends like B.B. King and the raw energy of Texas boogie, became the band’s leader, lyricist, and musical arranger. The trio’s early days were marked by relentless gigging in dive bars and small venues, with their first concert together at a Knights of Columbus Hall in Beaumont, Texas, on February 10, 1970, booked by local radio personality Al Caldwell. Initially rejected by major American labels, they signed with London Records in 1970, releasing ZZ Top’s First Album in 1971. Their breakthrough came with 1973’s Tres Hombres, featuring the hit “La Grange,” which cemented their reputation for gritty blues-rock. Over five decades, their blend of boogie, humor, and later MTV-friendly hits like “Legs” made them global icons, as detailed on their Wikipedia page.

You can keep up with ZZ Top on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, whiskey collaborations, and tributes to their legacy. Fans also gather on dedicated spaces like the ZZ Top Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts discuss everything from vinyl pressings to live shows. Another fan hub, TalkBass’s ZZ Top Fans forum, dives deep into the band’s gear and performances, especially Hill’s bass contributions. These communities keep the spirit of the “Zoo Freaks” alive, celebrating the band’s enduring raw energy.