ZZ Top w/ Uncle Kracker at Starlight Theatre, Kansas City MO (2023-08-16)

Out on their Raw Whisky Tour, legendary Texas blues rock trio ZZ Top hit Starlight Theatre in Kansas City for an express set of hit-filled favorites, a couple deep cut tracks, and a soundtrack to the hell raisin', beer drinkin' good time, they've come to be known for. 

Instead of huge video screens, laser lights, and synchronized dance steps, the focus was primarily on the music of their previous five decades and counting, making for a more intimate feeling show (though a 15-string bass, fur guitars, and an fun ending complete with bubble machines and a disco ball, were all part of the show.)  

The trio remains in fine musical form and plays just a few more headlining dates, before joining Lynyrd Skynyrd for a co-headlining tour to take them into the Fall.  

Opener Uncle Kracker entertained the early evening crowd, with a short set that included his own familiar songs ("Follow Me") and the loudest audience response saved for some smart covers from the likes of his pals, Kid Rock and Kenny Chesney, along with a timeless "Drift Away" to end his supporting set.  

More details to come!

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The Houston blues rock group aka “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas” (also the title of their recent Netflix doc) returns to the road, just ahead of a co-headlining tour with (what remains of) Lynyrd Skynyrd. When bassist Dusty Hill died in his sleep recently at age 72, fans thought the band might be over, but even after 51 years of the core trio, replacement Elwood Francis has fit in remarkably well.

They formed way back in 1969 when two rival bands joined forces: Moving Sidewalks with guitarist Billy Gibbons and American Blues with Hill and drummer Frank Beard. Their mainstream breakthrough was 1983’s Eliminator album, receiving Diamond certification (sales over 10 million units) which included hit tracks “Gimme All Your Lovin’” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs” and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Keith Richards in 2004. We saw them last, fifteen years ago at a radio festival with The Pretenders and Stray Cats, and know they still put on an entertaining show.

Arrive early for opener Uncle Kracker, the one-time Kid Rock cohort, to hear his big hit, “Follow Me”.

BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) will also present Billy F Gibbons, the centerpiece and one third of ZZ Top, with its coveted Troubadour Award during a private reception at BMI's Nashville office on Monday, Sept. 18th. The prestigious accolade recognizes a songwriter who has made a profound impact on the creative community as their craft continues to set the pace for generations to follow.

As the chief songwriter for ZZ Top, Gibbons' credits include iconic hits such as "Sharp Dressed Man," "Legs," "Cheap Sunglasses" and "La Grange," the lead single from ZZ Top's Tres Hombres album that catapulted the trio into mainstream success fifty years ago.

"With a career spanning several decades, Billy has penned an array of timeless hits that have left an inedible mark on the music industry," BMI's VP of Creative Nashville, Clay Bradley said. "His ability to craft lyrics that resonate with audiences across generations is a testament to his songwriting prowess and he is the epitome of what the BMI Troubadour Award represents."

Dubbed "Nashville's most glorious low-key party" (Rolling Stone), the night will include unforgettable tribute performances and commemorative speeches by special guests during cocktail reception and dinner. Gibbons joins the ranks of past Troubadour Award recipients including John Hiatt, John Prine, Robert Earl Keen and Lucinda Williams. Falling on the eve of AMERICANAFEST, the night serves as a homecoming for BMI's Americana family of artists and is sponsored by George Dickel Bourbon and WP Global.

     (Click on any image to enlarge and see in full, apologies to uncle Kracker fans as our late arrival prevented us from any photos of him)