ZZ Top performs at the Robles Amphitheatre in Paso Robles.
From left, Elwood Francis, Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard of ZZ Top rock the stage April 27 at the Robles Amphitheatre in Paso Robles. Credit: Gary Lambert / Noozhawk photo

ZZ Top returned to the Vina Robles Amphitheatre in Paso Robles on April 27 for the first time since 2022.

With the passing of Dusty Hill, I didn’t know what to expect from the evening concert and the band’s new replacement, Elwood Francis. 

I’m thinking, how’s this going to play out? ZZ Top has worked together for five decades, so will it be a new beginning or the end of ZZ Top?

Francis was a good friend to the band members and a longtime tech, and he joined the band at Hill’s request just before his death. Hill was right to have Francis replace him. “The show must go on,” as Hill put it.

All I can say is once again, the Vina Robles Amphitheatre was graced with rock royalty.

ZZ Top really does define what rock ’n’ roll is about. They’re as cool as they come, especially now with their newest member added to the group — Francis with his 15-string bass.

The evening’s concert was outstanding. The band played many of their hits, including “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Got Me Under Pressure,” “La Grange” and many more.

Looking back, ZZ Top has made their mark in making music during the past five decades, including their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and sales of more than 30 million albums with four gold, three platinum, two multiple-platinum and one diamond. That’s not bad for three guys from Texas. 

Billy Gibbons, Hill and Frank Beard formed their trio in 1969 in Houston, Texas. Let’s pray that the group can keep it together for many more years to come, as they have given a gift to the rock world with their music.

Frank Beard of ZZ Top plays the drums.
Frank Beard of ZZ Top plays the drums. Credit: Gary Lambert / Noozhawk photo

In closing, ZZ Top delivered a flawless performance. Hill would be proud of his fellow bandmates.

Thank you, Vina Robles and Nederlander Concerts, for bringing such great music this spring and summer to the Central Coast. 

Setlist

 1. Got Me Under Pressure
2. I Thank You
3. Waitin’ for the Bus
4. Jesus Just Left Chicago
5. Gimme All Your Lovin’
6. Pearl Necklace 
7. I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide
8. I Gotsta Get Paid
9. My Head in Mississippi
10. Sixteen Tons
11. Sharp Dressed Man

 Encore 

12. Brown Sugar
13. La Grange