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Viva Las Vegas — ZZ Top
Yes, I know many would consider this an Elvis song…which it was originally, of course. But given the recent passing of ZZ Top’s bass player, Dusty Hill, who also recorded a barnstorming version of the song, it seemed more appropriate to give ZZ Top’s version an airing in his memory. (Don’t worry, Elvis is linked below in case you can’t listen to this song without your fix of The King.)
ZZ Top are one of my favourite bands of all time, largely because they take a very simple set up…just three guys together, without backing singers, gospel choirs or fireworks in tow…and play such infectious Texas-flavoured blues that you can’t help but admire their musicianship.
I was lucky enough to see ZZ Top live a few years ago and watching three dudes in their 60s tearing up an arena, just by playing their songs, was quite something to behold.
There wasn’t much in the way of chit-chat, flim-flam or fancy stage show. Just great music , played by immensely talented musicians, from start to finish.
If I’m honest, I don’t know all that much about Dusty Hill…or the rest of the band, in fact. They keep themselves pretty much to themselves and let their music do the talking.
At least, that is, since the 1980s when the videos for their hit records like “Legs” and “Sharp Dressed Man” were all over MTV. Although those videos…
