Same 3 guys, but it never gets old

March 17, 2016 at 12:05a.m.

Just like the 1933 Ford “Eliminator” Coupe that epitomizes the Rock Hall inductee band, ZZ Top is a timeless, no frills, sleek act built for speed that just keeps moving ahead.

Formed more than 45 years ago, the trio – bassist-singer Dusty Hill, drummer Frank Beard and guitarist-singer Billy Gibbons – is known for hit songs such as “Sharp Dressed Man,” “La Grange,” “Gimme All Your Lovin,” “Tush” and “Legs.”

Now the cheap sunglasses-wearing boogie rock and blues band has announced a spring jaunt aptly titled the “Hell Raisers Tour.” The trio returns to Northeast Ohio for a March 22 show at Stambaugh Auditorium.

The Vindicator talked to Gibbons via email about the band’s “Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm” past, present and future.

Q. Early on, ZZ Top toured with Jimi Hendrix. Today, you keep his music alive, occasionally performing as part of the “Experience Hendrix Tour.” In your opinion, why does his music stand the test of time?

A. Of course, Jimi Hendrix more than stands the test of time. In point of fact, he transcended time; we’re still talking about and being inspired by Jimi after his departure. He made the electric guitar do things that its creators had no idea it could. Jimi was the single-most transcendent innovator in the history of 20th-century music.

Q. When ZZ Top first started out, the band played shows at the Cleveland and Youngstown Agora. What are your memories of those early gigs?

A. Back in the early days, gigs at the Agoras were noteworthy for the enthusiasm of the crowds and the true intimacy of those shows. It was like playing for a group of close friends, which, come to think of it, we were. It’s not all that different these days; however, the equipment is way better. Those nights spent “relaxing” at Swingos were certainly memorable.

Q. ZZ Top’s last CD was 2012 release “La Futura.” Why is it important for the band to record new material at a time when many of your peers have become resigned to living off their laurels?

A. It is important, and we feel it’s worth the effort to keep our compositional skills in sharp refinement. It’s more of a statement that you’re moving forward, exploring new sonic horizons. Ironically, “La Futura” was in the recent past, so we’re looking to get back into studio sessions and see what comes up in the not-so-distant future.

Q. Your current jaunt is called the “Hell Raisers Tour.” Aside from the fact your fans have been on that tour for roughly 40 years, what does the band have planned this time out?

A. We’re going to do the full spectrum of the catalog, and some of the unusuals will also be present, as we strive to present some of our numbers yet to be performed live. We like to dig deep as a friendly reminder every now and then.

Q. So many bands have broken up or splintered over the years, yet ZZ Top boasts all of its original members. What’s the secret?

A. We like to do what we get to do. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with that.

Q. Finally, in your opinion, what’s the legacy of ZZ Top?

A. Same three guys playing the same three chords. Repeat as necessary.