Stagecoach 2023: ZZ Top packs the Palomino Stage, delivers classic set

If there were a band the Stagecoach country music festival was created for, that would be ZZ Top. The Texas blues and Southern rock group appeals to all demographics of the festival, whether they're a little bit country or a little bit rock 'n' roll.

ZZ Top played Friday to an overflowing audience on the Palomino Stage. It was the first time the band performed at the festival since 2015. In many ways, ZZ Top is the same, but felt like something was missing — late bassist Dusty Hill, who died in 2021. Lead guitarist Billy Gibbons and drummer Frank Beard decided to continue on and installed longtime bass guitar tech Elwood Francis on bass.

But the setlist was nearly identical, and ZZ Top's signature sound of the blues combined with a hot rod muffler was intact. The band opened with "Got Me Under Pressure" and Francis' 17-string bass used for the song proved that everything isn't just bigger in Texas, but at Stagecoach, too.

Looking around the Palomino, there was a mix of younger and older fans watching the performance. But that's not a surprise, because ZZ Top became unlikely heroes of the MTV era. In the 1980s, albums “Eliminator,” “Afterburner” and “Recycler” spawned cheeky videos for a younger generation.

Even though there is a noticeable difference without Hill, ZZ Top still sounds impeccable and Francis' obvious mastery of the bass guitar complements the band's live performances. The chemistry between Gibbons and Francis on synchronized movements is entertaining. Francis' beard and disheveled hair also make him look like he belongs in the band.

Gibbons said he wanted to buy Francis a hat and should have bought him one for Stagecoach, adding that ZZ Top has been visiting and performing in the desert for five decades.

The hour-long set included many classics, such as "Gimme All Your Lovin,'" "I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide" and a cover of the 1940s folk song "Sixteen Tons." Compared to the band's 2015 performance, there was greater visual production and sound in the Palomino.

Two of the band's hits from the '80s, "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Legs," were performed later in the set. Both songs were appropriate for Stagecoach, as there were a variety of men in pristine cowboy outfits and women baring their legs in short-shorts and cowboy boots.

After Hill's death, it's hard to say what could possibly stop ZZ Top from continuing for at least another decade. The band continues to perform at the same level it always has, its sound remains unmatched and the members' talent continues to attract younger fans.

A previous version of this story said Hill was the frontman of ZZ Top, which is not correct. The story has been corrected.

Desert Sun reporter Brian Blueskye covers arts and entertainment. He can be reached at brian.blueskye@desertsun.com or on Twitter at @bblueskye.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Stagecoach 2023: ZZ Top packs the Palomino Stage with rock fans