ZZ Top. Photo by Chyrisse. CPT_8326- — ZZ Top. Photo by Chyrisse.

By Wendy Hunter, Journalist, and Chyrisse Tabone, Photographer – Rock At Night, Tampa

Live Review: ZZ Top – The Elevation Tour with guest McKinley James – Seminole Hard Rock Casino Event Center – Tampa, Florida – March 12, 2025

ZZ Top was inducted into the 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. Photo by Chyrisse.

Some say ZZ Top’s music is Southern rock, others describe it as blues- or hard rock, but when it comes down to it, there is nothing like the signature Texas sound of this band. This slim trio sounds BIGGER than three in so many ways, including the forward-moving feel of Frank Beard’s drums and Elwood Francis’ solidly rhythmic bass guitar. Francis’ talent lends a nod to the late great Dusty Hill who passed in 2021. And then there is Billy Gibbons, with his gravely deep voice and unique guitar style, producing distinctive and distorted tones. The band was formed in 1969 and, to date, has an impressive release of fifteen studio albums, four live albums, seven compilation albums, and thirty-eight singles. What a record! Silver-haired seniors moseyed into and dominated the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Event Center with subdued tones as they chatted and laughed. That quiet mood was about to change.

Frank Beard of ZZ Top. Photo by Chyrisse.

First up was the blues, R&B, and soul band McKinley James, whose namesake is also the lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist. James’ three-man band includes his father, Jason Smay, a musician in his own right as an accomplished drummer, and a rocking bassist whose name, unfortunately, was not identified. My favorite song of the evening was “Crazy Over You,” which James self-penned, and was a hard-driving ballad about unrequited love. The tune is from his 2025 album Working Class Blues. James’ paced vocals were lazy and raw and emulated flattened blues notes as he played what appeared to be a Gibson guitar. The audience had gotten the message. Applause poured out into the room and cheers were heard. Kudos to this band and their mission to keep these genres alive and well.

Elwood Francis of ZZ Top. Photo by Chyrisse.

The stage at the hall was set with a wall of massive speakers, a drum kit, minimal lighting from above, and two purple-colored microphone stands. Gibbons and Francis walked on stage like champions on their way to victory. Both sported trademark beards, very sparkle-y multicolored jackets with black trousers, and carried their musical weapons to the delight of their listeners. Francis’ packed an enormous seventeen-string bass, which seemed overwhelming, but it rang true as the song “Got Me Under Pressure” kicked off the show in style. Listeners stood, screamed, and clapped and then clapped hard.

Other highlights occurred during “Gimme All Your Lovin,” when Gibbons told the concertgoers, “You know we gotta do this thing, we gotta get down and deep down, so if you wanna sing along, just shout it out!” The audience then stood, screamed, and belted out the lyrics. Participation was also heard during “Sharp Dressed Man,” a hit from the ’83 album “Eliminator.” During several songs, including “Pearl Necklace,” Gibbons and Francis moved their guitars in unison mirroring each other in slow rhythmic motion. Francis then produced outrageous, deep, and dark sounds from his bass by tapping the strings with his hands, which delighted the concert crowd. The tune “Legs” had many in the audience up and cheering as well as dancing. This song was also my personal favorite. With rectangular fuzzy purple guitars held steady, Gibbons and Francis swayed in rhythm which garnered screams of joy.

As part of the encore, ZZ Top performed “La Grange,” with that oh so familiar boogie blues opening and the heavy blues feel. This successful song from the album Tres Hombres rose to No. 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974 and was the perfect wrap up to a great evening. In summary, this was a concert to remember from that little ol’ band from Texas. As the listeners filed from the venue, I noted their tone was brighter and they spoke a lot louder. That’s what good music will do for you.