3 questions with ZZ Top before Rose Music Center show


WANT TO GO?

Who: ZZ Top with with Robert Randolph & The Family Band and Jonny Two Bags

Where: Rose Music Center at the Heights, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Cost: $63, $77, $87

More info: 937-228-2323 or www.ticketmaster.com

Artist info: www.zztop.com

ZZ Top, performing at Rose Music Center in Huber Heights on Tuesday, Aug. 16, has to be the longest running American rock band still active today with all its original members.

Billy Gibbons (vocals, guitar) recently answered some questions about the enduring trio, which has also featured Dusty Hill (vocals, bass) and Frank Beard (drums) since its inception in Texas in 1969.

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Q: What do you, Dusty and Frank know about group dynamics that other people don’t that has allowed the band to exist so long?

A: “It’s all goin’ on. The fact this band’s an odd, some say very odd, number makes it impossible for the tie vote when deciding anything. The fact there are three of us means that any ‘faction’ can be no larger than two but, in truth, there are three factions usually in play and since they usually agree with the other two factions, things turn inside out then have a way of sorting themselves out. Lastly, and most relevant, is the fact we really have a good time doing what we do! The constant is doing it.”

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Q: The last ZZ Top studio album, “La Futura,” was released in 2012. When can fans expect a new release from the group?

A: “We’ve recently enjoyed some rarified time to jump back in the studio to discover there’s certainly quite a few songs rattling around in our collective mind just right for putting down on wax, surely. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, comes the ‘Live Greatest Hits from Around the World,’ due out Aug. 26. We’ve added that to our collection to tide us over. Our recording pals, Jeff Beck and bluesman James Harman guest on a few tracks, which makes for something really special.”

Q: ZZ Top has dates booked into mid-November. What will occupy your time after the tour?

A: “Maybe do some laundry, pick through the Texas mail and the California flea market invitations back home. Who knows, the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes could’ve already made it to the box. We’ll catch up on visits to the dry cleaner and make sure the hot rod tires are pumped so we can take it for a spin. Just the regular stuff everyone does between gigs.”

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