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Review: ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd at the Backyard
BEE CAVE — Fired up the hog and took the old lady to the new Backyard here Saturday night to see ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd. I’d not see the former in forever and the latter in never. We got exactly what we expected: long lines to get in and out, a handful of delusional Skynyrd fans waving the Confederate battle flag, hits and a whole lot of guitar. We can safely proclaim the first La Grange Fest, which also included the very talented singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson and Corey Taylor from (!) Slipknot a success.
I’d love to tell you about Corey but, yeah, traffic took care of that. Johnson enjoys the complementary advantages of having a very expressive voice and story-songs that Daniel Woodrell might write. Great stuff, and the crowd was primed to be in a receptive mood.
Skynyrd, a band known as much for one plane crash as well as its 86 guitarists, brought out “That Smell,” “What’s Your Name,” “Gimme Three Steps,” “Sweet Home Alabama” and, but of course, “Stairway to Heaven.” I mean “Free Bird.” If you’re like me you were probably in line for the bar or the bathroom for at least one of those — and lines were a reality for both of those attractions because this crowd was gettings its drank on.
I know these guys are the definition of a guilty pleasure band. I know that the current iteration contains exactly one original member, but that band was together for, what, five years in the ’70s? This bunch, led by Johnny Van Zant, has been together since the late ’80s,making them perhaps the world’s only tribute band that’s a tribute to THEMSELVES. That’s some trick if you think about it.
As ever, the three-man guitar attack was equally impressive and wearying. Those guys are very competitive seeing who can cram the most notes into every bar, but, in fairness, that’s what they’re about.
And there lies Skynyrd’s great contrast with ZZ Top, the undisputed grand champions of Texas blues rock, with a lineup unchanged since 1970. (Name another band that’s stayed together without a lineup change that long. I’ll wait here.) Billy Gibbons can’t play as fast as any of the Skynyrd guys, but he’s all about working up greasy licks that sound like him and no one else. Sometimes virtuosity can leave you cold; Gibbons’ distinctive playing never fails to enhance the tune, not to mention bringing a smile to himself and the crowd.
Gibbons and the other dos hombres are essentially a nostalgia act, too, but what a stack of hits. In fairness, the opener, “Got Me Under Pressure,” dates merely to 1983, as does “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Gimme All You Lovin’” and “Legs.” That “Eliminator” album packed them in, didn’t it? And that’s not even the sweet spot of the band’s catalog — “Cheap Sunglasses,” “Jesus Just Left Chicago” and of course “Free Bird.” I mean “La Grange.” Those all got spirited airings Saturday night. You can’t name a festival after one of your songs and then not play it, even if it is swiped from a John Lee Hooker riff.
Now entering their fifth decade together, these guys have every right to not work it as hard as they do. They do, and good for them. All together now: A how-how-how-how.
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By Toni
October 24, 2011 1:08 AM | Link to this
I was one of those waiting, ever so patiently, for a toilet/beer in the ever so long lines at the Backyard. Not to mention the cluster !@#$ of cars trying ever so hard to get out of the dusty, and rocky “parking lot”. As for the show……ZZ Top sounded fantastic, and as for Skynrd..Johnny’s vocals frequently off key, and seemingly robotic with his moves across the stage……unimpressive. Skynrd’s drummer was my favorite piece of the band!
By Dave
October 24, 2011 7:08 AM | Link to this
It’s been 20 years since I’ve seen ZZ Top. I should have gone, although I’ve sworn off the New Backyard until they fix the parking situation.
By proofreader
October 24, 2011 8:43 AM | Link to this
“In fairness, the opener, “Got Me Under Pressure,” dates merely to 1990, as does “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Gimme All You Lovin’” and “Legs.”” Nice copy editing, copy editor. That album came out in 1983.
By Jan
October 24, 2011 3:16 PM | Link to this
I can’t belive some people upset cuz of the parking were lucky we have a place to see great shows the backyard has worked hard to get these shows up and running you only have to park your car for a few hours it takes weeks to put on a good and safe show and ZZ Top and Skynyrd were awesome. I had a great time and the people at The backyard have always been nice great job thank’s for all your hard work
By J. Williams
October 24, 2011 4:51 PM | Link to this
I’d rather hear it on vinyl! Suckers with nothing to do.
By Joan Morris
October 25, 2011 5:55 PM | Link to this
Well, I loved the concert, my husband and I truly loved the outdoors and all the different types of people. At a concert you should expect long lines and hard getting out. People need to be patience and courteous. Lynyrd Skynyrd was the best. People that run The Backyard are friendly and very helpful, nice job, and thanks to all the the staff and people that support this project. Will differently go back.