This past November 13, one of South Florida’s premier music venues, the Pompano Beach Amphitheatre, provided the backdrop for a night to remember as ZZ Top hit the stage with the energy and authenticity that has characterized their long career. Despite the lingering shadow of late longtime bassist Dusty Hill‘s absence, the trio — now augmented by the impressive Elwood Francis on bass— demonstrated that the band’s spirit is as alive as ever.
The evening opened with the signature, adrenaline-fueled riffs of the anthemic “Got Me Under Pressure,” immediately rousing a willing and ecstatic crowd that was more than ready to ride with the band’s songs on a nostalgic trip through its richly diverse past. Billy Gibbons and Elwood Francis had easy musical rapport on stage, a synergy that was supported by the sturdy beats of Frank Beard, forming a lean and gritty show that tapped into nostalgia without cliche and rode on a narrow edge of rediscovery.
Throughout the set, classic tracks intermingled with newer material inspired by their 2022 release, Raw, offering both longtime fans and newer listeners a well-rounded experience. The band revisited staples from their celebrated catalog – delivering memorable renditions of tracks that have long defined their sound. Moments of true connection peppered the show, as Billy Gibbons encouraged the audience to join in on familiar choruses, and on several occasions fans even playfully called out for non-set hits, making Gibbons smile.
The setlist sported a careful balance, giving homage to the band’s legendary past and embracing the inevitable nuances that accumulate with time. Elwood Francis‘s seamless integration into the trio was most evident. His confident playing not only filled in for Dusty Hill‘s absence but also added a fresh dimension to the performance – showing that evolution and respect for tradition can coexist on stage.
As the night progressed, the energy at the amphitheater surged incrementally, with the unmistakable sound of hit favorites “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs”. The electric encore of “La Grange” was a cathartic sendoff, and the crowd remained energized many minutes after the final notes faded into the night.
In a performance that was at once a flashback to the past and a step into the future, ZZ Top demonstrated that despite more than five decades of touring under their belts, their ability to move and entice remains as good as ever. The night at Pompano Beach Amphitheatre was simply the unrefutable evidence of their enduring musical charisma, and also a palpable reminder that while change is inevitable, the beat of their music still thrums with power.
