Live Photos and Words: Scott Lukes
https://www.photographylukes.com/
The packed house was ecstatic with enthusiasm over the chance to hear that down-home Texas style of rock & roll that no other band but ZZ Top could deliver.
ZZ Top played a killer set that matched the power of their recently released album “Raw”. Although the loss of legendary bass player Dusty Hill in 2021 will always be missed, Elwood Francis, the band’s longtime guitar tech, definitely filled those massive boots Dusty left behind. After seeing Elwood play live, I understand why Dusty chose him as his replacement. At times it was like Dusty was playing right through Elwood.
Jeff Beck opened the show with a masterful set of tunes. The 78-year-old guitarist could have been the headline act if one went by the cheers of the fans over each song he played. Beck has always been one of my favorite guitarists. I saw Jeff play a memorable show back in 1976 at Comiskey Park, Chicago. The headline band was Aerosmith and 65,000 fans filled the old home of the Chicago White Sox. While Jeff was playing, a fire broke out in an upper deck storeroom. Black smoke billowed across the stage as the fans began to panic, but in the height of the confusion, Mr. Beck leaned backward ripping away on his guitar as the smoke covered him. We all said that if Beck would not keep playing through those beginning moments of the fire, a true disaster would have taken place that day. It was a real privilege getting to see and hear Jeff play again, especially in such an amazing venue.
FirstBank Amphitheater opened its doors last year in 2021. The outdoor venue is cut out of an old rock quarry south of Nashville in Franklin Tennessee. Its state-of-the-art design, superb sound, and overall beauty are a great addition to the world of concertgoers. The 7500-person capacity Amphitheater was the perfect place to experience the music of these two phenomenal bands.
For more information on ZZ Top, Merch, and their “Whisky Raw Tour” visit them at https://www.zztop.com/
For info on Jeff Beck checkout http://www.jeffbeck.com/
About Author
