ZZ Top Extends Elevation Tour, Welcomes Elwood Francis
UPDATE: Rock legends ZZ Top are extending their highly successful Elevation tour, originally launched in October 2024, into late November 2025. The Texas trio, featuring guitarist/singer Billy Gibbons, drummer Frank Beard, and bassist Elwood Francis, who stepped in after the passing of Dusty Hill, just completed two electrifying shows at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster and the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem.
The ongoing tour reflects ZZ Top’s enduring popularity as they celebrate nearly 57 years in music. Following their recent shows, Gibbons expressed enthusiasm about Francis’ seamless integration into the band. “Elwood’s got it,” Gibbons stated, highlighting Francis’ star quality and the warm reception he has received from fans.
Francis, who was previously Hill’s guitar tech, has not only filled the void left by Hill but has also embraced the band’s legacy. Gibbons humorously commented on the evolution of Francis’ appearance, noting how his beard grew during the pandemic, which became a topic of conversation within the band. “Just in time, Billy Bob Thornton, of all people, sent word to leave the razor alone,” Gibbons recalled, emphasizing the supportive atmosphere as Francis stepped up to the plate.
LIVE SHOWS: ZZ Top’s recent performances have showcased a robust catalog of hits spanning over five decades. Fans were treated to classic tracks like “La Grange” and “Sharp Dressed Man,” with Gibbons reflecting on the band’s journey into the electronic music scene through collaborations with iconic groups like Depeche Mode.
Gibbons shared an intriguing anecdote about his past with the band The Moving Sidewalks, which opened for Jimi Hendrix in the late 1960s. He recalled the nerve-wracking experience of having to pad their setlist with Hendrix songs due to a lack of original material. “Jimi stepped forward to greet us and said, ‘You cats got nerve. I want to know you,’” Gibbons recounted, highlighting a moment that solidified his love for performance.
As ZZ Top continues to captivate audiences with their electrifying shows, fans are eagerly anticipating what’s next for the band. The Elevation tour promises to deliver even more unforgettable moments and musical excellence as they approach the end of November.
In addition to the tour news, Slipknot has released a special edition of their debut album, marking its 25th anniversary. This deluxe reissue includes unreleased recordings and captures the raw energy of their early performances, further cementing their legacy in the world of heavy music.
Stay tuned for more updates on ZZ Top and Slipknot as they continue to shape the music landscape and engage audiences worldwide. This is a developing story, and fans won’t want to miss what these iconic bands have in store!
