Opening Act: UNCLE KRAKER
Venue: Ruoff Music Center 08-20-23
ZZ Top announced a co-headlining tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd for summer 2023, titled The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour.
ZZ TOP at Ruoff Music Center 08-20-23 ©2023 JohnGeiger
On their stop-by in the Hoosier state, ZZ Top went on stage on before Skynyrd. Probably a good idea. I don’t know if anyone would want to go on after a Skynyrd “Free Bird” encore.
The ZZ Top performance was truly blues-infused rock and roll, showcasing the enduring talent of this legendary band. The line-up included the phenomenal Billy Gibbons on guitar, Frank Beard on drums, and Elwood Francis on bass guitar who replaced the late Dusty Hill who passed away in 2021. Prior to Hill’s passing the band had the same lineup for 51 years.
ZZ TOP at Ruoff Music Center 08-20-23 ©2023 JohnGeiger
With their trademark beards and shades, the band members exuded cool confidence as they delivered a setlist brimming with classic hits like "Sharp Dressed Man," "La Grange," and "Gimme All Your Lovin'." The stage was alive with dynamic guitar riffs, gritty vocals, and seamless rhythms that had the audience grooving throughout the night.
Billy Gibbons of ZZ TOP at Ruoff Music Center 08-20-23 ©2023 JohnGeiger
ZZ Top once again proved their status as musical icons, leaving concert-goers with an unforgettable night of timeless tunes and electrifying performance.
Lynyrd Skynyrd is a legendary American rock band known for their distinctive Southern rock sound, and poignant storytelling. The band became prominent in the Southern United States in 1973, and rose to worldwide recognition before three members died in an airplane crash in 1977 including lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines.
All of the original members are now deceased. Gary Rossington, the last original member of the band, died on March 5, 2023.
But The Lynyrd Skynyrd went on with the show at Ruoff Music Center. The band took the stage with musical prowess fronted by Van Zant’s brother Johnny, six other musicians as well as two backup signers.
With a setlist that included timeless hits like "Sweet Home Alabama," and "Simple Man," the band's performance resonated deeply with fans, blending guitar solos, soulful vocals, and a sense of nostalgia. The atmosphere was electric as both long-time enthusiasts and newcomers reveled in the band's signature sound, carrying forward Skynyrd's legacy as true rock legends.
Lynyrd Skynyrd allowed photographs of their first two songs but have yet to give permission for me to publish them.