Should Billy Gibbons Retire The Name ZZ Top?

Yep. He should just tour as Billy F. Gibbons or the Billy Gibbons Blues Band.

I think it would be the "right" thing to do, but money and name recognition are a powerful thing in the business. Would "The Billy Gibbons Blues Band" warrant the same guarantees from promoters? Would the draw be the same?

At one time, under an agreement with Ronnie's widow Judy, the name Lynyrd Skynyrd was to be retired when less than three longtime members of the band were still actively participating. The death of Leon Wilkerson brought them to only two, but they gave Judy a bigger cut and that agreement got torn up. Right now Skynyrd is without any original members (Ricky Medlocke doesn't count) and I think Johnny may be the longest tenured member. They are basically a high powered cover band, but the name is the $$.

I would hope if Billy keeps playing under the ZZ Top name he works out some kind of deal with the families of Frank and Dusty.

Absolutely. Really dislike bands made up of only one original. I simply cant get on board. You had your run, let it go. Attempt new projects on your own or with a new band name and members.

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(Ricky Medlocke doesn't count)

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It's weird. I both agree and disagree with you.

It's his band, he can do what he wants. This idea that a band can only be the original members is stupid.

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There are videos and articles speculating that he sometimes pretends to play over recorded tracks.

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some of his gigs it's pretty obvious he's not singing or playing live. got no idea if the bass is live. not every song mind you, but several

Billy's at a crossroad.

I would think both Dusty and Rube would've said 'the show must go on.' And yet, I hear what the OP is saying. ZZ Top across the years was Billy, Dusty, and Rube. Now that two of the three have passed, Billy should jettison "ZZ Top" and play under some new name (TBD). Agree with the OP.

Foreigner, Journey, Megadeth, Smash Mouth, Skynrd, Yes, Molly Hatchet, Little River Band, etc, etc, etc.

all still touring with no or just one original member.


I think Billy can do what he wants - he is the face of ZZ Top - always has been.

I don't know. Billy Gibbons was the main song writer and vocalist and his guitar is what stands out. Beard can be replaced a lot easier than Peart. My main gripe is when they can't sing. I was a little disappointed in seeing "ELO" two years ago. I would probably be very disappointed to see Rush this year baesd on videos i've seen. ZZ Top maybe but not in a big arena for a lot of money.

Who cares what a band calls themselves? It's easier to know who someone is talking about.