ZZ Top began in the wake of two rival bands in Houston in 1969. With the trio settling on guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill singing and drummer Frank Beard, the group started its historic trip through four decades of rock and roll. The group, known for its hard sound and sense of humor, would go to change as the landscape of rock and roll did.

The group started playing in 1970, almost continuously from the onset. The blues rock trio recorded and released their first album, ZZ Top’s First Album, under London Records in 1971. Though the album did not even chart, it did not stop the group from continuing to play. Tres Hombres (1973), their third album, was their breakout hit. The album was certified platinum and hit number eight on the charts.

At this point the group was still without their signature beards and sunglasses. After the popularity of Fandango! (1975) and Tejas (1977), the group took an unexpected break. It was not until 1979 that all three played together again. The reunion found Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill each sporting well-developed beards. The development came as a surprise to both members, but became part of their persona. The next staple of the act, the sun glasses, came later that year when the release of Deguello spawned the popularity of the single “Cheap Sunglasses”.

To this point ZZ Top was known as a blues rock band that featured a stripped down approach to rock and roll. The entry into the ‘80s saw the beginning of the incorporation of synthesizers into their sound. This, and the embracing of MTV and the music video, helped the group reach new heights of popularity and commercial success with Eliminator (1983) and Afterburner (1985). The albums raced up the charts to land in the top ten and sold platinum several times over.

A return to a stripped down, minimalist sound hurt the record sales, but the next two albums, Recycler (1990) and Antenna (1994) still reached platinum. ZZ Top seemed to be ahead of its time, with its move to more of a blues rock that many of the grunge movement would embrace.

The next century would find ZZ Top making its first personnel change since they began in 1970. Long time manager and producer Bill Ham departed from the group in 2006. ZZ Top’s ability to remain a force in the music industry throughout the decades earned them an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

Though the legendary band has been around the world and recognized by the industry, they still sell ZZ Top tickets for tours around the world. The Seats will have those tickets at shockingly affordable prices for concerts throughout the latest tour. Take a look at the schedule on the website and check the inventory for your cheap seats. The Seats is your best shot to see the legends live.