ZZ Top

The beards have become legendary. The sunglasses iconic. The guitars instantly recognisable. And the music? As irresistible today as it was when it first exploded out of Texas over half a century ago.

This summer, Valencia gets a rare chance to witness one of the last true giants of classic rock when ZZ Top arrive at FAR València on July 22 for what promises to be one of the standout concerts of the entire season. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Marina Norte, with the Mediterranean Sea only metres away and the city skyline glowing in the summer heat, the stage is perfectly set for a night of blues, boogie and rock and roll history.

For younger music fans, ZZ Top might be best known for their iconic MTV videos, spinning hot rods and impossibly cool image. But to understand their significance, you need to go back to the beginning. Formed in Houston, Texas, in 1969, ZZ Top emerged from the American blues tradition, taking inspiration from artists such as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and John Lee Hooker before injecting their own distinctly Texan swagger. The band's breakthrough came during the 1970s with albums such as Tres Hombres and Fandango!, records that helped define the sound of Southern blues-rock.

Songs like La Grange, Tush and Jesus Just Left Chicago became staples of American rock radio and established the trio as one of the most formidable live bands in the world. Then came the 1980s. While many of their contemporaries struggled to adapt to a changing music landscape, ZZ Top embraced technology without abandoning their roots. The albums Eliminator and Afterburner transformed the band into global superstars. Tracks such as Sharp Dressed Man, Gimme All Your Lovin', Legs and Sleeping Bag became international hits, introducing an entirely new generation to the band's unique blend of blues, rock and humour.

Part of ZZ Top's enduring appeal lies in their simplicity. While many bands rely on elaborate staging, pyrotechnics and visual gimmicks, ZZ Top's formula has always been remarkably straightforward: great songs, incredible musicianship and grooves so deep they could swallow a small car.

Expect all of that in Valencia.

Fans attending FAR València can look forward to a career-spanning set packed with classics. From the swampy blues of Waitin' for the Bus and Just Got Paid to arena-sized anthems like Sharp Dressed Man and Legs, the catalogue is stacked with songs that have become part of rock and roll folklore.

Even more impressive is the band's longevity. The late Dusty Hill, who passed away in 2021, was replaced by longtime collaborator Elwood Francis, ensuring the band could continue while honouring Hill's wish that the music should go on. Guitarist Billy Gibbons remains one of the most distinctive players in rock history, effortlessly blending blues, rock, country and boogie into a style that is uniquely his own.

At a time when many classic rock acts have become nostalgia exercises, ZZ Top continue to perform with genuine purpose and energy. Reviews from recent tours consistently praise the band's ability to deliver powerful, authentic performances that connect with audiences of all ages. And what a venue to experience them in.

FAR València has quickly established itself as one of the region's premier summer concert series, bringing world-class artists to the city's stunning marina district. There is something uniquely Valencian about watching legendary musicians perform beneath the open sky while warm Mediterranean breezes drift across the waterfront. It is a far cry from the smoky Texas bars where ZZ Top first built their reputation, yet somehow it feels entirely appropriate. When the lights go down at Marina Norte on July 22 and the opening riff finally cuts through the summer air, Valencia won't just be hosting another concert. It will be hosting a piece of rock and roll history.The beards are coming!!

For tickets and more information: FAR Valencia