
Set List Comparison: ZZ Top and Billy Gibbons’ BFGs
Currently, Billy Gibbons is enjoying a brief intermission from his work with ZZ Top, but instead of resting, he’s immersing himself in the rich legacy of the band like never before. This exploration not only reflects his dedication to the band’s history but also enhances his artistry as he connects with the roots of rock music that defined his career.
On the road with the BFGs, Gibbons leads an exciting trio alongside talented musicians such as bassist and Hammond B3 virtuoso Mike Flanigin and the legendary Chris Layton, renowned for his work with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble. This collaboration brings a fresh dynamic to live performances, showcasing their collective musicianship and passion for classic rock.
A comparison between one of the final performances of ZZ Top’s 2024 tour and the recent Cleveland show featuring Gibbons reveals intriguing similarities and differences in their setlists. Below, you can find the complete setlists from each concert, highlighting how they each pay homage to the enduring legacy of ZZ Top.
Both performances feature seven iconic ZZ Top classics (bolded below), including fan favorites like “Waitin’ for the Bus,” “Jesus Just Left Chicago,” “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Just Got Paid,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Brown Sugar,” and “La Grange.” These timeless tracks resonate deeply with audiences, maintaining their status as essential rock anthems.
Gibbons’ set with the BFGs largely focuses on ZZ Top’s catalog from the 1970s, only venturing into the 1980s for the standout hits from Eliminator. In contrast, the ZZ Top show prominently features songs from the ’80s and later, showcasing a broader range of their musical evolution, with an emphasis on the hits from Eliminator and even two tracks from 1981’s El Loco.
This renewed emphasis on the earlier music of his main band allowed Gibbons to resurrect some rarely played tracks, including “Francine,” which hasn’t been performed since 2010 according to SetList.fm, as well as “Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings” and “Thunderbird,” which were last played in 2013 and 2019, respectively. These deep cuts provide a nostalgic experience for long-time fans and showcase Gibbons’ commitment to his musical roots.
The performances with the BFGs also exhibit a more organic sound. This is particularly evident when comparing Layton’s stripped-down, club-friendly drum kit to the more digitized setup used by ZZ Top’s drummer, Frank Beard, which aims to replicate the band’s post-Eliminator sound. Fans can appreciate the distinct differences in sound quality through the fan-shot videos of “Gimme All Your Lovin’” from both tours, embedded below for your enjoyment.
Flanigin further enriches the BFG’s sonic palette by switching to the Hammond for several songs, seamlessly taking on the late Dusty Hill’s vocal parts beautifully during “Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers.” This versatility adds depth to the performance and highlights the band’s musical capabilities.
Billy Gibbons will continue touring with the BFGs until a show in Bristol, Tennessee, on February 20. After that, he will reunite with Beard and bassist Elwood Francis for another ZZ Top tour, which is set to kick off on March 5 in Dothan, Alabama, ensuring that fans will have plenty of opportunities to experience their legendary music live.
Read More: ZZ Top and Billy Gibbons Set 2025 Tour Dates
ZZ Top Nov. 23, 2024 Dodge City, KS Set List (from SetList.fm)
1. “Got Me Under Pressure” (from 1983’s Eliminator)
2. “I Thank You” (Sam & Dave cover, from 1979’s Deguello)
3. “Waitin’ for the Bus” (from 1973’s Tres Hombres)
4. “Jesus Just Left Chicago” (from 1973’s Tres Hombres)
5. “Gimme All Your Lovin’” (from 1983’s Eliminator)
6. “Pearl Necklace” (from 1981’s El Loco)
7. “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide” (from 1979’s Deguello)
8. “I Gotsa Get Paid” (from 2012’s La Futura)
9. “My Head’s in Mississippi” (from 1990’s Recycler)
10. “Sixteen Tons” (Merle Travis cover)
11. “Just Got Paid” (from 1972’s Rio Grande Mud)
12. “Sharp Dressed Man” (from 1983’s Eliminator)
13. “Legs” (from 1983’s Eliminator)
14. “Brown Sugar” (from 1971’s ZZ Top’s First Album)
15. “Tube Snake Boogie” (from 1981’s El Loco)
16. “La Grange” (from 1973’s Tres Hombres)
Billy Gibbons and the BFGs Feb. 2, 2025 Cleveland Set List
1. “Kiko”
2. “Waitin’ for the Bus” (from 1973’s Tres Hombres)
3. “Jesus Just Left Chicago” (from 1973’s Tres Hombres)
4. “Gimme All Your Lovin’” (from 1983’s Eliminator)
5. “Cheap Sunglasses” (from 1979’s Deguello)
6. “Got Love if You Want It” (Slim Harpo cover, from 2015’s Perfectamundo)
7. “Blue Jean Blues” (from 1975’s Fandango!)
8. “Foxy Lady” (Jimi Hendrix cover)
9. “Francine” (from 1972’s Rio Grande Mud)
10. “Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers” (from 1973’s Tres Hombres)
11. “Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings” (from 1975’s Fandango!)
12. “Just Got Paid” (from 1972’s Rio Grande Mud)
13. “Sharp Dressed Man” (from 1983’s Eliminator)
14. “La Grange” (from 1973’s Tres Hombres)
15. “Folsom Prison Blues” (Johnny Cash cover)
16. “Brown Sugar” (from 1971’s ZZ Top’s First Album)
17. “Thunderbird” (from 1975’s Fandango!)
Watch Billy Gibbons and the BFG’s Perform ‘Gimme All Your Lovin” in 2025
Watch ZZ Top Perform ‘Gimme All Your Lovin” in 2024
Comprehensive Ranking of Every ZZ Top Album
From their debut album to ‘La Futura,’ we comprehensively review the studio records of the legendary Little ‘ol Band From Texas.
Gallery Credit: Nick DeRiso