Billy F. Gibbons announces an exciting musical journey with his new single, “Livin’ It Up Down in Texas,” signaling the beginning of a series of releases he plans to unveil this year. This upcoming music will feature his own project, BFG’s, alongside collaborations with the legendary ZZ Top. Gibbons shared insights with UCR about this new track, which premiered during the season finale of Paramount+’s gripping drama Landman. He revealed that the recording process for new material is “about halfway done” and anticipates that 2025 might bring fresh releases from both sides of his musical endeavors.

Gibbons emphasizes that touring schedules for both groups will significantly influence the release timeline for upcoming music. “We still enjoy stepping aboard the tour bus and making the rounds,” he acknowledges, highlighting the balance between live performances and studio time. The challenge, he admits, is coordinating schedules to allow for productive recording sessions while on the road.

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Fans of both the BFG’s and ZZ Top have been eagerly anticipating new music. For the BFG’s, which now boasts the talents of original member Mike “The Drifter” Flanigin on keyboards and the dynamic drummer Chris “Whipper” Layton from Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Double Trouble, it’s been four years since their last album, Hardware. On the other hand, ZZ Top fans have been waiting since La Futura was released in 2012. Gibbons has shared that some of the new material being developed with bandmates Frank Beard and Ellwood Francis was started with the late Dusty Hill, who sadly passed away in 2021.

Gibbons describes the energetic song “Livin’ It Up Down in Texas,” which he co-wrote with Landman star Billy Bob Thornton and singer-songwriter Mark Collie, as somewhat unexpected. The creative process began when the show’s producers requested a special song, prompting Gibbons to explore their vision. “They sent me a photograph of a burning oil well and said, ‘Let’s make something that sounds like this…’” he recalls, showcasing the collaborative spirit that fuels his creative output.

This new track has reinvigorated the BFG’s and set them on a path for live performances this year. Gibbons explains, “The next thing you know we were going full-steam ahead, and then the management office said, ‘Well, pack your bags; it looks like the BFG’s are well on their way to bring in some loudness…’” The trio kicked off their concert series last weekend at the Blue Note Hawaii in Honolulu and continues this week at the Note Napa in California, with an impressive lineup of 17 concerts across the country, culminating on February 20 in Bristol, Tennessee.

Listen to Billy F. Gibbons Perform ‘Livin’ It Up Down in Texas’

Gibbons promises a diverse repertoire that includes “a little bit of this, a little bit of that — and a lot of loudness,” drawing from the rich catalog of both bands. He expresses enthusiasm about collaborating with new musical partners, allowing for exploration of different creative directions. “The good news on a creative front is the ability to work with new compadres and kind of taking steps in different directions,” he shares, highlighting the dynamic nature of his music.

Gibbons acknowledges the strong foundation of both bands in the blues genre, which remains a crucial aspect of their sound. “It’s no secret that one of the (band’s) cornerstones is it keeps one foot in the great American art form called the blues,” he notes. He attributes the minimalist approach to their sound to influences like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton from Cream, emphasizing that this style demands full engagement from every member. “When you limit it to the sparity of a trio, it keeps everyone on point,” he explains, illustrating the synergy that drives their performances.

“With these guys, really, all I have to do is walk out, stand up and let it rip,” he adds, reflecting the confidence and energy that defines their live shows.

Looking ahead, ZZ Top is set to hit the road in early March. The remaining dates for Gibbons and the BFG’s include…

Jan 21-24 ? Blue Note Napa @ Napa, CA
Jan 25 ? Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City @ Cathedral City, CA
Jan 26 ? Musical Instrument Museum @ Phoenix, AZ
Jan 28 ? Vilar Performing Arts Center @ Beaver Creek, CO
Jan 31 ? The Pageant @ St. Louis, MO
Feb 1 ? Park West @ Chicago, IL
Feb 2 ? House of Blues @ Cleveland, OH
Feb 4 ? Jergel’s Rhythm Grille @ Warrendale, PA
Feb 6 ? Kentucky Theatre @ Lexington, KY
Feb 7 ? The Paramount Theater @ Charlottesville, VA
Feb 8 ? Borgata Theater @ Atlantic City, NJ
Feb 10 ? The Bardavon 1869 Opera House @ Poughkeepsie, NY
Feb 12 ? The Music Hall @ Portsmouth, NH

Feb 13 ? The Cabot @ Beverly, MA
Feb 14 ? Ridgefield Playhouse @ Ridgefield, CT
Feb 15 ? Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center @ Great Barrington, MA
Feb 19 ? The Birchmere @ Alexandria, VA
Feb 20 ? Paramount Bristol @ Bristol, TN