Formed in Houston, Texas in 1970, ZZ Top evolved out of the city’s psychedelic scene. Their debut album, while betraying a healthy interest in blues, was firmly within this genre, but Rio Grande Mud indicated a greater flexibility. Their third album, Tres Hombres, was a powerful, exciting set that drew from delta music and high energy rock. It featured the band’s first national hit with “La Grange” and was their first platinum album. Eliminator deservedly became ZZ Top’s best selling album. Fuelled by a series of memorable, tongue-in-cheek videos, it provided several international hit singles, including the million-selling “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs.” The follow-up, Afterburner, was another strong album with “Sleeping Bag” and “Rough Boy” and the cleverly titled “Velcro Fly.” Over the years, one of their greatest strengths has been their consistently high-standard live presentation and performances. One of rock’s maverick attractions, Gibbons, Hill and Beard have retained their eccentric, colorful image. Their almost casual musical dexterity has won over hardened cynics and carping critics. ZZ Top continues to tour the world and remains enormously popular.