ZZ Top with Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos in Portsmouth, Virginia August 2, 2022

by Glenn Woodell

For ZZ Top fans, the big question over the past year has been whether or not Elwood Francis would be able to fill the shoes of the late Dusty Hill, the bassist who passed in July of last year. This show would have those not too familiar with the band wondering if that was really Dusty on stage. Case closed!

Dusty joined up with drummer Frank Beard and guitarist Billy Gibbons in 1969 to form ZZ Top. Although some thought the front men, Dusty and Billy were brothers because of their nearly-identical, long, bushy bears, they they were not related and looked entirely different, pre-beard, back in the 70’s.

Fast forward to 2021, after battling with some health issues, the news broke that Dusty had passed away. He had made it clear that he had wanted long-time guitar tech, Elwood Francis to take his place. Not looking too different; long beard included, Elwood was a bittersweet replacement. Although he plays with a pick versus fingers, as did Dusty Hill, Elwood fit in perfectly and even joined in with a little choreographed moves on the stage; something that was typical of Hill and Gibbons over the years. In the end, the fans cast their votes and fully accepted Elwood as ZZ Top family material.

And for one fan, it was a special night. “Jenna” was celebrating her 5th anniversary of being cancer-free. I found out as she was being escorted to the front row for a special viewing that evening where she shed tears of excitement and joy for both special music and a special moment. Congratulations Jenna!

Opening for ZZ Top was a local blues favorite, Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos. Their popularity was proven by a large contingent of the crowd wearing various versions of “Roo” shirts and singing along to every song. The Conqueroos were not foreign to the ZZ Top scene as they opened for them in 2018.

Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos

WWW: https://conqueroos.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnthonyRosanoMusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthony_rosano_official/

ZZ Top

Set List
1. Got me Under Pressure
2. I Thank You
3. Waiting for the Bus
4. Jesus Just Left Chicago
5. Gimme All Your Lovin’
6. Pearl Necklace
7. I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide
8. I Gosta Get Paid
9. My Head’s in Mississippi
10. Sixteen Tons
11. Just Got Paid
12. Sharp Dressed Man
13. Legs
14. Brown Sugar
15. Tube Steak Boogie
16. La Grange