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ZZ Top stands as one of the most iconic and influential bands in classic rock history. Formed in 1969 in Houston, Texas, the power trio of Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard first unleashed their gritty blues-rock sound with their self-titled debut album in 1971. From there, they carved out a unique space in the rock world, combining Texas blues with Southern rock swagger, and released an impressive catalog of 15 studio albums over five decades. Known for their long beards, dark sunglasses, and an endless supply of Texas-sized riffs, ZZ Top became rock legends, their music synonymous with raw energy, humor, and a distinct blues-rock flair that few could match.
What makes ZZ Top’s legacy even more compelling is how their music has transcended generations and genres, inspiring artists from across the musical spectrum to take their songs and make them their own. This list of the 10 best covers of ZZ Top songs brings together an eclectic mix of bands and artists who have reimagined these rock classics in ways that honor the originals while offering fresh perspectives. From hard rock to metal, punk, blues, and beyond, each cover brings a unique flavor, blending seamlessly with ZZ Top’s unmistakable sound and showcasing the band’s lasting impact on music. This article is a celebration of the brilliance of ZZ Top, as seen through the eyes—and ears—of the many artists who have dared to walk in their footsteps, delivering unforgettable performances that breathe new life into the songs we all know and love.
# 10 – I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide – Pat Travers
Pat Travers’ cover of “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide” from his 2000 album Don’t Feed the Alligators is a gritty homage to the original ZZ Top classic. Released by Shrapnel Records on February 22, 2000, this rendition features a formidable lineup with Travers on guitar and lead vocals, backed by Larry Jacoby on bass, Liberty DeVitto on drums, Doug Bare on keyboards and vocals, and Monica Travers providing backing vocals. The track is infused with Travers’ signature blues-rock style, delivering a fresh take that maintains the swagger of ZZ Top’s original while adding a punchier, hard-rock flavor.
Read More: Top 10 Pat Travers Songs
# 9 – Jesus Just Left Chicago – Phish
Phish’s rendition of “Jesus Just Left Chicago,” featured on their 1997 live album Slip Stitch and Pass (released by Phish Inc. in 2018), is a masterclass in reimagining a ZZ Top classic with a jam band twist. Recorded live on March 1, 1997, at the E-Werk in Cologne, Germany, this cover captures the essence of ZZ Top’s original blues-rock anthem while infusing it with the improvisational flair that Phish is celebrated for. The band—Trey Anastasio on guitar and vocals, Mike Gordon on bass, Page McConnell on keyboards, and Jon Fishman on drums—delivers a performance that showcases their collective synergy and musicianship. The track retains the deep, soulful feel of the original, but Phish’s extended solos and spontaneous interplay breathe new life into the song, turning it into a sprawling exploration of blues and rock textures.
What sets Phish’s cover apart is the band’s ability to maintain the integrity of the song’s bluesy core while pushing its boundaries. Page McConnell’s keyboard work and Trey Anastasio’s guitar solos are particularly noteworthy, providing a dynamic contrast to the gritty, Southern blues feel of the original written by Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard. Unlike many straightforward covers, Phish’s version veers into a more experimental space, with each band member contributing to a fluid, constantly evolving musical dialogue. This performance not only pays homage to ZZ Top but also reflects Phish’s unique ability to reinterpret classic rock staples through their distinctive improvisational lens, making it a standout entry on a list of great covers.
Read More: Top 10 Phish Songs
# 8 – Got Me Under Pressure – Duff McKagan
Duff McKagan’s Loaded takes on ZZ Top’s “Got Me Under Pressure” for the 2011 tribute album ZZ Top – A Tribute From Friends. This compilation, released by Show Dog – Universal Music, honors the Texas trio’s enduring influence with covers from various artists. The album was produced by Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, Frank Beard, Carl Stubner, and Terry Date, with Sam Hofstedt as the recording engineer.
The lineup for Duff McKagan’s Loaded on this track features McKagan on vocals and electric guitar, Mike Squires also on electric guitar, Jeff Rouse on bass guitar, and Isaac Carpenter on drums. Their version injects a harder-edged, gritty feel to the original song, blending McKagan’s punk rock roots with ZZ Top’s bluesy swagger. Originally appearing on ZZ Top’s Eliminator album, “Got Me Under Pressure” is transformed by Loaded into a high-energy rock track, maintaining the essence of the song while adding a sharper, more aggressive edge, fitting well within the broader celebration of ZZ Top’s catalog in the tribute compilation.
# 7 – Sharp Dressed Man – Molly Hatchet
Molly Hatchet’s rendition of “Sharp Dressed Man,” featured on their Southern Rock Masters (Deluxe Digital Version) album, released by Deadline Music on April 15, 2008, pays homage to the iconic ZZ Top hit. Originally released on ZZ Top’s 1983 album Eliminator, “Sharp Dressed Man” became one of the band’s most celebrated tracks, known for its infectious riff, swaggering style, and memorable music video that helped define the MTV era. Molly Hatchet, a band synonymous with Southern rock, adds their signature grit and boisterous energy to the track, injecting a raw, hard-hitting approach that both honors the original and brings their own unmistakable style to the forefront.
On this cover, Molly Hatchet preserves the bluesy, swaggering groove that made the original so compelling, while incorporating a heavier guitar sound and a rugged vocal delivery. This interpretation aligns with the Southern rock aesthetic that Molly Hatchet is known for, offering a robust tribute to ZZ Top’s influence on rock music while showcasing their ability to adapt a classic into their unique style.
# 6 – TV Dinners – Robert Palmer
Robert Palmer’s rendition of “TV Dinners,” featured on his 2003 album Drive, takes ZZ Top’s quirky and satirical rock track and infuses it with his own signature style. The original “TV Dinners,” released by ZZ Top on their 1983 album Eliminator, was a tongue-in-cheek commentary on modern convenience and consumer culture, set against the band’s characteristic blend of blues-rock riffs and synthesizer-driven beats. The song, with its humorous lyrics and memorable melody, became a fan favorite and exemplified the band’s unique ability to merge traditional rock with emerging electronic sounds.
In Palmer’s hands, “TV Dinners” takes on a smoother, more polished vibe. Recorded for Drive, an album largely focused on Palmer’s interpretations of classic blues and rock songs, his version retains the playful spirit of the original while introducing a more laid-back, groove-centric arrangement. Palmer’s distinctive vocal delivery, combined with a subtle, bluesy instrumentation, gives the song a fresh feel without losing its ironic edge. This cover illustrates Palmer’s knack for reimagining songs in his own style, respecting the original while adding his own musical fingerprint, and it adds a unique twist to a collection that celebrates the versatility and enduring appeal of ZZ Top’s music.
# 5 – Tush – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts’ rendition of “Tush,” featured on their 1990 album The Hit List, takes a bold and unapologetic approach to the classic ZZ Top track. “Tush,” originally released by ZZ Top in 1975 as the sole single from their fourth album, Fandango! The ZZ Top single “Tush” achieved commercial success by reaching number 20 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The song, with its infectious blues-rock riff and gritty vocals, became one of ZZ Top’s most iconic hits, embodying the raw, Southern rock sound that defined the band’s early years.
Joan Jett, along with her band The Blackhearts—featuring Ricky Byrd on lead guitar and backing vocals, Kasim Sulton on bass and backing vocals, and Thommy Price on drums—delivers a high-energy version that stays true to the original’s rebellious spirit while adding a layer of Joan Jett intensity.
# 4 – Sharp Dressed Man – Ministry
Ministry’s version of “Sharp Dressed Man,” from the album Undercover released on December 6, 2010, via Al Jourgensen’s 13th Planet Records, offers a fiercely industrial twist on ZZ Top’s 1983 classic. Originally a staple of ZZ Top’s Eliminator album, “Sharp Dressed Man” is known for its bluesy riff and the slick style that helped the Texas trio reach new heights in the ’80s rock scene. In contrast, Ministry, led by the ever-eccentric Al Jourgensen, injects the song with a heavy dose of industrial metal, layering distorted guitars, throbbing bass, and aggressive drum programming that transforms the track into something darker and more sinister.
Al Jourgensen’s production approach is evident throughout, with a harsh, almost mechanical take on the original’s smooth groove. Jourgensen handles vocals, bass, and even slide guitar solos on this track, while Ministry’s late guitarist Mike Scaccia delivers punishing riffs and leads. Their interpretation strips “Sharp Dressed Man” of its polished sheen, replacing it with a gritty, chaotic energy that aligns with Ministry’s hard-edged sound. This cover stands out on the album, which is filled with diverse takes on classic rock and metal tracks, proving once again Ministry’s ability to reinterpret songs with their own unmistakable style.
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# 3 – Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers – Motorhead
Motörhead’s cover of “Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers” is a raucous tribute to ZZ Top’s 1973 classic from their album Tres Hombres. Known for their no-frills, hard-hitting style, Motörhead was the perfect band to take on this blues-rock anthem, amplifying the raw energy and rebellious spirit that ZZ Top originally brought to the track. Recorded in 1977 during the sessions for their self-titled debut album but initially left off the final release, Motörhead’s version of “Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers” eventually surfaced on their 1980 EP Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers, solidifying its place as a fan favorite.
Lemmy Kilmister, the legendary frontman and bassist of Motörhead, delivers the vocals with his signature gravelly growl, while the band’s lineup at the time—”Fast” Eddie Clarke on guitar and Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor on drums—injects a dose of punk rock aggression into the bluesy swagger of the original. Clarke’s guitar work stands out, paying homage to Billy Gibbons’ riffs while adding a gritty, distorted edge that makes the song unmistakably Motörhead. Their cover captures the reckless, beer-soaked spirit of the original while pushing it into overdrive with their high-octane performance. This version not only pays homage to ZZ Top’s Texan roots but also reinterprets it in a way that perfectly aligns with Motörhead’s outlaw ethos, making it a definitive crossover between rock and metal.
By incorporating their distinct sound, Motörhead transforms “Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers” into a heavy metal anthem that keeps the original’s spirit alive but with a fiercer, more electrifying twist. The song stands as a testament to how rock ‘n’ roll’s rebellious spirit transcends genres and generations, making it a fitting choice for a list of the best ZZ Top covers.
# 2 – Blue Jean Blues – Yngwie Malmsteen
We close out our ZZ Top Covers songs list with a real surprise. Yngwie Malmsteen’s cover of ZZ Top’s “Blue Jean Blues” is an unexpected yet fascinating entry in the guitarist’s extensive catalog of virtuosic performances. Originally released on ZZ Top’s 1975 album Fandango!, “Blue Jean Blues” is a slow blues number that showcases the Texas trio’s soulful, understated playing style. Known for his lightning-fast arpeggios and neoclassical metal approach, Malmsteen might not seem the obvious choice to reinterpret a ZZ Top blues ballad. However, his rendition reveals a different side of the Swedish guitar legend, one that leans into emotional expressiveness over sheer speed.
Malmsteen’s version of “Blue Jean Blues” appears on his 2019 album Blue Lightning, a collection that features his takes on classic rock and blues tracks. Recorded at his own 308 Studio in Miami, Florida, and produced by Malmsteen himself, this cover is a rare departure from his usual hard-rocking, highly technical fare. Here, Malmsteen pays homage to Billy Gibbons’ original guitar work, respecting the minimalist and emotional tone of the piece while adding his signature flourishes. His interpretation retains the deep blues essence but enhances it with soaring bends and tasteful improvisations, proving that Malmsteen’s mastery extends beyond his neoclassical domain. The track serves as a testament to the cross-genre versatility of both the song and the artist, demonstrating that blues and metal can converge in captivating ways.
# 1 – “La Grange” (Live at the Tokyo Forum) by Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and John Petrucci
In 2005, guitar legends Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and John Petrucci delivered a powerful rendition of ZZ Top’s “La Grange” during their live performance at the Tokyo Forum in Japan, captured on the Live in Tokyo album. This electrifying cover brings together three of rock’s most technically skilled guitarists to reinterpret a blues-rock classic originally penned by Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard for ZZ Top’s 1973 album Tres Hombres. The original “La Grange” is known for its infectious boogie riff and raw, bluesy groove—a defining track that showcases ZZ Top’s Texas blues roots.
In this live performance, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and John Petrucci, accompanied by bass virtuoso Billy Sheehan and drummer Jeff Campitelli, take “La Grange” to new heights. Satriani, Vai, and Petrucci each bring their distinctive styles to the stage—Satriani with his melodic phrasing and fluid legato technique, Vai with his expressive bends and whammy bar theatrics, and Petrucci with his precise alternate picking and blazing speed. The chemistry between the three guitarists is electric, as they seamlessly trade solos and harmonize, adding layers of complexity to the song while maintaining the original’s signature shuffle groove and Gibbons’ iconic riff. Their rendition is a masterclass in guitar interplay, amplifying the song’s instrumental dynamics without losing its gritty, blues essence.
10 Best Covers Of ZZ Top Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
No mention of the legendary Hamsters. Not been in this country for long enough to have witnessed them I guess.
Yes, I already said it once, but for some reason it was deleted.
The Hamsters were the best at most of those tracks, and the best at Jimi songs too. Credit where credit’s due.
Hi Kate, when you say “this country” what country are you referring to?
Brian – It says the writer lives in Chelsea, London, but comes from San Diego. She may have just been in London for a few years and the Hamsters retired 2012 after 25 years together and therefore she may not have managed to catch them. Check out the Wikipedia page The Hamsters or Facebook page which is a source of considerable mirth, as were the countless gigs we saw over 20 of those 25 years! Enjoy.
Thanks for the tip Kate. What are your favorite Hamsters songs?
Got to be Sharp Dressed Man! Always the finale to a gig. Instrument swap and walk among the crowd,
Who would do that these days? Best CD collection is “Pet Sounds” which has 34 mixed ZZ Top/Hendrix/Hamsters tracks including Little Wing. You can get it on ebay. They did their own music too. Blues for the Blues is a good ‘un. Not on Spotify but a few vids on YouTube. They had some great Album covers and T-shirts too – Verminator, Condensed Hamsters, Band of Gerbils, Electric Hamsterland, Route 666. I miss them so much. The atmosphere at their gigs was amazing.