While some musicians are known for their music only, others are known for their looks. On this matter, ZZ Top has achieved to be known for both. Still, the two members, Billy Gibbons and the late Dusty Hill, succeded to be known for their looks with their beards they refuse to cut. While some may think it’s just about the looks, it seems to be more than that.
Calling themselves immune to fashion, the duo grew their beards for many years and have been holding on to their look since the 70s. So, what made the band keep their facial hair for more than 40 years?
The Story Behind The Beards
Ten years after their formation, the band took an extended vacation. When they came back from vacation, the band decided to meet up, only Gibbons and Hill to realize the two their beards grow long. Although it was unplanned, the beards eventually turned into a look by coincidence.
Earlier, the late Dusty Hill spoke about the story of his and his bandmate’s beards. He mentioned not seeing his bandmate for more than a year and explained what happened later:
“Well, I had a regular beard, and when we took some time off between ’76 and ’79, we all travelled individually. I didn’t see Billy for about 1¼ years – he was over here in Europe, and I was down in Mexico. Most of the time, I was in this little fishing village, which didn’t even have electricity, and I said to hell with trimming my beard, I mean, what for?”
The two were unaware of what they were going to come across. He continued:
“And I came back, and my beard was getting rather long, and Billy’s was too! I definitely didn’t think it would turn into a look.”
The Huge Offer The Band Got
It definitely became more than just a look. The duo kept their beards and made it one of their signatures. Did either one of the members ever consider cutting it? Probably not. In 1984, Gibbons and Hill were offered a huge amount of money to cut their beards, but ultimately, they refused. Gilette offered the rockers to shave his hair for an ad campaign in return for $1,000,000.
Gibbons made it clear that he doesn’t regret declining the offer. He said the following about the offer:
“No dice, even adjusted for inflation, this isn’t going to fly. The prospect of seeing oneself in the mirror clean-shaven is too close to a Vincent Price film…a prospect not to be contemplated, no matter the compensation.”
Despite the two members’ decision to keep their long beards and his coincidental last name, the drummer, Frank Beard, maintained his clean look with a mustache.
Dusty Hill passed away in July 2021 after he suffered from chronic bursitis. Only five days before his passing away, he was forced to leave the tour due to a hip injury. Now, the only carrier of the iconic beard is Billy Gibbons, and he doesn’t seem like he will be cutting it soon.
