ZZ Top and Willie Nelson have shared many memories in the past, and Billy Gibbons is opening up about his favorite memory with the country legend.
According to Outsider, the two musicians have performed together during a few New Year's Eve shows. Gibbons revealed the singer's habit backstage, making it memorable for him up to this day.
Recalling the event, the guitarist said he was invited to a show in Austin, Texas. It's not new to him, as they have done seven consecutive New Year's Eve shows in the past.
"One of the more recent moments on stage, someone said, 'Gee whiz, you're pretty much in tune with what Willie does. Do you want to go talk to him? Maybe there's something different this go-around,'" he said. (via Ultimate Classic Rock)
They later went to the bus backstage, and he told the country star, "the ball will be dropping shortly," indicating that midnight was fast approaching.
He was shocked as Nelson wanted to switch things up at the last minute, saying they should do something different.
"'Let's start off with 'Milk Cow Blues.' I said, 'Oh yeah, 'Milk Cow Blues,' what key?' He said, 'Let's do it in the key of C.' I said, 'Sure 'nuff, I'll be ready,'" he recalled.
The ball dropped when they were up on stage, and he expected Nelson to sing "Milk Cow Blues" to the key that he had said earlier that evening.
However, he started singing "Whiskey river take my mind..." in the key of E.
"But that's Willie for you, he calls it on the spot. Just stay on your toes and be ready to rock," he added.
ZZ Top Raw Whisky Tour 2022 + New Album
The band is currently on the road for their Raw Whisky Tour that began at the Fallsview Casino Resort in Ontario, Canada.
Their next show will be at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, Colorado.
Aside from touring, fans are excited for the upcoming release of their 11-track live album titled "Raw," which is set to be released on July 22.
The LP includes some of their biggest hits in a live format like "La Grange," "Gimme All Your Lovin," 'Brown Sugar," "Tush," and "Certified Blues."
The record will be available for streaming and physical copies like a 180-gram vinyl and CD.
Gibbons and Frank Beard previously revealed that the album is dedicated to their late bandmate Dusty Hill who passed away last year at the age of 72.
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