I always come away from these music documentaries with a greater appreciation of the bands or singer being featured. I can't say I'm a big fan of ZZ Top but I do like their music, and this documentary gives one an intimate look into how the trio came together and progressed through fifty plus years of rocking out and turning the blues into party music. A number of terms were offered in the story as to how their music can best be described, and I kind of liked 'Texas blues with an edge' myself, and the boys make no bones about putting their home state of Texas front and center when it comes to touring, providing their fans with a concert experience that combines elements of a rodeo, circus and rock show combined. Music fans who grew up with MTV can credit that venue for making popular such classic rockers as 'Gimme Some Lovin', and my own personal favorite, 'Legs'. What you might not realize though, is that the classic ZZ Top look came pretty much later in their careers after many years of changing fashion and hair styles. Actor Billy Bob Thornton appears to offer his personal insights into the band, and he had a pretty apt analogy in describing ZZ Top as something akin to actually seeing Bugs Bunny in person.

I remember listening to ZZ TOP before Eliminator. They had already had a few songs which were going nation wide on the radio. However, when they hit the Mtv era and they released Eliminator, that was the big boom for their careers, which allowed world wide coverage.

This documentary, while it skips over the excessive partying and drugs of one of the members (we are glad they skipped it) focuses on the creativity of the band and putting in their time on the road, trying to define their sound.

I think it was awesome. I'm 100% sure I wouldn't want the format to be different. I'm very satisfied with the way they created this documentary and how it effortlessly glides along from one project to the next.

I'm sure they could have pointed out all the low points in the band, they briefly touch on Beard's drug habits and going to rehab, but it was such a small part of the band that it is hardly worth mentioning other than to get it "out on the table" so it can be acknowledged.

I find it funny that the ending states they are the longest running lineup in the history of rock n roll. If you go out to Google you'll find articles claiming that it is U2. After some research, it is true. ZZ TOP is the longest running lineup of any rock band, period. All their "former members" existed before 1969, which means that U2, which officially formed back in 1979 is ten years younger.

I discovered ZZ Top when I was a seventh grader in Jr.High with Rio Grande Mud. I've remained a fan for all of these years. I can listen to all of the catalog and still connect. The band now 50-years on is the same and the core of the music is still the same. If there ever was a musical equivalent of "the right stuff" I think this band hit on it and found a path to keep making it interesting. Here's a fairly highlighted tour of their history. It's interesting enough you don't have to be a fan and if you are then all the better. What they do probably wasn't supposed to be as commercially successful as it was and therein lies the intersection of their cultivated mystery and creativity in a genre not celebrated for such. Selling albums in the realm of the rock monsters of all-time is proof that this is tasty music that won't simply fade to black in spite of the decimation of the traditional music business. Yeah, ZZ Top rocks and does so with conviction and joy. See the film and keep rockin', that's the celebration explored quite enjoyably here.