ZZ Top On Johnny Carson

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Back in 1986 The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was still the top rated late-night show on television. And ZZ Top was, and had been for awhile, pretty much the top touring act in the country.

It’s hard to imagine now that having been together as a band for 16 years at that time, since 1969, and being one of the most popular bands in the world… this was their first time doing live TV. 

“This next group, for the past two years, has been… the biggest single concert attraction around the country. They have sold over 30 million albums. And the fact that they have been together about 16 years, they’ve never done live television before.” – Johnny Carson, 1986

ZZ Top was in the process of promoting their 9th album, Afterburner. Although not one of their most successful albums and only yielding one hit sing, Sleeping Bag, it still went platinum.

But after 9 hit albums, several hits that are mostly classic rock staples, several iconic videos, 16 years of extensive touring around the world, this was their first time on the Tonight Show Starring Johhny Carson.

Pretty unbelievable. And you’re going to want to watch till the end. Their exit from the stage is unexpected. I know it’s done with camera shots, but it’s still pretty cool.

ZZ Top Make Their First Appearance on Live Television

ZZ Top With A Horn Section

Back then, whenever an act performed on the Tonight Show they were always complimented in one way or another by the Tonight Show Orchestra. Both of the songs on this particular show were augmented by the horn section. Not something you normally hear on ZZ Top songs.

You can tell the performance is live because there’s a little snafu at the beginning when the vocals come in. I suspect that was because the songs arrangement may have changed just a bit with the horns added on the intro.

The horn arrangement is a little cheesy and uncreative, and they are really forward in the mix. But, it’s the Tonight Show so I guess they could do whatever they wanted. Right?

Plus, the whole thing gives Doc Severenson and Johnny Carson a chance to clown around a bit. This is back when late night TV was entertaining, fun, and actually funny. This is really a cool historical video to be able to watch and enjoy.