Billy Gibbons Tour Recap!

Photos: Monica Baranko

Trying to describe Billy F Gibbons in any language is simply impossible—but I’m going to try my best here.

It’s an experience. Period. There is no human quite like him walking this earth. He’s the Texas blues man that transported to the future and never quite came back.

At 75, his mind is as sharp as he is dressed. He’s a forward thinker, wildly creative, wickedly intelligent, a mad scientist, a groove master, extremely patient, generous and the epitome of cool.

Billy could have checked out a long time ago, but he’s still evolving in every way. He’s a lover of all music, art, people, history, pop culture and traveling. He’s a huge collector of all things…from Dollar Store gadgets to priceless cars and guitars and all points in between. Even the way he composes text messages is a work of art. It’s as if he’s eloquently crafting a hand written letter. He’s also a great illustrator in his own right and always drawing really cool stuff. BFG also never stops moving and as you can imagine, is a most experienced road warrior with a wild gypsy soul. He loves the Southwest and Mexican food and culture—I’ve seen him spend 45 minutes talking to a stranger at Trader Joe’s about Tamales and hot sauce. I’ve also seen him be late to a show because we was throwing dice with a valet kid at the hotel. He really cares about his fellow human beings. We all could learn a lot from BFG!

Billy’s father, a Houston orchestra conductor, sent him to NYC as a kid to live with Tito Puente to study percussion. What an amazing experience that must have been! He’s playing Jimmy Reed one minute and electronic dance music the next. He’s young at heart. He is just an absolute character and I’m super proud to call him my close friend at this point.

This friendship sort of came out of nowhere to be honest. I had met him in passing one time here in Nashville at Todd Sharp’s amp shop, but didn’t exchange contact info or stay in touch. A few years ago I had been in New Orleans recovering from my first COVID case in my friends back yard guest house (brutal) and returned to Nashville having not checked my emails in about 10 days due to the COVID situation and there was an email from Billy that I hadn’t seen yet from 5 days previous. He said he’d been checking me out on YouTube and wanted to invite me to be a special guest on his lifetime achievement award show at the Opry House. (Of course I said yes—that’s a whole other story for another time). That’s pretty much how the friendship started.

We’ve logged a lot of time since then—even though I haven’t known him as long as some—I’ve helped him find his current home here in Nashville and since he’s taken residence, we’ve done some recording, played some gigs and had many long conversations over tacos and on the phone.

Billy started coming to our Monday night GT Trio gigs when he was off the road and took an interest in working some together. He’s asked if I’d like to join the upcoming BFG tour on some select dates as a special guest. So far we’ve done 3 shows in Hawaii and 4 east coast shows—all sold out! I get up and play 4-5 songs towards the end of the set, super fun and loose, a few of my own tunes, La Grange and a blues shuffle to close. Mike Flanigin on organ and Chris Layton (SRV) are a joy to play and hang with—these Texans are some super greasy dudes and as cool and laid back as anyone can be. It’s a little different vibe than Nashville. More real, down to earth and authentic in a way. These guys are lifers, no question!

Music is a living breathing thing and that’s what keeps us going, moving, learning and progressing. Billy Gibbons is anything but an old washed up blues musician and remains at the cutting edge morning, noon and night… he just NEVER stops! It doesn’t get more inspiring than than spending time and making music with BFG.

I really enjoy and appreciate the moments that make living the dream a reality in this town. The adventure continues in a big way and thanks to all you for so much amazing support constantly. It means the world to me!

Guthrie Trapp