Billy F. Gibbons: Rock + Roll Gearhead

  Author:    Billy F. Gibbons, Tom Vickers, David Perry, Billy F Gibbons
  ISBN:    0760322694
  Sales Rank:    35845
  Published:    2005-10-15
  Publisher:    Motorbooks International
  # Pages:    192
  Binding:    Hardcover
  Avg. Rating:    5.0 based on 20 reviews
  Used Offers:    16 from $13.21
  Amazon Price:    $19.77
  (Data above last updated:  2008-11-29 05:24:01 EST)
  
  
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Billy F. Gibbons: Rock + Roll Gearhead
  
Imagine stepping out of an air-conditioned Kwik-E-Mart and into the hot summer sun, cold soda in hand, when a long-and-low baby blue 62 Chevy Impala slowly trolls into the parking lot. How about rolling to a stoplight in West Hollywood and spying a bearded motorist with an 8-ball logo on the louvered and striped hood of his BMW? Theres no mistaking the common thread in these remarkable scenariosBilly F Gibbons, be-shaded axe-man extraordinaire from ZZ TOP and certified Texas Grade-A gearhead. As with many rockers, Gibbons jones for hot rods and customs is the stuff of legend. But beyond this bona fide bluesmans mastery of the six-string and unrepentant love for internal combustion is a noted collector whose own designs have manifested themselves in his cars and in hundreds of mind-bending custom guitars. In Billy F Gibbons: Rock Roll Gearhead, Gibbons riffs on his Texas youth, four-decade recording career, and life on the road, but also reveals the tales behind dozens of guitars, including the Famed Pearly Gates, the red Gretsch given to him by Bo Diddley, and the Muddywood guitar commissioned as a fundraiser for the Delta Blues Museum. Also profiled are 10 of Gibbons outstanding rods and customs, including Kopperhed, CadZZilla, and the Eliminator coupe. In addition to exclusive photography by Bay Area shooter David Perry, the book is illustrated with dozens of images from Gibbons personal archive.
                  Reader Reviews 1 - 23 of 23                 
  
  
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10-31-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Billy Gibbons (Of ZZ Top) "Rock & Roll Gearhead" Book
Reviewer Permalink
THIS IS A GREAT BOOK THAT IS VERY COMPLETE AND VERY COMPREHENSIVE ON PRESENTING THE STORY AND HISTORY OF BILLY GIBBONS AND ZZ TOP. IT IS VERY WELL ILLUSTRATED, AND VERY WELL PRESENTED MAKING IT VERY EASY TO READ AND FOLLOW AND ENJOY.

IT HAS A VERY BEAUTIFUL PICTURE OF 3 GIRLS IN ONE OF BILLY'S VINTAGE AUTOMOBILES, SHOWING OFF THEIR LONG GEORGOUS "LEGS".

IT HAS PICTURES OF BILLY GIBBON'S GUITARS, AND HE HAS QUITE A COLLECTION OF THEM (PERHAPS 100'S ?) HE HAS SOME GUITARS THAT WERE CUSTOM MADE FOR HIM INCLUDING ONE SHAPED LIKE THE STATE OF TEXAS.

IT ALSO HAS PICTURES OF BILLY GIBBON'S COLLECTION OF VINTAGE AUTOMOBILES.
HE HAS QUITE AN EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF THEM.

THE PHOTOGRAPHY AND ILLUSTRATIONS IN THIS BOOK ARE GREAT!!!

OVERALL, IT'S A GREAT BOOK AND IS VERY ENJOYABLE TO READ. YOU GET A GOOD HISTORY AND STORY OF ZZ TOP, BILLY GIBBONS, AND BILLY'S COLLECTIONS OF GUITARS AND CARS.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-11-30 06:30:27 EST)
09-21-08 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Boogie on Billy!
Reviewer Permalink
Saw ZZ Top in concert recently, still great, haven't changed at all, there's something comforting in that. Cars, guitars, and babes, the essense of ZZ Top's music, and the essense of this book. No more, no less, a case of getting exactly what you expect to get.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-11-06 05:16:58 EST)
08-29-08 2 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  a little disappointed
Reviewer Permalink
i'm a little disappointed from the book. i'm a ZZ fan but the biography part of the book is short and not so interesting. most of the book is photos and explanations about cars and guitars which i didn't find interesting. i'm looking for a book with more biographic information about the texas trio.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-22 05:42:06 EST)
08-17-08 3 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  About what I expected
Reviewer Permalink
This is a decent book. About what I expected. Gave it a 3 instead of a 4 because editing was a bit shoddy.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-30 05:47:46 EST)
06-04-08 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  The Rev. Explains
Reviewer Permalink
My man BFG. Nice tunes , nice beard, real nice cars, but MAN: those guitars are incredible!! Sharp dressed indeed...!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-08-18 05:55:17 EST)
01-16-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  For Gearheads , and Guitar lovers a like ...
Reviewer Permalink
You dont have to be a ZZ Top fan to like this book , that's just an added Bouns . This book showcases both
Billy Gibbons one of a kind collection of Car's , and Guitars . One especially famous Guitar by Houston legendary Luthier Huey "The Axehandle" Wilkinson . I bought 6 of them , and gave them out as Christmas gifts .
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-05 05:12:36 EST)
08-04-07 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Essential reading for electric guitarists...
Reviewer Permalink
Hey if you play guitar you need to buy this book and soak yourself in the aesthetic and philosphy of the Reverend Billy G. If this guy and Little Steven were running the world, (or just the record and radio industries), we would all be a lot better off. Cool cars and cooler guitars... what more do you want??
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-17 05:56:42 EST)
07-06-07 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Rock & Roll Gearhead
Reviewer Permalink
WOW. Awesome pictures and great stories. My husband is a ZZ Top enthusiast and I am so glad I bought this book for him. It also has some great pictures of cars Billy collected and since my family is a "racing family" this book was perfect! Well worth the money!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-28 05:48:14 EST)
03-31-07 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  It's Finger Pickin' Good
Reviewer Permalink
I just saw Billy and the boys at the Bell County Expo Center in Texas last week, and they rocked the house like they were 20 year-olds. When I flew back home to California, I had this book that I'd ordered a week earlier on my doorstep. It has lots of great photos and is an easy read.

Billy starts out writin' like a good ol' boy but includes some of them ten dolla' words eventually. He reminds me of my cousins, who always try to fool the city slickers into thinkin' they's just some country hicks but end up with most o' the chips.

Billy's living an interesting life, and he knows how to tell about it quickly, without bogging it down. In short, it reads kind of like a ZZ Top song.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-10 03:31:09 EST)
03-30-07 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  It's Finger Pickin' Good
Reviewer Permalink
I just saw Billy and the boys at the Bell County Expo Center in Texas last week, and they rocked the house like they were 20 year-olds. When I flew back home to California, I had this book that I'd ordered a week earlier on my doorstep. It has lots of great photos and is an easy read.

Billy starts out writin' like a good ol' boy but includes some of them ten dolla' words eventually. He reminds me of my cousins, who always try to fool the city slickers into thinkin' they's just some country hicks but end up with most o' the chips.

Billy's living an interesting life, and he knows how to tell about it quickly, without bogging it down. In short, it reads kind of like a ZZ Top song.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-04-11 06:23:19 EST)
02-01-07 5 2\2
(Hide Review...)  Killer!!!
Reviewer Permalink
If you are a fan of ZZ Top, a guitarist, a car buff or dig the Rock and Roll life style....this book is for you! It's well laid out with lots of interesting stories, pics and trivia about DA MAN!!!!

Buy it! Dig it! Put it on yer coffee table and show yer cool!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-10 03:31:09 EST)
06-30-06 5 1\4
(Hide Review...)  TEXAS STATE OF MIND
Reviewer Permalink
Billy Gibbons Rock'n Roll Gearhead is really fantastic for all of those who love the Texas culture ... do you need something more?
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-10 03:31:09 EST)
06-29-06 5 0\2
(Hide Review...)  TEXAS STATE OF MIND
Reviewer Permalink
Billy Gibbons Rock'n Roll Gearhead is really fantastic for all of those who love the Texas culture ... do you need something more?
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-02-02 06:04:10 EST)
03-11-06 5 2\3
(Hide Review...)  GRAB THAT SLAB AND GRIND ME A POUND!
Reviewer Permalink
DAt's what BFG say. The man is a GENIUS. This book is a fascinating read, and shines a whole new light on that little old band from Texas. I've always loved ZZ Top, but now I have a whole new respect for Billy Gibbons- the guy just oozes soul, is so understated yet so creative. This book shows how detail oriented, how creative, and how cool the man is. A great artist, a gearhead, and most importantly a genius on the gee-tar. Gotta love his life story. Buy it!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-10 03:31:09 EST)
03-10-06 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  GRAB THAT SLAB AND GRIND ME A POUND!
Reviewer Permalink
DAt's what BFG say. The man is a GENIUS. This book is a fascinating read, and shines a whole new light on that little old band from Texas. I've always loved ZZ Top, but now I have a whole new respect for Billy Gibbons- the guy just oozes soul, is so understated yet so creative. This book shows how detail oriented, how creative, and how cool the man is. A great artist, a gearhead, and most importantly a genius on the gee-tar. Gotta love his life story. Buy it!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-30 12:42:50 EST)
03-02-06 5 2\2
(Hide Review...)  ZZ Top Fan Must Read!
Reviewer Permalink
If you are a ZZ Top fan, this book is a must read for you--it shows some of the private side of "The Reverend Billy G" and some of his passions on guitar and car collecting--although not really diving into the bands personna as much as I would have liked, seeing this side of one of Rocks "Major" influences was a very nice read---plus it is a nice bargain at Amazon--I was very pleased to get this book--I first saw this book at a guitar show in Orlando and when I was upset at myself for not buying it at the show I went to the Amazon site and purchased it for 15 bucks cheaper! Shazaaam! I had a friend of mine once tell me that before I buy any book to always check Amazon first--I guess she wasn't wrong--anyway--a really nice book that will draw much attention if left on a coffee table when guests are over--
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-10 03:31:09 EST)
01-24-06 5 1\5
(Hide Review...)  Girls Cars and Guitars
Reviewer Permalink
Rock and Roll has always largely been about our obsessions, and Gibbons embodies a number of them. He succinctly delivers the story of the Texas power rock trio (though I imagine it's been greatly cleaned up for a PG audience).

It's always a pleasure to read from someone with passion and for guitar players and rock aficianados this book will satisfy.
While ZZ Top may not be the most prolific, poignant, or polished they always have managed a kind of integrity and spirt that 40 years of rock and roll can say only about a few acts.

Who are those leggy babes!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-03 05:40:52 EST)
01-15-06 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  Billy Gibbons; Rock & Roll Gearhead
Reviewer Permalink
Excellent! Better than I expected. Very high quality, large photos. I recieved my copy right on the scheduled day. Best price of anywhere I shopped.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-26 05:01:34 EST)
01-01-06 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Great Photography
Reviewer Permalink
Let's not beat around the bush; this book is a must for any serious ZZ Top fan. That said, it's a little disappointing because there are no new anecdotes about Billy's life with ZZ that anybody who's read interviews or album liners doesn't already know. Much is made of the Rev's mucial life before ZZ, and Dusty and Frank are mentioned only briefly, almost as an afterthought. I guess I expected more stories about touring with the band, how they get along, how they write. The writing style is a little bit tedious also. Isn't that what ghost writers are for?

The photographs, however, are another story. This is a coffee table book with large colorful pictures of Billy and the band, his cars and guitars. The section on guitars is especially good and many of the crazy guitars BFG is seen playing live are described. Check out the license plate on Cadzilla: 8JAPAN. Classic.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-26 05:01:34 EST)
12-29-05 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  Rock on Roll Gear Head Rocks
Reviewer Permalink
A great book. I loved the cars and guitars angle. The fact that Billy Gibons is involved in the design and execution of these cars and guitars is a testament to his creativity as an artist as well as a musician. The shots of the lovely ladies as artist inspiration is classic as well.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-26 05:01:34 EST)
11-08-05 5 5\5
(Hide Review...)  Excellent book for the Guitar Junkie, or Top fans alike
Reviewer Permalink
I Just received this oversized hardbound treasure and four hours later, yeah, i'm still drooling over it... Folks, you wont be disappointed. I'll break it down for ya'll:

Rev Billy produced a gem of a book for ZZ Top fans, Hod Rod addicts, and vintage/custom guitar junkies. Broken down into these three sections respectively.

Expect to find an in-depth historical of the band, by the man himself, which covers the group's earliest gigs to the latest release, post superstardom. BFG's storytelling is genuine. Not to mention that its packed with documented proof, lots of vintage photos, and momentos alike.

Hot Rods and customs are offered up in oversized and vivid photography, in outstanding backdrops, and dished up with plenty of..um, eye candy.

The reverend has, undoubtedly, a collection of the rarest guitars in the world. Sixty plus pages of road worn vintage axes from Gibson, Fender, Gretsch and others. (Hey, where's the amps?) Hoards of wild custom axes too. VERY Nice.

Mandatory education for guitar gearheads, and some fine machinery to boot. Five stars!

[...]
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-26 05:01:34 EST)
10-25-05 5 3\4
(Hide Review...)  buy this book...
Reviewer Permalink
This book is killer. Great stories, awesome photography, intelligent layout. Gibbons is the man....and he keeps getting stronger. ZZ Top's music just keeps getting better, he's probably the best bandleader in the history of rock.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-26 05:01:34 EST)
10-15-05 5 16\17
(Hide Review...)  The Rev Speaks
Reviewer Permalink
Billy Gibbons, the spiritual leader of ZZ Top, is finally getting the recognition he deserves. He has always had the respect of the music community however the secretive nature of his long time manager, Bill Ham, has presented Billy from really streching outside ZZ until recently. In the past year Billy has guested on albums by Les Paul, BB King, Queens of the Stone Age, Nickelback and Vivian Campbell. He has also appeared in videos by Tim McGraw and the QOTSA. Now he is releasing an autobiography. Let me say that this book is outstanding. It's a handsome coffee table sized, hard cover. Each page is well thought out with terrific pictures in interesting locations. The book is split into 3 sections. The Life, The Cars and the Guitars. My only very slight disappointment is with the life section. Billy mostly recounts the stock tales he has been telling over the years. Not much new is revealed for the true fan. The sidebars with his favorite custom guitar and car builders is a nice touch. The real fans will however love the sections on his guitars and cars. The photgraphy and quick commentaries are are joy to behold. I'm sure I'll be pulling this one off the shelf for many years to come. My only question to Billy - whens volume II coming? Thanks Billy - awesome job.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2006-06-26 05:01:34 EST)
  
                  Reader Reviews 1 - 23 of 23                 
  
  
  
  
  
  

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