When fans see ZZ Top on stage, they’ll most likely hear the classic songs made famous by that “little ol’ band from Texas” such as “La Grange,” “Cheap Sunglasses,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs.” That also mostly applies to the band’s founding guitarist/singer Billy F. Gibbons’ solo shows with his side group the BFGs—although he has also thrown in some deep ZZ Top cuts, music from his solo records, and cover songs by acts ranging from bluesman Slim Harpo to Jimi Hendrix.

“The Billy F. Gibbons’ roadshow differs from an anticipated ZZ set,” Gibbons explains in a recent interview, “yet the ‘out-of-the box’ BFGs style prompts a break from formatting. The set is fairly eclectic, much more so than ZZ Top, and, certainly, an embrace of the experimental. The Chantays’ surf instrumental classic “Pipeline” was recently staged and made total sense while performing for the folks in Hawaii and was, not so surprisingly, very well received. We’ll most likely continue ’surfing’ while the tour winds its way along the asphalt.”

Gibbons is currently on tour in the U.S. with the other members of the BFGs — drummer Chris Layton (best known for his work with the late Stevie Ray Vaughn as a member of Double Trouble) and guitarist/keyboardist Mike Flanigan.

“Chris ‘Whipper’ and Mike ‘The Drifter’ are all about standing totally pro,” says Gibbons. “We’ve worked together for quite a while and have, over the past few years, joined forces in our annual ‘Jungle Show’ feature at Antone’s with a wealth of special appearances across the globe. Chris is a legendary stalwart and Mike, a seasoned guitar slinger and enjoyably as a Hammond B3 keyboard talent, makes the pair a solidly simple rhythm section duo. It’s all rooted in the great art form of blues landing us an inspiring shared language.”

The BFGs’ tour, which kicked off on Jan. 17, coincided with Gibbons’ latest solo single, the smoking rocker “Livin’ It Up Down In Texas,” which easily recalls the sound of ZZ Top blockbuster ‘80s albums Eliminator and Afterburner and features Gibbons’ signature guitar playing and vocals. It was recently previewed in Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan’s new television series Landman, starring Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore and Jon Hamm. The new song was co-written by Gibbons, Thornton and Mark Collie, who plays Sherriff Walt Joeberg in the series.

“Taylor Sheridan wanted a rough and raucous song to reflect the Landman series theme, which is aimed toward the rough and raucous ways in the Texas oil fields,” says Gibbons, who hails from Houston. “Billy Bob, our long-standing friend, approached us to join in to compose a song to fit the action. When asked for a suggested ‘feel’ for the work, a lone photo showed up with Billy Bob’s film location; it was a snapshot of a ravaging burning oil well along with a note stating, ‘Write something to sound like this photo looks.’ Perfect Billy Bob.”

Not just in the lyrics, but the song’s theme is further evoked through the pulsating drumming that can be likened to the sound of a pumpjack. Says Gibbons: “Directly following the session, the song emerged conveying a semi-autobiographical ’something’ as nearly everybody in the Lone Star State maintains some relationship with the oil industry. We’ve spent countless hours across the expanse of Texas, so, literally and figuratively, that infamous territory remains intimately well-known. The release of the recording is a true narrative and a genuine commentary on that intriguing oil-patch way of thinking.”

Gibbons’ friendship with Thornton, himself a musician, goes back decades when the actor served as a drummer in the group Tres Hombres, “which we nominated for ‘Best Little ZZ Top Tribute Band in Texas,’" according to the guitarist. “He’s a really musical cat on every level in addition to his very successful acting career. Billy Bob’s sense of authenticity accompanied the song's personality along with Mark and (engineer) CJ Boggs joining the approach. “

The guitar legend’s latest single is a teaser for his upcoming record, which would follow his 2021 solo album Hardware. “Our contribution of the Landman track aligns with the newest solo recordings,” Gibbons says. ”The collection of material is aimed for immediate release containing fresh sonic angles alongside a few interesting covers. We think it’s quite likable.”

The BFGs will continue to tour in the U.S. through Feb. 20. For show dates, visit Gibbons’ website.