This was the third time I saw ZZ at Forest National, Brussels. The first time 
was with the Antenna-tour, then after that on the Mean Rhythm tour. 
Unfortunately, Dusty's illness had us wait a little longer to see them again,
but it was worthwhile.

My expectations were completely met. A slight panic struck me when I read 
about Frank's appendicitis, and I was really relieved that John Douglas 
could fill in for him. He did an excellent job if you ask me - with all 
those mean breaks and pace changes, not to mention Billy's solo quirks, he 
must have had a hell of a study session to prepare himself. I had expected 
Billy or Dusty to at least say something about Frank's absence, perhaps even 
dedicate a "get well soon" song to him, but none of that. I'm sure their 
thoughts were with him (although with Billy, I wouldn't know where the hell 
his mind was at yesterday...). They did, on the other hand, envolve John in 
the show by throwing him a little pointer finger or just nodding really 
bluesy at him, which I interpreted as "you're doin faahn".

The songs were all played cleaner and closer to the original than what I 
remember from the last shows. Not much in between as usual, but then standards 
were there (including Billy in his ocean-deep voice : "We're gonna stay here 
all ... night ... long !" Even with few words, the guys were having a great 
time on stage, playing with the crowd and showing off their moves. I enjoyed 
every second of the show.

One comic relief was brought about by Billy's guitar techie, Elwood (don't 
know if it's his real name). This guy's hairdo would make a match jealous:
straight copper wire ! So Billy's just messing with him, calling him a good 
guy ... UGLY ... but a good guy. Laughs all over... The guy even got a 
second appearance as Billy's Official Dedicated Cigar Lighter later in the 
show.

From reading a previous report (from a Vegas show), I can tell the audiences 
must be literally and metaphorically worlds apart. In Tube Snake Boogie, 
hardly anyone sings along (knows the words?) to "I know a girl, she lives on 
the hill...", and the infamous Mexican Blackbird who "Spreads like an eagle" 
got even less reactions. It's a shame that so many miss out on all the 
connotations in ZZ's lyrics. Well, there you go, people can't be the same all 
over the world.

ZZ played a great set - without new work, granted. From the lowfpt I knew 
what to expect, and that helped. So here's a big thank you to you, Peter Z.

A final note on Gary Moore and company. I missed most of his show thanks to 
the crappy organisation. Tickets said 20h30, so I expected Moore to start at 
that time, followed by ZZ. Apparently he must have started around 20h, cause 
he was already playing "Still got the blues" when I arrived shortly before 
20h30. I don't think he would play that early in his set.

The sound was alright for an opening act - the three piece combo (with a 
drummer and bass player) rocked, giving Moore all the room he needed for 
lengthy solo's. His outro solo's were dragging on so long, though, that 
usually the crowd had already stopped applauding by the time he really 
finished the song. That's 70ies guitar heroes for you, I guess.
As far as the combination Moore - ZZ Top goes: excellent. Definitely the 
best support act of the three shows I have seen. The Jimi cover ("Fire") was 
not my favourite, but overall the guy deserves so much respect for his 
influence on guitarists worldwide. That includes BG if you ask me.

For all those who are looking forward to a next ZZ Top show, have fun !

Stay cool everyone and have mercy...