ZZ Top is an American rock trio formed in 1969 in Houston, Texas. The band has, from 1970 to 2021, consisted of bassist/vocalist Dusty Hill (until his death in 2021), vocalist/guitarist/frontman Billy Gibbons, and drummer Frank Beard. "As genuine roots musicians, they have few peers", according to critic Michael "Cub" Koda. "Gibbons is one of America's finest blues guitarists working in the arena rock idiom while Hill and Beard provide the ultimate rhythm section support." The band released its first album—called ZZ Top's First Album—in 1971. Beginning with blues-inspired rock, the trio later incorporated new wave, punk rock and dance-rock by using synthesizers.