Stephen Stills: ‘There Might Be a Reason’ for Nash and Young Reunion
· Ultimate Classic RockStephen Stills is unwilling to rule out a reunion with Graham Nash and Neil Young, despite Graham Nash's recent claims that a CSNY reunion without David Crosby would have no heart.
"I can't be so absolute," Stills told The Globe and Mail. "There might be a reason for us to sing together. Maybe the upcoming election. But, at this point, it's not about would we get together. Should we, is the important question."
Stills' response comes shortly after Nash shot down the idea of a three-fourths CSNY reunion in a Rolling Stone interview. "I don't think that me and Stephen and Neil will ever play together again," he said. "There's no heart there. David was the center of it all, as crazy as he was. And my God, he was crazy. But he was the heart of this band. And that's why I think that if Stephen and Neil and I ever played together, people would be missing Crosby. We would be missing Crosby. It just would be a much colder scene."
Although they disagree on future reunion prospects, Stills did echo Nash's claims about the significance of Crosby, who died in January 2023 at the age of 81. "The heart of the band was the collective. The glue that held the harmonies together was David," he said. "He really had a sense of where that perfect note was that set it apart from the standard three-part harmony."
READ MORE: Rock's Top 10 Supergroups
CSNY's New 'Live at Fillmore East, 1969' Shows Supergroup 'Just Throwing It Down'
The impetus for these recent interviews is CSNY's freshly released Live at Fillmore East, 1969, which was recorded at the famous New York theater on Sept. 20, 1969. Split between its acoustic first half and electric second half, the album captures the nascent supergroup at the beginning of their tenure, and Stills said their camaraderie and enthusiasm are apparent throughout the recording.
"Doing the acoustic stuff from our first album was half a show. So, what are we going to do for the rest of it?" Stills said. "My idea was to have an acoustic part first, and then the curtains parted and there was the equipment and we went on to play some rock 'n' roll. We got the reaction, and we got to have all the glorious fun of playing insufferably loud. And, through that, I got a lot better at lead guitar."
As for the groundbreaking talent of the era — including fellow folk star Joni Mitchell, who was in the Fillmore audience in September 1969 — Stills added: "We were full of ourselves, but, at the same time, we knew it was new territory. We were just throwing it down, you know?"
30. Sublime
With a style that blended elements of reggae, punk, ska and hip-hop, Sublime forged a path all their own. Their sound was quintessentially Southern Californian, the soundtrack to sunny summer barbecues and beers at the beach. Yet the music was also universal, tackling topics ranging from toxic relationships to social class differences. Debut album 40 Ounces to Freedom got the band its first attention in 1992, but the true mainstream breakout arrived four years later with Sublime's 1996 self-titled LP. Spawning several massive radio hits, including "Wrong Way," "Santeria" and "What I Got," the album took the reggae rockers to the masses. Sadly, the group wasn’t able to celebrate. Frontman Bradley Nowell died of a drug overdose just two months before Sublime's release, bringing the band to a quick and tragic end.
29. Them Crooked Vultures
Supergroups are funny. By and large, they tend to fall flat of expectations, perhaps because each member has already earned a devoted following elsewhere. So when it was announced in 2009 that Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and John Paul Jones were joining forces, music fans were excited, yet skeptical. Of course, when the band’s self-titled debut album arrived that November, listeners everywhere were blown away. With force, swagger and deafening authority, Them Crooked Vultures epitomized everything that makes rock great. Just as important, the band backed up their fantastic release with incredible live performances. Though all three members have expressed interest in doing another album, one has not yet come to fruition. However, Grohl, Homme and Jones joined together once again in 2022 at the Taylor Hawkins tribute concerts, and in doing so reminded fans everywhere just how powerful a trio they are.
28. The Crickets
In the early days of rock n’ roll, the Crickets – featuring a classic lineup of Buddy Holly, Jerry Allison and Joe B. Mauldin – were trailblazers of the genre. Formed in Lubbock, Texas in 1957, the group scored such hits as "That'll Be the Day" and "Oh, Boy!". The group was also intertwined with Buddy Holly’s solo success. For example, Allison and Mauldin shared writing credits on Holly’s 1957 hit "Peggy Sue." Holly's tragic death in 1959 brought the original version of the Crickets to an untimely end, but the band return with various lineups over the years. The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
27. Triumph
Throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, Canadian rockers Triumph invaded America with powerful tunes. Made up of singer/guitarist Rik Emmett, bassist Mike Levine and drummer Gil Moore, the trio enjoyed mainstream success with hits like "Hold On,” “Lay It On the Line,” "Magic Power” and "Somebody's Out There.” The band eventually ran into creative differences as Moore and Levine wanted to stick to Triumph’s blues rock roots, while Emmett wanted to venture further in a progressive rock direction. After the frontman departed in 1988 to pursue a solo career, Triumph brought in singer Phil X to handle vocals, but the chemistry wasn’t the same. By 1993, the band had broken up, though Triumph later enjoyed a post-millennium reunion with Emmett.
26. Stray Cats
In an era that produced brash rock louder than ever before, the Stray Cats found ‘80s success by going old-school. The trio of Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker and Slim Jim Phantom embraced the vintage look and sound of rockabilly and fans ate it up. From the infectious jive rhythms of "Rock This Town,” to the slinky appeal of "Stray Cat Strut," the Stray Cats epitomized retro cool. Though their mainstream fame began to fade towards the middle of the ‘80s, the group maintained a dedicated fan base even as its members splintered off to other projects.
25. Muse
What started as three teenagers playing together in the English town of Teignmouth has turned into one of rock’s most powerful post-millennium acts. Muse are loud, theatrical, explosive and always entertaining. Their bombastic sound far exceeds what you’d expect from a three-person lineup. Frontman Matt Bellamy boasts impressive range and guitar shredding skills, drummer Dominic Howard pounds on his drums like they owe him a debt and bassist Chris Wolstenholm delivers impressive dexterity as the band’s unsung hero. With songs like “Knights of Cydonia,” “Starlight,” “Time Is Running Out,” “Supermassive Black Hole,” “Madness” and “Uprising,” Muse has delivered some of the loudest hits of the 21st-century. Cap it off with their reputation for incendiary live performances, and you’ve got all the makings of one of rock’s great trios.
24. Peter, Paul and Mary
It’s impossible to write the history of 1960’s folk rock without including Peter, Paul and Mary. The trio’s intricate harmonies and poetic lyrics made them an immediate success. Their 1962 self-titled debut album went double-platinum thanks to hits like “Lemon Tree” and “If I Had a Hammer (The Hammer Song).” The group continued churning out notable tunes throughout the decade, including "Puff, the Magic Dragon,” “Leaving on a Jet Plane” and one of the ‘60s defining songs, "Blowin' in the Wind." Together, Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey and Mary Travers not only entertained listeners, but also opened their minds to such important topics as the civil rights and anti-war movements. The trio broke up in 1970 as each member pursued a solo career. They reunited a handful of times over the years before staging an official reunion tour in 1978. Peter, Paul and Mary got back together permanently in 1981 and stayed that way through Travers' death in 2009.
23. King's X
Many things stand out about King's X’s career. For starters, the band has maintained the same lineup of singer/bassist Doug Pinnick, guitarist Ty Tabor and drummer Jerry Gaskill for over 40 years. They are also trailblazers in multiple genres, fusing prog rock and metal with funk and soul influences. The band has also been remarkably consistent, releasing 12 studio albums between 1988 and 2008 (Gaskill’s health issues eventually forced the band into a hiatus, but they came back with their 13th album in 2022). Despite receiving critical acclaim and fostering a passionate cult following, mainstream commercial success has eluded King’s X. Still, that hasn’t stopped the group from influencing such vaunted artists as Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Dream Theater and Pantera. Simply put, prog rock and metal would not sound the same without King’s X.
22. Beck, Bogert and Appice
Jeff Beck, Tim Bogert and Carmine Appice had each already enjoyed success when they came together in the supergroup Beck, Bogert & Appice in 1972. The combination of their respective prowesses was something to behold, even if their dynamic live performances didn’t quite transfer to their self-titled album (one reviewer called the LP “surprisingly docile”). Still, Beck, Bogert & Appice were embraced by enduring audiences everywhere as they brought their powerful blues rock to fans around the globe. Though the trio was short-lived – they disbanded in 1974 – their impact has continued to resonate throughout hard rock for generations.
21. Blink-182
People often forget that Blink-182‘s original lineup did not feature Travis Barker. The group initially earned widespread attention for their 1997 single “Dammit.” The drummer at the time was Scott Raynor, however when he was dismissed in 1998 and replaced by Barker, Blink’s journey to fame switched into high gear. With platinum albums, massive tours and MTV takeover’s, the band quickly became poster boys of the pop punk revolution. And while their infamously bratty behavior and juvenile sense of humor grabbed a lot of attention, Blink-182 quietly developed into formidable songwriters. “Adam’s Song” tackled suicide, while “Stay Together for the Kids" told the heart-wrenching first-hand experience of surviving a broken home. The band even won over such notable fans as Robert Smith of the Cure, who collaborated on the 2003 single “All of This.” Blink-182, the band whose breakthrough single addressed the concept of growing up, grew up in front of music fans’ eyes. And though the classic trio lineup of Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Barker broke up and got back together a few times over the years, the band’s popularity never waned.
20. Primus
When Primus released their debut album, Frizzle Fry, in 1990, nobody knew exactly what to make of the trio. Were they metal? Experimental? Prog rock? No label seemed to fit. More than 30 years later, the band still defies categorization. Made up of frontman Les Claypool, guitarist Larry LaLonde and drummer Tim Alexander, Primus’ quirky genius is unlike anything else. Is there another band in the world who could have made such classic tracks as "Jerry Was a Race Car Driver” and “Wynona's Big Brown Beaver”? Impressively, Primus managed to do things on their own terms and find success. Two of their albums, 1991’s Sailing the Seas of Cheese and 1993’s Pork Soda, reached platinum sales – proof the group was more mainstream then their sound would ever suggest. Throw in their pop-culture defining theme song to South Park and you have all the makings of one of the most unique trios in music history.
19. The Ronettes
The Ronettes – made up of Veronica Bennett, her older sister Estelle and their cousin, Nedra Talley – hold a unique place in history. In 1964, the year their only album was released, the Rolling Stones served as the trio’s opener during a tour of the U.K. Two years later, the Ronettes opened for the Beatles. These weren't the only rock legends the women rubbed elbows with. The Ronettes became close friends with Jimi Hendrix and are featured on the guitar great’s posthumous album, Rainbow Bridge. Of course, all of this is nice trivia, but it only matters because the Ronettes happened to be an incredible group in their own right. Even with just one studio LP on their resume, the trio landed nine songs on the Billboard Hot 100. Six of those – including “Be My Baby,” “Baby I Love You” and "Walking in the Rain” -- became Top 40 hits. Internal disputes kept their time together short, but their distinctive sound was unforgettable. The Ronettes were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.
18. Emerson, Lake and Palmer
Prog rock legends Emerson, Lake & Palmer formed in 1970 and immediately began blowing minds. Their self-titled debut album was the first of seven consecutive gold records. Each member brought something unique to the table – Keith Emerson with his innovative use of synthesizers, Greg Lake’s rich vocals and Carl Palmer's emphatic drumming. Some critics called ELP pretentious and indulgent. Others praised them as stadium-filling trailblazers. Regardless of where your views lie (we’re firmly in the latter group) it’s hard to argue with the trio’s immense impact. After huge success throughout the ‘70s, the band broke up in 1979. They reunited in the ‘90s, releasing two further albums, embarking on tours, and generally cementing their place among prog’s elite acts.
17. Sleater Kinney
Sleater-Kinney formed in Olympia, Washington in 1994. Unlike the grunge sound that was permeating the Pacific Northwest at the time, the trio of Corin Tucker, Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss had a raw, punk rock sound. With a bold feminist attitude and politically-charged lyrics, the group developed a passionate underground fanbase. Things peaked commercially with 1997’s Dig Me Out, but album sales were never a true reflection of the band’s popularity. Instead, the group’s impact was best witnessed at their emphatic live shows, or by the countless array of critics and fellow musicians who have hailed them as one of their era’s greatest acts.
16. The Jam
Formed in 1972, the Jam began life as a punk outfit before transitioning to a more sophisticated, new wave sound. Led by Paul Weller, the group started out as a quartet, but slimed down to their classic trio arrangement prior to their debut album’s release. Weller, drummer Rick Buckler and bassist Bruce Foxton won fans over with their energetic sound and socially conscious lyrics. Fame came quickly in the U.K., as the band’s first single, 1977’s “In the City,” reached the Top 40 (the first of 18 U.K. Top 40 hits for the Jam). In America, the group had to wait a little longer – 1980’s “Start!” was a minor hit, with 1982’s "Town Called Malice" marking their true U.S. breakthrough. Despite their continually growing fame and the acclaim of their peers, the Jam disbanded in 1982. Weller went on to found the band the Style Council and later embarked on a successful solo career.
15. Husker Du
Don’t judge Husker Du on their platinum albums or hit singles… because they had none. Instead, grade the pioneering trio’s impact by how they influenced other artists. Krist Novoselic noted that Nirvana got their musical style from Husker Du. Separately, members of the Pixies and Green Day each bonded over their mutual love of the group. “Husker Du was our favorite band,” Billie Joe Armstrong once admitted. “We became a three-piece because of Husker. We went through adolescence listening to this band. I wanted to be a songwriter because of Husker Du. To put it simply, there would be no Green Day if it wasn't for Husker Du.” The band, made up of Bob Mould, Grant Hart, and Greg Norton, were godfathers of alternative. Husker Du blended hardcore punk and college rock into something that felt personal, yet acceptable to all types of fans. The group released six studio albums before breaking up in 1987, but their influence continues to loom large over rock’s musical landscape today.
14. The Supremes
One of the most legendary record labels in music history was Motown. And who was the most successful artist Motown ever had? The Supremes. With the incomparable Diana Ross leading the way, the vocal trio – which also included Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson – achieved worldwide fame in the ‘60s. Their list of hits is a mile long, with “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Baby Love,” “Come See About Me” and “Stop! In the Name of Love” among the 12 songs the Supremes landed at No. 1. Several of their chart records remain today, decades after their last release. The group’s lineup shifted over the years, most notably when Ross exited to launch her solo career in 1970. Still, even if you just limit yourself only to material released prior to her departure, the Supremes rank among the most popular acts ever recorded.
13. Green Day
Even if they’d stuck to their early formula, Green Day probably would have made this list. The band – singer Billie Joe Armstrong, drummer Tre Cool and bassist Mike Dirnt – became one of the ‘90s biggest acts when their third album, Dookie, became a worldwide phenomenon. The LP was one of the top-selling albums of 1994, spawned multiple hits – including the chart-topping “When I Come Around” – and made Green Day superstars. Dookie sold over 10 million copies in the U.S., and following albums Insomniac (1995) and Nimrod (1997) kept the hits coming (we still can’t get "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" out of our head). But as the new millennium arrived and the band’s popularity slowed, Green Day faced a dilemma: continue down the same path or forge into new territory? They went with the latter, as 2004’s politically-charged American Idiot launched them back among music’s elite. Gone were the songs about masturbating and getting high, now these punks gave a damn about the world and society’s ills. It proved to be one of rock’s great second acts, and the group has been riding that wave ever since.
12. The Melvins
The Melvins have always defied easy categorization, and that's true here. Since forming in 1983 they have primarily recorded and performed as a trio, earning a reputation as one of the era's most influential and creatively restless underground bands. However, the Melvins are a trio with two constants and one regularly shifting variable. While singer-guitarist Buzz Osbourne and drummer Dale Crover have been the group's cornerstones since 1984, they have worked with over a dozen different bass players during that time. These changes have allowed to band to explore some varied and exciting territory, such as when Trevor Dunn played upright bass in a half-acoustic lineup dubbed "Melvins Lite."
11. James Gang
Formed in 1966, James Gang released their debut LP, Yer’ Album, in 1969. The lineup then was Joe Walsh, drummer Jim Fox and bassist Tom Kriss, however Kriss was soon replaced by Dale Peters, thus forming the band’s classic lineup. James Gang’s powerful blues rock was showcased on such indelible tracks as “Funk #49” and “Walk Away,” with Walsh’s prolific guitar playing often taking center stage. The James Gang ride came to a stop when Walsh departed in 1971 to join the Eagles, and though Peters and Fox attempted to continue with other guitarists, they were unable to replicate the magic formula. Still, the band’s first three albums with Walsh at the helm remain classic rock canon.
10. Beastie Boys
In the band’s formative years, the Beastie Boys were a hardcore punk outfit. The group cut its teeth early on opening for such acts as Bad Brains, the Dead Kennedys and the Misfits. Then, around 1983, Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz, Adam "MCA" Yauch and Michael "Mike D" Diamond began experimenting with hip-hop. The world would never be the same. The Beastie Boys made rap accessible to mainstream White audiences by infusing the genre with their rebellious punk attitude. They also famously used classic rock samples throughout their songs, like the trio of tracks on their debut album License to Ill which featured Led Zeppelin riffs. Early hits included “Fight for Your Right,” “Girls” and “No Sleep till Brooklyn.” Later, “Sabotage” – and it’s beloved music video – became one of the group’s defining tunes. As the trio grew up, their lyrics also evolved and became more socially conscious. Along the journey, Beastie Boys never lost their ability to craft a riveting rhyme and they remain the best-selling rap group in Billboard’s history. MCA’s death in 2012 brought the group to an end, as Ad-Rock and Mike D have stuck to their decision to not continue Beastie Boys without him.
9. Crosby, Stills & Nash
Another supergroup on our list, and perhaps the best. Crosby, Stills & Nash formed in 1968 when David Crosby (The Byrds), Stephen Stills (Buffalo Springfield) and Graham Nash (The Hollies) decided to unite their respective talents. Blessed with sophisticated songwriting, tight harmonies and alluring melodies, the trio was firmly planted at the intersection of folk, rock and pop. Ignoring the material they released with Neil Young – that would make them a quartet, after all – CSN still boasts an incredible catalog of material. "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” "Just a Song Before I Go" and "Wasted on the Way'' are just some of the trio's many memorable tracks. Even as CSN survived internal disputes, addiction, breakups and reunions, the chemistry between the three men was unwavering.
8. Nirvana
In rare occurrences, a band can become much more than their musical output. Their success, coupled with some unforeseen alignment in societal changes, becomes a cultural movement. It happened with the Beatles, and decades later it happened with Nirvana. As the ‘90s dawned, Seattle was becoming an unlikely hotbed for new bands, melding punk and heavy metal elements into a new sub-genre that would come to be called grunge. Nirvana was part of this scene, but their 1989 debut album failed to garner much attention outside of the Pacific Northwest. Then Dave Grohl came on board as their new drummer, the band joined up with producer Butch Vig in Southern California, and something amazing happened. Nirvana’s sophomore LP, 1991’s Nevermind, was groundbreaking. The album represented a seismic shift in rock and popular music. The glam of the ‘80s was gone, the sound of the ‘90s had arrived and Nirvana was the biggest band in the world. It also didn’t hurt that the songs were really good. From the decade-defining “Smells Like Teen Spirit” to the haunting album cut “Polly,” Nevermind was engaging from beginning to end. Led by the prolific, soul searching songwriting of Kurt Cobain, Nirvana tapped into a dark uneasiness felt by young people around the world. Follow-up LP In Utero (1993) was another commercial and critical success. Then, as quickly as the phenomenon began, it all came crashing to an end. Cobain died of a drug overdose on April 8, 1994, yet his legacy and that of Nirvana has remained eternal.
7. Cream
There’s a certain amount of “what could have been?” when it comes to Cream. If Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker could have gotten past their differences, just how high could the band have climbed? Hypotheticals aside, the group achieved an incredible amount in its short three year existence. With a trio of virtuosos working together, Cream rocketed to success with their debut album, Fresh Cream. Material came fast and furious, with Disraeli Gears and Wheels of Fire arriving before the band’s 1968 breakup, and the appropriately-titled farewell LP Goodbye coming out a few months later. Yes, the trio had hits, including "Sunshine of Your Love" and "White Room," but it was their extraordinary musicianship that left the deepest impact. Decades after Cream’s brief existence, fans everywhere still marvel at their work.
6. Rush
There is arguably no prog rock band in history who is as revered as Rush. The Canadian trio of bassist/singer Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart began their worldwide invasion in the ‘70s. The wizardry of their compositions is unparalleled, with complex time signatures and sprawling, unconventional movements. This wasn’t a band made for singles (though they did land a handful of radio hits). Instead, this was a band devoted to creating engrossing, otherworldly material, capable of captivating audiences everywhere. Their 1976 album 2112 remains a landmark release, while 1981’s Moving Pictures – spearheaded by the enthralling tune “Tom Sawyer” – struck the perfect balance of art and accessibility. With millions of sales, endless accolades and a zealous fanbase, Rush remains of the the greatest acts – trio or otherwise – in rock history.
5. Genesis
After Peter Gabriel departed Genesis in 1975, drummer Phil Collins took over vocal duties. Two years later, guitarist Steve Hackett departed, leaving only Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford in the group. Rather than finding replacements, Genesis pushed forth as a trio. Stylistically, the band shifted from prog rock to a more commercial pop sound, and the results were extraordinary. Beginning with the aptly titled And Then There Were Three, Genesis delivered six straight multi-platinum albums. Their hits were some of the biggest songs of the era, including “That’s All,” “Invisible Touch” and “I Can’t Dance.” The group sold more than 40 million albums in the ‘80s alone, ranking among the decade’s most successful acts. Collins departed in 1996 to focus on his solo career, but the trio reunited in 2006 and later embarked on Genesis’ final tour, which concluded in 2022.
4. Motorhead
We haven’t looked at a dictionary lately (has anyone?), but we’re pretty sure there’s a picture of Lemmy Killister under the definition of “metal.” Formed in 1975, Lemmy’s band Motorhead was the epitome of hard-hitting, high-energy, take-no-prisoners rock. Metal at its core, but with elements of punk thrown in, their sound was an emphatic middle finger to the world. With Lemmy, guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke and drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor, Motorhead delivered such timeless albums as Overkill, Bomber and Ace of Spades, with the latter’s title track ranking among the best metal tunes ever recorded. The gravelly-voiced singer’s death in 2015 brought Motorhead to an end, but their legacy – including 22 studio albums – will always remain.
3. Bee Gees
True musical chameleons, the Bee Gees' impact on popular music cannot be overstated. The trio – made up of Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb – started their musical career as a rock act, even opening for Chubby Checker during his 1962 tour of Australia. Slowly, the Bee Gees began developing their style, landing a trio of pop hits on 1967’s Bee Gees' 1st. Success would come quickly from there, as the trio churned out further hits throughout the decade. Then, in the ‘70s, things reached another level. The Bee Gees evolved once more, this time to embrace the disco phenomenon. With tunes like "You Should Be Dancing," "Jive Talkin'" and the ubiquitous “Stayin’ Alive,” the group became one of the biggest acts of the era. Even as the inevitable backlash against disco arrived, the Bee Gees just kept selling records. In a career spanning more than 50 years, it’s estimated they sold more than 200 million albums worldwide, ranking them among the most popular artists in history.
2. The Police
With an innovative blend of rock, reggae and punk, the Police showcased a unique, genre-defying sound. Sting’s vocal style was instantly recognizable, Stewart Copeland’s drumming was second to none and Andy Summers delivered some remarkable guitar riffs. Their skills all blended perfectly together, even when their personalities didn’t. Hits like "Roxanne,” “Message in a Bottle,” Don’t Stand So Close to Me” and "Every Breath You Take" echoed throughout the '70s and '80s. With five studio albums in five years, the Police established themselves as one of the most popular and prolific bands in the world. Then, at their height of fame, they called it quits. The infighting among the musicians had become too fierce. Sting became a huge solo act and the other two pursued various new musical projects. Yet decades later the Police still remain a vital group in the history of music, good enough to almost be No. 1 on our list.
1. ZZ Top
There’s only one ZZ Top. Early on, Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard made a name for themselves as a captivating live act. The Little Ol’ Band From Texas were ambassadors for blues rock’s greatness, able to blow the top off of any venue they performed in. But while the ‘70s established ZZ Top as a headlining act, the ‘80s turned them into world-beaters. The trio made the surprising move of incorporating synthesizers into their sound for 1983’s Eliminator. The plan was a rousing success, selling more than 11 million copies in the U.S. alone. Meanwhile, ZZ Top became unexpected stars on MTV, as their music videos – and defining beards – turned them into cultural icons. The wave of mainstream success continued to a lesser degree with Afterburner (1985), and by the end of the decade the band was back to their bluesy roots. With 15 studio albums and a career spanning over 50 years, few bands can boast the mix of longevity and impact that ZZ Top has.