Fifty years ago, on April 18, 1975, “Fandango!”, ZZ Top's fourth studio album, was released.
This album features one side with live recordings of the band's performance at The Warehouse in New Orleans and another side with studio material.
The album title refers to a Spanish folk dance, but in this context it is used to describe a typical celebration American and Mexican cowboys indulge in after a week's work.
After the success of their 1973 album, “Tres Hombres,” ZZ Top took some time to reflect on their musical direction.
During this period, the band toured successfully, even facing ticket problems in Chicago and Savannah.
Recording in New Orleans was chosen for its exceptional acoustics, as described by Billy Gibbons, who praised the deep sound of the venue.
Although the live portion of the album showcases the band's energy, reviews were mixed.
Rolling Stone commented that “Fandango!” was an inexplicable release, with a live side that didn't quite convince.
However, the studio side included classics that demonstrated ZZ Top's musical prowess.
The album was a huge hit, reaching the top ten on the pop charts in 1975, and its single “Tush” reached No. 20.
In later years, “Fandango!” was remixed and re-released, maintaining its legacy in rock history.