ZZ Top Fire Up the Turntables with ‘From The Top: 1979–1990’ Vinyl Box Set

4 July 2025 rocknews

This July 4th, ZZ Top are lighting up more than fireworks—they’re dropping From The Top: 1979–1990, a five-LP vinyl box set that captures the band’s meteoric rise from bluesy swagger to MTV royalty. Released via Rhino High Fidelity, this limited-edition collection follows last year’s sold-out 1971–1976 set and dives headfirst into the trio’s most commercially explosive era.

The box includes Degüello (1979), El Loco (1981), Eliminator (1983), Afterburner (1985), and Recycler (1990)—each AAA cut from the original stereo master tapes by Kevin Gray and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Optimal. Housed in a faux-leather slipcase with heavyweight gatefold jackets, the set is limited to just 3,000 individually numbered copies.

From the funky grooves of “Cheap Sunglasses” to the synth-laced swagger of “Legs,” this collection charts ZZ Top’s transformation from Texas boogie kings to global icons. Eliminator alone went Diamond, fueled by a trio of hits and a fleet of unforgettable music videos that turned the band’s hot rod into a pop culture symbol.

Frontman Billy Gibbons reflects in the liner notes: “So many wacky gadgets suddenly seemed to appear in the studio… and some satisfying mayhem unfolded. And that’s defiantly rock ’n’ roll”.

But the celebration doesn’t stop at the turntable. ZZ Top are revving up for a full-scale tour later this year, with dates spanning the U.S. and Europe. The Elevation Tour kicks off in August, featuring stops at Red Rocks, the Beacon Theatre, and a Halloween blowout in Las Vegas. Expect a setlist packed with classics, deep cuts, and a few surprises—plus support from Night Ranger and The Wallflowers on select nights.

With From The Top: 1979–1990, ZZ Top aren’t just revisiting their legacy—they’re reasserting it. For vinyl collectors, rock historians, and fans who still crank “Sharp Dressed Man” at full volume, this release is a must-have.