In a new interview, Billy Gibbons revealed that shaving brand Gillette once offered him and the late Dusty Hill a staggering $1 million each to shave off their legendary facial hair for a television commercial.
Speaking on comedian Jay Mohr’s Mohr Stories podcast, Gibbons confirmed the long-rumored offer was real — even if the company has denied it.
“It’s true,” Gibbons said. “It was a million dollars per man.”
Before making a decision, Gibbons said he and Hill consulted music executive Bob Merlis. While the payday was tempting, the advice came with a warning.
“He said, ‘The money’s good,’” Gibbons recalled. “‘But I’m not so sure you guys — any of you guys — know what’s under there.’”
That was enough to convince them to walk away. According to Gibbons, once word got out, fans were thrilled the band chose image and identity over cash.
The beards, of course, became part of ZZ Top’s mythology — especially ironic given that drummer Frank Beard is famously the only member of the band without one.
ZZ Top continues to carry on following Hill’s death in 2021, now touring with bassist Elwood Francis, who joined shortly after Hill passed away.
The band is currently preparing for a major North American tour featuring headlining dates, festival appearances, and joint shows with Dwight Yoakam. The tour kicks off March 21 in Abilene, Texas, and runs through May 23 in Huntington, West Virginia.
Their most recent release was the 2022 album RAW, featuring classic songs recorded by the original lineup in 2019 to coincide with the Netflix documentary That Little Ol’ Band From Texas.
At the time, Gibbons and Beard honored their fallen bandmate with a heartfelt statement.
“‘The Dust’ may have left the building,” they said, “but he’s still very much with us.”
And judging by the beards that remain firmly intact, his legacy is too.
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