ZZ Top's 'Afterburner' at 40: A Tribute to a Rock Classic

ZZ Top's 'Afterburner' at 40: A Tribute to a Rock Classic

ZZ Top's iconic album "Afterburner" is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and the syndicated radio show In The Studio With Redbeard is honoring this milestone. The album, released in October 1985, marked the band's ninth studio album and achieved significant commercial success, selling over 5,000,000 copies and peaking at #4 on the Billboard Album Sales Chart. Despite its superstar sales and MTV fame, some fans and critics criticized "Afterburner" for its slick and synthesized sound.

One notable aspect of "Afterburner" was the absence of veteran recording engineer/producer Terry Manning, who had worked on several of ZZ Top's previous albums. Manning's expertise had been instrumental in guiding the band through successful recordings like "Tres Hombres," "Deguello," and "Eliminator." Without Manning's guidance, Billy Gibbons found himself experimenting with an array of electronic tools in the studio, leading to a departure from the band's traditional sound.

The album featured hit tracks such as "Sleeping Bag," "Rough Boy," "Stages," "Woke Up with Wood," and "Planet of Women," showcasing ZZ Top's signature blend of blues-infused rock. In honor of the 40th anniversary of "Afterburner," Redbeard is joined by Billy Gibbons, the late Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard to reflect on the making of the album and its impact on the band's legacy. The episode is dedicated to the memories of Dusty Hill, Terry Manning, Bill Ham, and Joe Hardy.

To listen to the full episode and delve into the stories behind ZZ Top's "Afterburner," you can stream it on the In The Studio With Redbeard website. Join the conversation as we celebrate four decades of this iconic album and explore the creative journey of one of rock music's most enduring bands.