Look, let’s be real for a second. There was a moment, maybe around 2021, when a lot of us thought the "Little Ol' Band from Texas" might finally hang it up. Losing Dusty Hill was a gut punch. It felt like the end of an era because, well, it was. But if you're looking at the schedule for ZZ Top on tour in 2026, it’s clear Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard didn’t get the memo about slowing down.
They’re actually busier than ever.
It’s kinda wild. Billy Gibbons is pushing 76, yet he’s currently sandwiching a massive ZZ Top world tour between his own solo dates with the BFG Band. This isn't some "greatest hits" cash grab where they play thirty minutes and leave. They’re hitting tiny theaters in Napa and massive arenas in Europe. The 2026 calendar is basically a marathon.
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The Dos Amigos and The Big One
The 2026 itinerary is actually split into a few different "phases," which can be a bit confusing if you’re just trying to find a ticket near you. First, you’ve got the Dos Amigos Tour. This is the co-headlining run with Dwight Yoakam. It kicks off in late March—think Brookings, South Dakota on March 26—and snakes through the Midwest and South until late May.
Why Dwight Yoakam? Honestly, it’s a brilliant pairing. You get that Bakersfield country swagger mixed with the fuzzy Texas blues. It’s a very specific vibe that works for the demographic that grew up on Eliminator but also appreciates a good honky-tonk shuffle.
Then you have The Big One! Tour.
This is the pure, unadulterated ZZ Top headlining experience. These dates are sprinkled around the Yoakam shows and then take over completely once the band heads across the Atlantic. We're talking stops in places like Amarillo, New Orleans (a two-night stand at the Saenger Theatre in April), and San Antonio. If you want the full-production show without a co-headliner taking up set time, "The Big One" dates are the ones to circle.
Who is actually on stage?
There’s been some chatter online—mostly on Reddit and old-school forums—about the lineup. Let's clear that up.
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- Billy F. Gibbons: Still the captain. Still has the tone.
- Elwood Francis: The "new" guy, though he was their guitar tech for decades. He’s got the blessing of Dusty Hill himself, and yeah, he grew the beard to match.
- Frank Beard: This is the big news for 2026.
Last year, Frank had to step away for a bit. He was dealing with some nasty foot and ankle issues that made kick-drumming a nightmare. John Douglas (another long-time associate) filled in, and he was great, but it wasn't the "original" drummer. As of now, Frank is back. He rejoined the group in mid-2025 and is fully slated for the 2026 run. There’s just something about that shuffle that only Frank can do.
What to expect from the setlist
If you’re going to see ZZ Top on tour, you know the hits are coming. You’re going to hear "Sharp Dressed Man." You’re going to hear "Legs" and "La Grange." That’s the contract they have with the audience.
But 2026 feels a little different.
Recent reviews from the early legs of the tour suggest they’re leaning a bit harder into the raw, bluesy roots. They’ve been opening with "Got Me Under Pressure" or "Under Pressure" variations, and the mid-set is getting a little grittier. Don't expect a ton of deep cuts from Tejas or El Loco, but they are playing with the arrangements. It’s less of a polished pop-rock show and more of a loud, fuzzy blues-rock clinic.
It’s worth noting that the "Dos Amigos" shows with Dwight Yoakam might have a slightly shorter set than the standalone "Big One" dates. If you're a die-hard who needs every possible minute of Billy's guitar solos, go for the headlining shows in cities like Madison or Prior Lake.
The European Leg: Summer 2026
If you happen to be in Europe this summer, the band is doing a massive sweep starting in late June. They’re hitting places you wouldn’t expect—Tartu, Estonia on June 22 and Rättvik, Sweden at that incredible Dalhalla venue.
They finish up in Spain in late July. It’s a grueling schedule for a band that’s been doing this for fifty years. But according to Billy, the philosophy is "keep on keeping on." They genuinely seem to be having fun with Elwood. The pressure of being a "legacy act" seems to have melted away, replaced by a "let’s just play some loud blues" attitude.
Actionable Tips for Ticket Buyers
Buying tickets for a legacy act in 2026 is a minefield of resale sites and "platinum" pricing. If you're looking to catch ZZ Top on tour, keep these things in mind:
- Check the Official Site First: Always start at zztop.com. Don't trust the first Google result, which is often a sponsored ad for a secondary market site charging 300% markup.
- Look for the "Dos Amigos" Distinction: If you see Dwight Yoakam listed, it’s a co-headlining show. Prices for these have been hovering around $75-$90 for decent seats in places like Wichita or Grand Island.
- VIP Packages: They are doing them again. There are three tiers (Gold, Silver, and Front Row). If you want the exclusive 2026 tour poster and a seat in the first 15 rows, that’s your route, but be prepared to pay a premium.
- Venue Vibe Matters: Catching them at an amphitheater like The Orion in Huntsville is a completely different experience than a theater like the Palace in Greensburg. If you want the "classic" loud rock show, go for the amphitheaters. If you want to hear the nuances of Billy's fingers on the strings, go for the theaters.
The most important thing to remember is that this isn't a band on a "farewell" tour. They haven't used that word. They’re just... touring. It’s what they do. Whether you're a third-generation fan or someone who just bought Tres Hombres on vinyl for the first time, seeing them live is still a rite of passage for any rock fan.
Check the official schedule for your city, verify if it's a headlining or co-headlining date, and grab your tickets directly from the venue box office or the band's authorized link to avoid the massive resale fees that are currently plagueing the 2026 concert market.