ZZTOP supported by George Thorogood and The Destroyers with Dallas Frasca
The “ELEVATION” Tour – Langley Park Perth Western Australian 1st May 2025
Before rock heavyweights George Thorogood & The Destroyers and ZZ Top shook the grounds of Langley Park, it was Australian artist Dallas Frasca who lit the first spark—and she did it solo, with nothing but her guitar, a loop station, and unshakable charisma (not to mention her amazing electric hair).
Taking the stage as the sun began to dip behind the city skyline, Frasca delivered a high-voltage set that turned heads and earned roars of approval. Far from a typical opener, it was amazing to see such a stand-alone performer command such a presence. Sometimes you get lost watching her shred on the guitar that you forget this champion can sing…. and sing the roof off. Her lineage is second to none and she has performed with the likes of “Midnight Oil and “Slash” from “Guns n Roses” just to name a few.
In between songs, Frasca paused to share her deep affection for Perth, reflecting on her early days playing the local scene and the enduring impact it had on her as an artist. The highlights came not just from her own catalogue—though her originals were strong and resonant—but also from bold renditions of Led Zeppelin classics. Her takes on “Whole Lotta Love” and “Immigrant Song” were raw and electrifying, channeling the spirit of Plant and Page while injecting her own vocal grit and flair. A was told about her ability to captivate – and it lived up to the hype…….. I, like so many others loved her performance and could see why she was the perfect fit.
George Thorogood & The Destroyers rolled into Langley Park like a freight train of blues-rock swagger, supporting ZZ Top but delivering a headline-worthy performance of their own. With decades of touring under their belt, the band showed no signs of slowing down—especially Thorogood himself, who was as spry, sharp, and irreverent as ever.
From the moment he strutted on stage, guitar slung low and signature smirk intact, Thorogood had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand. Early in the set, he joked about “getting arrested in Perth again – lets hav e some fun tonight!” to roaring laughter from the crowd. The wisecracks didn’t stop there—between songs, he quipped, “Here’s to swimming with Australian women—cheers!”, earning one of the night’s biggest laughs and a thousand raised drinks in response. George was reading the room and reading it well, years of experience for this true performer – it was watching a well-oiled machine do its work! You can see why he is so loved by his fans, 50 years in delivering inspirational music, multiple music awards, sold out worldwide tours – you would have to be living under a rock for the last half century not to know who this icon is!
Musically, the Destroyers were razor sharp. The crowd went wild when George launched into “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” delivering the iconic blues anthem with a wink, a sneer, and just the right amount of grit. It was a clear crowd favourite, with singalongs and air guitars happening across the park. Another standout was “Gear Jammer,” where Thorogood tore into a blistering guitar solo that reminded everyone he’s far more than just a charismatic frontman—he’s a true blues-rock technician. The band backed him with tight, muscular grooves all night, never missing a beat.
Set highlights included “Get a Haircut (and Get a Real Job),” which had the audience laughing and shouting along, as well as the raucous “Rock Party” and a fiery rendition of “Gloria” that brought old-school rock ‘n’ roll energy flooding back. Of course, the biggest moment came with the unmistakable opening riff of “Bad to the Bone.” Thorogood milked the moment, prowling the stage, grinning as fans erupted, fists pumping and lyrics shouted back at full volume. It was everything a classic rock moment should be—bold, loud, and unforgettable. I must admit I was not the only person singing along during the closing song of the set…… “Bad to the Bone” was one of those moments I truly wont forget. Watching it LIVE was momentous…… a bucket list item….. thank you!
George Thorogood might joke about age and past mischief, but his performance proved he’s still every bit the showman. Backed by the ever-solid Destroyers, they delivered a high-octane, crowd-pleasing set and Perth LOVED IT!
Clad in their signature brightly coloured stage suits, sunglasses firmly in place, and, of course, those iconic, flowing beards, the band looked every bit the part of rock royalty. Let’s be honest—ZZ Top wearing sunglasses on a world tour isn’t just cool, it’s expected. Anything else would just feel… wrong.
From the first note, the crowd knew they were in for a treat. The band’s timeless riffs and swaggering presence turned the park into a glittered-up mirror ball of Southern rock—we weren’t just watching a show, we were getting absolutely covered in it.
The show-stopper: the monstrous 17-string bass guitar made its appearance, drawing audible gasps and grins from the crowd as it thundered beneath the band’s bluesy layers. It was rock excess at its finest—loud, proud, and completely unforgettable. I had never seen such a monster in the flesh….. bugger me it was impressive!!!!
The 1983 high-octane classic “Got Me Under Pressure,” was a hit with the punters. Backed up by “Give me all your loving” off the “Eliminator” Album from April of 1983 just kept the fans moving. “Pearl Necklace” had the crowd grinning and singing, while “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide” from 1979, landed like a love letter to road warriors everywhere. The lads asked us if we were enjoying ourselves, knowing full well we were – it felt like a cheeky check in which always make it feel more personal.
When the opening notes of “Legs” hit, Langley Park exploded. The energy soared as fans danced and shouted along, the groove as infectious today as it was decades ago. The band, locked in tight as ever, oozed charisma and control, proving that age only sharpens their craft. Just when we thought the night was winding down, ZZ Top returned for an encore that was nothing short of killer. The crowd roared for the 1971 classic – “Brown Sugar” and “Tube Snake Boogie,” but it was the closer, the immortal “La Grange,” that truly stole the night – who would have thought that a song about a brothel would mean so much to so many people……….. With that dusty Texas riff ringing out across the riverfront, it was a perfect finale—raw, powerful, and a night I will always remember….. my first LIVE experience of the phenom that is ZZTop
All up, for me it was a truly memorable experience – I urge you to grab tickets to this tour and share in the experience it is one to behold. A massive thank you to Live Nation Australia, Mellen Events and Revolutions per Minute for the access. Hit the link below to secure tickets.
https://www.livenation.com.au/zz-top-tickets-adp721
