Who is Elwood Francis? From Guitar Tech to ZZ Top’s Bassist
Elwood Francis is best known as the bass guitarist who stepped in to fill the shoes of the late, great ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill. However, Francis has an extensive history in the music industry long before joining ZZ Top on stage.
Francis got his start working as a guitar technician in the 1970s and 80s, gaining respect in the industry for his skills at setting up, tuning, and maintaining guitars. He worked with high-profile artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Winter, and Bill Ham of ZZ Top. His attention to detail and quest for tonal perfection earned him a reputation as one of the best guitar techs in the business.
In the early 90s, Francis began working closely with ZZ Top as their guitar tech, taking care of Billy Gibbons’ instruments. The band was impressed with Francis’ professionalism and appreciated the consistency he brought to their live shows. Over the years, Francis formed close friendships with Gibbons, Hill, and drummer Frank Beard.
So when ZZ Top suddenly needed a new bassist after Hill’s passing in 2021, they knew exactly who to turn to. Francis was intimately familiar with the band’s songs and style. His bass skills were top-notch after years of observing some of the best in the industry. ZZ Top knew Francis could step in and do justice to their catalog of classic blues rock.
And that’s exactly what he’s done, seamlessly becoming ZZ Top’s new bassist and carrying on their musical legacy. Francis may be new to being on stage, but he’s no stranger to rock n’ roll.
From Guitar Tech to Bassist
Elwood Francis has been immersed in the world of guitars and music his entire life. He started out working as a guitar technician for major touring acts, gaining a reputation as one of the most skilled and knowledgeable techs in the industry. Over the years, he worked with artists like Jeff Beck, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, and Johnny Lang.
It was through his guitar tech work that Elwood developed a close relationship with ZZ Top. He worked extensively with the band behind the scenes, especially with guitar legend Billy Gibbons. Elwood was responsible for maintaining and setting up Billy’s treasured instruments for live shows, which requires great expertise and care.
After decades working together, ZZ Top’s bassist Dusty Hill tragically passed away in 2021. Elwood was asked to fill in on bass for upcoming shows. His chemistry with Gibbons and drummer Frank Beard was undeniable, and soon Elwood was made an official member of the band. His transition from guitar tech to ZZ Top’s bass player was an incredible full circle moment, cementing his status as a legend in the ZZ Top family.
The Iconic 17-String Bass: Elwood Francis’ Signature Instrument
Elwood Francis’ 17-string bass guitar is as unique as the man who plays it. This one-of-a-kind instrument was custom built for Elwood by the master luthiers at Electrical Guitar Company.
The most striking aspect of the bass is, of course, the 17 strings. The standard 4-string bass allows playing in the E, A, D, and G tuning. Elwood’s 17-string adds 7 more bass strings tuned to C#, F#, B, E, A, D, G and a whopping 10 guitar strings tuned to E, B, G, D, A, E, B, G, D, A.
This expansive range allows Elwood to play bass lines, rhythm guitar, and lead guitar all on one instrument. The signature growling ZZ Top guitar licks being played on a bass guitar is a truly unique sound.
The bass body itself is specially contoured to accommodate the wide fretboard and high string count. It has a beautiful quilted maple top with custom artwork depicting the Texas landscape. Active EMG pickups provide the crisp, clean tone essential for the wide tonal range of the 17 strings.
Elwood’s skill in incorporating this unconventional instrument into ZZ Top’s iconic blues rock style is astonishing. The 17-string bass allows him to flawlessly cover all the bass and guitar parts in their catalog. Its versatility also enables him to improvise new riffs and solos that add his own flair to the ZZ Top sound. Fans are blown away when they hear the full range of tones Elwood can achieve on his signature 17-string bass.
Elwood Francis’ Musical Prowess and Stage Presence
Elwood Francis brings an energetic and talented presence to the ZZ Top stage. Though he started as the band’s guitar tech, his prowess as a bass player is undeniable. Fans and critics alike have praised his technical skills, including his tone, groove, and improvisation abilities.
During his live performances with ZZ Top, Elwood has shown off his musical talents through extended bass solos and creative embellishments on classic ZZ Top tracks. His playing adds flair while staying true to the band’s signature blues rock style. At a recent show in Austin, TX, Elwood wowed the crowd with a funky slap bass solo during "Legs" that had people dancing in the aisles.
In addition to his musicianship, Elwood’s stage presence and showmanship delights ZZ Top crowds. He brings a youthful exuberance to balance ZZ Top’s mature blues style. With his manic energy and non-stop motion, Elwood has breathed new life into the band’s live act. Fans have described him as "electrifying" and "a thrill to watch." At a recent concert, one reviewer noted how Elwood’s "visible passion for performance pumped up the crowd all night long."
Though some were skeptical when Elwood first joined ZZ Top, he has won over fans with his clear love of the music. As one concert-goer put it, "You can tell this guy just lives for playing bass. The joy on his face makes me smile every time." Elwood’s talent and stage presence have made him a hit, ensuring ZZ Top’s concerts remain lively and entertaining.
Behind the Scenes: Elwood Francis as ZZ Top’s Guitar Tech
As ZZ Top’s guitar tech for over two decades, Elwood Francis has countless stories and anecdotes from life on the road with the legendary rock band. His duties included setting up and maintaining all of Billy Gibbons’ guitars to his exact specifications, ensuring everything sounded perfect for shows and recording sessions.
Elwood was essentially Billy’s right-hand man when it came to his expansive guitar collection. This included tuning and intonating, swapping out pickups and strings, and troubleshooting any issues. Equipment had to meet Billy’s high standards, which Elwood handled seamlessly.
When asked about his role as guitar tech in interviews, Elwood is quick to share funny stories from ZZ Top’s touring days. Like the time he had to source a rare 1950s tweed Fender amp that Billy insisted on using, despite the vintage amp constantly blowing tubes. Or having to hand-deliver Gibbons’ favorite guitar "Miss Pearly Gates" on a private jet to make a last-minute show.
As a tech, Elwood was no stranger to crazy requests and improvising solutions on the fly. Whether it was finding obscure guitar pedals or repairing busted equipment with gaffer tape, he always got the job done. This dedication and expertise made him an invaluable member of the ZZ Top crew for over 20 years behind-the-scenes.
The Future of ZZ Top with Elwood Francis
Elwood Francis has seamlessly stepped into the role of ZZ Top’s bassist following the tragic passing of Dusty Hill. While it’s impossible to truly replace such an iconic musician, Elwood has proven his exceptional talent and stage presence again and again during live shows with ZZ Top over the past year.
Fans and music critics alike have been impressed with how Elwood’s energetic and skilled bass playing complements ZZ Top’s signature blues rock style. He brings his own flair while respecting the band’s musical legacy. By all accounts, Elwood has integrated wonderfully into the band’s dynamic both on and off stage.
So what does the future hold for ZZ Top with Elwood Francis? His role seems likely to evolve even further as time goes on. There is potential for Elwood to contribute to songwriting or take on a more creative role within the band. His decades of experience working closely with ZZ Top as their guitar tech gives him valuable insight into their creative process.
The band has tour dates scheduled well into 2023, so fans will continue to be treated to Francis-era ZZ Top concerts in the near future. There is also real potential for ZZ Top to head back into the recording studio with Elwood to produce new music. His talent on the unconventional 17-string bass could really shine in a studio environment.
While the loss of Dusty Hill will always be felt, ZZ Top is clearly in good hands with Elwood Francis. He represents the next era of a legendary rock band, one still hungry to play great music for generations of fans to come.
Social Media Presence
Elwood Francis has become quite the Instagram influencer since joining ZZ Top, amassing over 50,000 followers on his account @elwoodisking. He frequently posts behind-the-scenes photos and videos from tour stops, giving fans an inside look into life on the road with ZZ Top.
Many of his posts showcase his goofy personality through funny selfies, tour bus antics, and snapshots with fans. He has a knack for creative captions, entertaining his followers with everything from Seinfeld references to lyrics from ZZ Top songs. Fans love his authenticity and willingness to engage with them in the comments.
When he’s not posting about his adventures with the band, Elwood also gives glimpses into his personal life. His Instagram reveals his passion for fishing, BBQ, and sports like hockey and baseball. Photos with his wife and kids show his devotion to family.
While Elwood takes his role in ZZ Top seriously, he doesn’t take himself too seriously. His Instagram shows the down-to-earth "normal guy" behind the bass guitar legend, which makes him even more beloved by fans. They feel a true connection with him, which strengthens their bond with ZZ Top as a whole.
Notable Performances
Elwood Francis has already made his mark with some incredible live performances alongside ZZ Top. Fans were blown away during the band’s 2022 tour when Elwood took the stage wielding his signature 17-string bass. His energy and stage presence added a new dynamic to the veteran rockers’ shows.
Some highlights from Elwood’s early live performances with ZZ Top include:
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The Austin City Limits live TV taping in October 2022. This was Elwood’s big debut with the band, and he immediately won over the energetic Texas crowd. His thundering basslines on classics like "La Grange" and "Gimme All Your Lovin’" electrified the audience.
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ZZ Top’s multi-night residency at The Venetian in Las Vegas in September 2022. Elwood’s funky bass grooves gave a fresh spin to ZZ Top’s bluesy rock jams during these high-profile shows.
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The 2022 Beale Street Music Festival performance in Memphis. Under the bright festival lights, Elwood showed off his bass skills on hits like "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Legs" to the delight of thousands of cheering fans.
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A string of shows across the southern US in cities like Houston, New Orleans, and Nashville in late 2022. Elwood received rave reviews for the energy and stage presence he brought to these concerts. Fans noted his natural chemistry with Billy Gibbons on stage.
With his engaging performance style and mastery of the unconventional 17-string bass, Elwood Francis has certainly made his mark during his early live shows with ZZ Top. As the band embarks on more tours and festival appearances, there’s no doubt Elwood will continue to shine and impress audiences worldwide.
Influence on ZZ Top’s Sound
Elwood Francis has had a significant influence on ZZ Top’s signature blues rock sound since joining the band as bassist. While respecting the band’s musical legacy, Elwood has added his own flair and techniques to the mix.
His proficiency on the unconventional 17-string bass allows Elwood to reach lower registers and create a remarkably deep, rich tone. This expands the range of bass lines he can play, adding new dimensions to classic ZZ Top songs. Fans have praised his ability to maintain the iconic ZZ groove while also improvising fresh fills and solos.
Elwood’s skillset as an experienced guitar tech also enables him to perfectly dial in the ideal tones to mesh with Billy Gibbons’ guitar work. The interplay between guitar and bass is seamless, showcasing the musical chemistry Elwood has developed with the band.
During live shows, his high energy stage presence and showmanship have complemented ZZ Top’s style well. Elwood has earned respect for adapting his playing to suit each song, paying homage to Dusty Hill’s original bass lines when appropriate.
Overall, Elwood Francis has made a very positive impact on ZZ Top’s signature sound. His talent and creativity have added exciting new flair, while still respecting the spirit of their classic bluesy style. Fans are eager to see how Elwood’s role may continue to evolve on future tours and potential new music.
Conclusion
Elwood Francis has made an impressive transition from being ZZ Top’s trusted guitar technician to stepping in as the band’s bass player following the tragic passing of Dusty Hill. His musical skills and mastery of the unique 17-string bass guitar have enabled him to seamlessly integrate into the legendary rock band’s live performances.
While Elwood’s time with ZZ Top is still relatively early, his stage presence, bass talents, and existing rapport with Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard have allowed the show to go on for this Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band. Fans have warmly embraced Elwood, and his unconventional 17-string bass has become an iconic part of the new ZZ Top era.
The future looks bright for ZZ Top with Elwood Francis. There is potential for him to contribute to new music, and his role may continue to evolve. Upcoming tour dates will allow fans to experience ZZ Top’s signature blues rock sound with Elwood’s personal flair. Though he has massive shoes to fill, Elwood Francis has kept the spirit of ZZ Top’s legacy alive while also moving the band forward.