ZZ Top frontman Billy Gibbons says he and late bassist Dusty Hill were once offered $1 million each to shave their beards off for a Gillette commercial in the 1980s.
Gibbons consulted music industry veteran Bob Merlis about the offer, who advised them to consider it but also warned them about the potential consequences.
Despite the tempting offer, ZZ Top decided to pass on the deal, which Gibbons says paid off in the long run: “We passed, and our fans loved it. Word got out.”
Current ZZ Top bassist Elwood Francis, who replaced Hill after his death in 2021, has grown an impressive beard of his own.
Fans can see Billy Gibbons and ZZ Top on their 2026 tour, which includes headlining shows and co-headlining gigs with Dwight Yoakam.
