Saturday, December 14, 2024
It’s time to put on your “Tube Snake Boogie” shoes and get ready for a weekend of pure Texas rock! Granbury is about to host El Loco Fandango, America’s top ZZ Top tribute band, for three explosive shows at the Granbury Opera House on November 15-16. With their legendary beards, blinged-out Western wear, and scorching renditions of ZZ Top’s greatest hits, El Loco Fandango promises an unforgettable experience that ZZ Top fans won’t want to miss.
This incredible band might still be in its early years, but El Loco Fandango has taken the tribute scene by storm. Officially formed in 2021, the idea for the band came long before that. The trio’s founders—Don DiMasi, Mike Learn, and Tim Elliott—started hearing ZZ Top comparisons at local bars and shows, with people saying things like, “Hey, it’s ZZ Top!” That spark turned into a blaze when drummer Tim Elliott overheard the comment and threw out the idea: “Why don’t we make it official?” And just like that, El Loco Fandango was born!
For months, Don, Mike, and Tim dedicated themselves to capturing ZZ Top’s unique sound and style. Tribute bands aren’t just about playing music; they’re about creating a full experience where every detail—from the beards to the basslines—matters. To emulate ZZ Top’s unforgettable tone, El Loco Fandango worked meticulously on each song, studying not only the original recordings but also ZZ Top’s electrifying live performances. When the three musicians hit the stage, they don’t just play ZZ Top—they embody it.
Don DiMasi, affectionately known as “The Reverend Donny D,” holds down the lead guitar and vocals. He’s a seasoned rock ‘n’ roller, with a history that goes all the way back to high school in Wyoming, where he discovered his love for bands like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and, of course, ZZ Top. After years of touring and playing with notable acts like REO Speedwagon and Cheap Trick, Don is more than ready to channel his inner Billy Gibbons. With his wild beard, signature Texas swagger, and sheer guitar power, he’s an essential part of bringing ZZ Top to life on stage.
Then there’s Mike Learn, El Loco Fandango’s bassist, who’s been shredding the guitar for over 40 years and only recently switched to bass to fill in that “bottom end” of the ZZ Top sound. Mike is a renaissance man of rock, with an impressive career as an artist, luthier, and painter. In the custom motorcycle boom of the late ’90s and early 2000s, he was a top painter in the industry, earning the prestigious “Easyriders Painter of the Year Award” in 2004.
After the custom bike market cooled off, he pivoted into the music world, becoming a sought-after designer for top guitar brands like Jackson, Charvel, and Dean. His artwork has been seen in the hands of rock icons like Def Leppard, Queensrÿche, and Judas Priest. Today, with El Loco Fandango, he puts all that artistic fire into capturing the powerful basslines and legendary look of ZZ Top.
And let’s not forget Tim Elliott, the band’s “Frank Beardless” drummer and vocalist. A Colorado native, Tim has spent his life behind the drums, lending his talent to multiple tribute bands while also dedicating his time to charitable causes through his organization, Drumming Up Hope. A strong community supporter and rock lover, Tim’s passion shines through as he keeps the beat pounding for El Loco Fandango. With a few decades of drumming expertise, he’s a cornerstone of this tribute, staying true to Frank Beard’s timeless rhythms.
The trio’s journey to ZZ Top stardom isn’t just about the music—it’s about authenticity. From tracking down the perfect pieces of Western wear to ensuring every guitar and bass is decked out with that iconic ZZ Top bling, no detail has been spared. It turns out that being ZZ Top isn’t just about wearing a hat and some sunglasses; it’s about perfecting the vibe. Whether it’s the fine art of beard care or choosing the right rhinestone-studded jacket, the boys in El Loco Fandango have put in the work to deliver a ZZ Top experience like no other.
Since their first shows, El Loco Fandango has built a loyal fan base, solidifying their reputation as one of the top tribute acts in Colorado. This year, they’re venturing out to new states, bringing their rocking show to audiences far and wide. And now, they’re heading to Granbury, Texas, ZZ Top’s home state, where the Texas spirit runs as deep as a double bassline. For ZZ Top fans, seeing this tribute act in action is the next best thing to the real deal.
El Loco Fandango’s upcoming shows in Granbury promise a night of pure rock nostalgia, with crowd favorites like “La Grange,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” and “Legs” sure to get everyone out of their seats. The Granbury Opera House will be transformed into a Texas roadhouse as these three ZZ Top fans turned rockers put their own spin on the band’s 50-year legacy. It’s a show that’s bound to have fans dancing in the aisles, singing along, and remembering why ZZ Top remains one of the most beloved rock bands of all time.
So, mark your calendars for November 15-16, because you won’t want to miss this show! El Loco Fandango’s three performances at the Granbury Opera House will be packed with high-energy solos, booming basslines, and all the blues-rock grit you could hope for. Whether you’re a lifelong ZZ Top fan or new to their music, El Loco Fandango’s tribute is the perfect way to celebrate the Texas legends. Bring a friend, dress your best (ZZ Top would approve!), and get ready for a night of beards, bass, and beyond.
Tickets for El Loco Fandango are available now at www.granburytheatrecompany.org or by calling 817-579-0952. Grab yours before they sell out—this is one concert event that’ll have Granbury talking for a long time!
micky@hcnews.com
