Billy Gibbons has confirmed that the long-standing rumored offer was real and they turned it down
ZZ Top frontman Billy Gibbons confirmed that he and the band’s late bassist Dusty Hill were once offered $1 million each to shave their famously long beards for a Gillette commercial in the 1980s — an offer that the band ultimately declined. Gibbons reaffirmed the story during an appearance on the Mohr Stories podcast with comedian and host Jay Mohr, with his comments transcribed by Blabbermouth and reported in the article.
Gibbons said, “It’s true,” acknowledging the offer but noting that the razor company “deny it.” He elaborated on the conversation, saying “It was a million dollars per man. But we called Mr. Merlis [music industry veteran Bob Merlis]. I said, ‘Bob, we got this offer.’ ‘What?’ I said, ‘We’ve been offered a million dollars each to shave on TV.’” Gibbons then quoted Merlis’s reaction: “‘Well,’ he said, ‘The money’s good. You might as well consider doing it, but I’m not so sure you guys — any of you guys — know what’s under there.’ So we passed. We passed, and our fans loved it. Word got out.”
The article explains that Gillette allegedly made the offer as an opportunity to feature the band’s iconic look — heavily defined by the long beards of Gibbons and Hill — in a television commercial. ZZ Top chose to keep their signature appearance, a decision that fans reportedly appreciated and that helped maintain the band’s distinctive image. Current ZZ Top bassist Elwood Francis, who replaced Hill after his passing in 2021, is noted to also have grown a notable beard, continuing the visual legacy. The piece also mentions ZZ Top’s extensive 2026 tour plans, including headlining shows and co-headlining dates with country star Dwight Yoakam, with Gibbons set to embark on a busy year of performances in support of the band’s enduring career.
ZZ Top have been rocking strong together for five decades. The band formed in Houston, TX in 1969 and released their debut album in 1971. To date, the band has released 15 studio albums that have produced countless hit rock anthems.
From 1983-1990, ZZ Top enjoyed their greatest commercial success, infusing elements of new wave, punk, and synth-pop into their bluesy riff-rock. The band released three albums in this span – Eliminator, Afterburner, and Recycler – all of which debuted in the Top 10 on the Billboard Top 200.
The band’s music videos for “Legs”, “Rough Boy”, and“Sharp Dressed Man” all garnered MTV Video Music Awards for the band. With 13 multi-platinum albums, and 1 diamond album, ZZ Top have sold over 25 million albums sold in the U.S. alone. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
In 2021, founding bassist Dusty Hill passed away at the age of 72.
Black Stone Cherry released their latest LP Screamin’ At the Sky on September 29 through Mascot Label Group. The record is anchored by the lead single, “Nervous.” The album is available on CD, vinyl, and digital download. A limited edition blue vinyl box set is also available, which includes a poster, record slipcover, black and white lithograph, and autographed band member cards.