ROGER MORONEY
Think ZZ Top and you think big beards, big guitars and a customised 1933 Ford Coupe which inspired the Texan band's multi-platinum album Eliminator.
Guitarist Billy Gibbons, who formed the boogie-blues-rock band in 1969 with bass guitarist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard, arrived in Hawke's Bay yesterday, but not
for a gig - more a good look at the custom cars he loves.
The '33 and '34 Fords.
But he couldn't resist heading for a bit of a ``jam' with local musicians at The Music Machine shortly after arriving in Napier.
``What is it that brings hot rods and rock music together ... they're both fast and loud,' he said with a grin.
Instantly recognisable with the fiery beard, trademark hat and black stovepipes, Gibbons is the special guest of the Marineland Street Rods club, which is staging its major motor extravaganza at the Meeanee Domain tomorrow.
When asked how many cars he has, he replied: ``Thirty ... or are you asking how many are actually going?'
His pride-and-joy cars are Eliminator and CadZZilla.
``I love cars, always have.'
And what he had seen in New Zealand had impressed him.
``What we've seen so far has been exquisite, and I'm looking forward to the show on Sunday ... I go to as many car shows as I can.'
Renowned hot rod creator Peter Chapouris was also keen to return after checking out the show last year.
The boys arrived as part of a fleet of hot rods which cruised down from Auckland for the big weekend, which kicks off tomorrow with a rod run during the day and a ritzy dinner and dance at night.
