Among all the excited fans crowded into Credit Union Place to see ZZ Top Tuesday night, James Anderson stood out.
James and his wife Stephanie, of Montague, were at the very front of the line in the VIP section, eagerly waiting to be shepherded to their primo seats – and a chance to meet the band.
James had been waiting most of his life for a chance like this one. ZZ Top has been his favourite musical act for pretty much his whole life.
“I’ve been wanting to see them since forever,” said James.
Stephanie surprised him with the tickets.
“We do everything for our kids,” she said, adding that James was debating spending the money to get regular priced tickets, but she decided to splurge a little and treat him to the expensive VIP tickets, as a thank you for hard work.
He appreciated the gift, said James, and intended to enjoy every minute of the concert.
Down the hall in the other, much longer, lineup to get into the regular seating, were three members of the Barta family, of Richmond.
Jim Barta bought tickets for himself and his son and daughter, David and Emily. They’ve got something of a classic rock checklist going as they’ve seen a number of live acts together, like Whitesnake, Judas Priest and Van Halen.
“All the classics,” laughed Jim.
“Gotta learn from the best,” added David.
This was ZZ Top’s first time playing a gig on P.E.I. and was rare appearance in even Atlantic Canada. Their only other stop in the area on this tour was Saint John.
Famous for the long beards and sunglasses worn by guitarist and vocalist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill, ZZ Top is one of the most prolific and long-lasting rock acts in the world. They formed in Texas in 1970.
@JournalpMacLean
