ZZ Top mainman Billy Gibbons has revealed that he and bandmate Dusty Hill once turned down an offer of $1 million (£638,000) to shave off their beards.

The singer, who has sported a very lengthy beard since the group’s formation, told Brave Worlds that he and Hill were approached by Gillette, who offered them the staggering amount of money to shave.

Though still a hefty wedge by today’s standards, the offer came in 1984, meaning it would be worth $2.25 million (£1.44 million) in 2012.


Asked why he turned it down, Gibbons said: “No dice. Even adjusted for inflation, this isn’t going to fly. They prospect of seeing oneself in the mirror clean-shaven is too close to a Vincent Price film … a prospect not to be contemplated, no matter the compensation.”

The pair and their drummer, who is fittingly named Frank Beard, are currently working on their long-awaited 15th studio album in their home studio. The record, which is currently untitled, will be their first since 2003’s ‘Mescalero’.

