ZZ Top: The Big One! Tour

May 14, 2026 – Stir Cove – Council Bluffs, IA

Thursday night, May 14, 2026, brought another great night of live music to Stir Cove in Council Bluffs, Iowa, as ZZ Top rolled into town for the second show of Stir’s Summer Concert Series.

The weather looked a little questionable at first, and for a while it seemed like storms might be on the way. Thankfully, the rain held off, the skies cleared up, and it turned into a beautiful night for an outdoor rock show.

The evening kicked off with McKinley James, and he was a great fit to open the night. James is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter originally from Webster, New York, who later made the move to Nashville with his family. Music clearly runs deep for him. His father, Jason Smay, who has played drums with Los Straitjackets and J.D. McPherson, is part of his band, and together they bring a sound that feels rooted in classic rock, blues, and old-school rhythm and soul.

James has already built an impressive resume, including performing on stages across America and Europe. He also appeared on the cover art for Eric Church’s Mr. Misunderstood and even performed the album’s title track with Church at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in front of a sold-out crowd.

On the Stir Cove stage, McKinley James looked and sounded great. His guitar playing was sharp, his vocals were strong, and his band had a cool throwback sound that worked perfectly for the crowd. It was the kind of opening set that made people stop talking, pay attention, and realize they were watching someone with real talent. Great way to open the show.

After a brief intermission, it was time for ZZ Top.

Formed in Houston, Texas, in 1969, ZZ Top is one of the most recognizable rock bands of all time. For more than five decades, the band was known for its classic lineup of Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard. Their mix of blues rock, swagger, humor, and unmistakable style helped them create a sound that has stood the test of time.

ZZ Top has released 15 studio albums, sold an estimated 50 million records, won three MTV Video Music Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Billy Gibbons has also been recognized as one of the greatest guitarists in rock history, and once you hear him live, it is easy to understand why.

From the moment they took the stage, ZZ Top showed exactly why they are still such a fun band to see live. These guys know how to put on a show. They played the hits, brought the attitude, and gave the crowd exactly what they came for. Songs like “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “La Grange” still hit hard live, and the crowd was into it the entire night.

This was my third time seeing ZZ Top live, and they always deliver. There is something really cool about watching a band with that much history still come out and give fans a full night of great music. The sound, the style, the guitar tone, and the whole vibe are instantly recognizable.

ZZ Top gave the Council Bluffs crowd their money’s worth and proved once again why they are legends. Stir Cove’s Summer Concert Series is off to a strong start, and this show was another reminder of how great live music can be under the open sky.

I already can’t wait to see them again.