ZZ Top's "Tush" — A Blues-Rock Anthem That Never Gets Old
Some songs are built to last forever, and "Tush" by ZZ Top is the perfect example. Released in 1975 on the album Fandango!, this lean, mean, two-minute blues-rock rocket became one of the most beloved tracks in classic rock history — and for good reason. Driven by Billy Gibbons' razor-sharp guitar lick, Dusty Hill's thumping bassline, and Frank Beard's locked-in groove, "Tush" is the rare song that says everything it needs to say and doesn't waste a single second doing it.
The Guitar Riff That Launched a Thousand Air Guitars
Even seasoned guitarists will tell you — that opening lick is deceptively simple and endlessly satisfying to play. Billy Gibbons, widely regarded as one of the finest blues-rock guitarists of all time, reportedly wrote "Tush" in about five minutes during a soundcheck. Jimi Hendrix was known to be a fan of Gibbons' playing, a fact that speaks volumes about the caliber of musicianship behind this track. The riff is so catchy, so perfectly constructed, that it lodges itself into your brain within the first three seconds — which explains why it's remained a radio staple for nearly five decades.
A Tribute Video Worthy of the Song
This fan-made compilation is widely considered one of the best unofficial music videos ever assembled for a classic rock track. The creator spent considerable time and care matching scenes from beloved films and television shows to the rhythm and spirit of "Tush," and the result is a joyful, nostalgic trip through the golden age of Hollywood and primetime television. Commenters have called the creator "a gentleman and a scholar" with "impeccable taste" — and it's hard to disagree.
The clips are drawn from a wide range of sources — from big-screen comedies and action films to classic TV series and even a touch of science fiction, with eagle-eyed viewers spotting nods to Star Trek and other beloved genre properties. The humor is light, the timing is sharp, and the ending — featuring a perfectly placed reaction shot — delivers a punchline that has delighted viewers for over a decade.
The Stars of the Compilation
The video celebrates several iconic actresses from the 1970s and 1980s who defined a generation of Hollywood glamour:
- Sally Field — Oscar-winning actress and early-career sex symbol, best known from this era for her roles in Smokey and the Bandit and her television work. Viewers in the comments agree she is a standout moment in the video.
- Heather Thomas — Best remembered as Jody Banks on the hit TV series The Fall Guy, Thomas became one of the defining pin-up icons of the early 1980s.
- Catherine Bach — Forever immortalized as Daisy Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard, Bach's signature look helped define an era of American pop culture.
- Jamie Lee Curtis — Celebrated scream queen and Academy Award winner, Curtis had a number of memorable film roles in this era that made her a natural fit for this compilation.
Fans in the comments also point out appearances from scenes in Smokey and the Bandit, Crocodile Dundee, Young Frankenstein, Married with Children, and the Elvis Presley film Tickle Me — a roster of pop culture touchstones that gives the video tremendous nostalgic appeal.
Why "Tush" Endures
There's a reason this song keeps appearing in movies, TV shows, commercials, and fan videos decades after its release. "Tush" taps into something timeless — the pure, uncomplicated joy of a perfectly executed blues-rock groove paired with lyrics that are cheeky without being mean-spirited. As one commenter summed it up: "Because of the subject matter, this song will NEVER be outdated."
ZZ Top — the power trio from Houston, Texas consisting of Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard — recorded together for over fifty years, making them one of the longest-running rock acts with an unchanged lineup in history. Their catalog spans Texas blues, hard rock, and synth-driven MTV-era pop, but "Tush" remains a cornerstone of their live shows and greatest-hits collections to this day.
A Love Letter to Classic Hollywood
Beyond its celebration of a great rock song, this video works as a genuine tribute to an era of filmmaking and television that emphasized practical glamour, natural charisma, and playful sensibility. The clips assembled here capture a moment in pop culture when movies and TV were brimming with personality, humor, and warmth. Whether you're here for the music, the nostalgia, or simply a few minutes of fun, this video delivers exactly what it promises — and then some.
If you grew up watching these films and shows, prepare for a wave of happy memories. And if you're discovering them for the first time, consider this your invitation to explore the golden age of Hollywood through one of rock and roll's most irresistible soundtracks.