ZZ Top incorporated New Wave and punk influences into their sound and performances, and embraced a more iconic image, with Gibbons and Hill sporting chest-length beards and sunglasses. In 1979, after returning from a one-and-a-half year break of touring, the group reinvented themselves with their hit album Degüello and the accompanying tour. They were successful as live performers, becoming known to fans as 'that little ol' band from Texas', and their 1973 album Tres Hombres, according to AllMusic, propelled the band to national attention and 'made them stars'. Molded into a professional act by manager Bill Ham, they were subsequently signed to London Records and released their debut album. After several incarnations, Hill and Beard joined within the following year. ZZ Top formed its initial lineup in 1969, consisting of Gibbons, Anthony Barajas (bass and keyboards) and Peter Perez (drums and percussion). Their lyrics often gave evidence of band's humor and thematically focus on personal experiences and sexual innuendos. Throughout their career they have maintained a sound based on Hill's and Beard's rhythm section support, accentuated by Gibbons' guitar and vocal style. ZZ Top's early sound was rooted in blues but eventually grew to exhibit contemporary influences. Formed in 1969, the group consists of Billy Gibbons (guitar and vocals), Dusty Hill (bass and vocals), and Frank Beard (percussion). ZZ Top is an American rock band from Houston, Texas.