ZZ Top – Legs
A blues-rock anthem with synth swagger and MTV flash
Released in May 1984 as the fourth single from Eliminator, “Legs” marked a turning point for ZZ Top. Known through the ’70s for their gritty Texas blues, the band leaned into synths, drum machines, and slick production to create a sound that was still ZZ Top — just turbocharged for the MTV era.
Synths, Style, and Southern Heat
“Legs” keeps the band’s bluesy DNA intact but wraps it in a high-gloss, electronic edge. Billy Gibbons’ guitar tone is still unmistakable, but now it rides alongside synth bass, programmed drums, and a robotic groove that gave the track a strutting, danceable feel. The production, led by Bill Ham, was part of a deliberate shift — one that helped Eliminator sell over 10 million copies.
Lyrically Simple, Visually Iconic
The lyrics are cheeky and direct: a celebration of confidence, independence, and, well, legs. But it was the music video that turned “Legs” into a pop culture moment. Directed by Tim Newman, it featured the now-iconic Eliminator Girls — Jeana Keough, Kymberly Herrin, and Danièle Arnaud — who rescue a shy sales clerk and give her a glam makeover. Add in spinning furry guitars, a cherry-red hot rod, and the band’s signature beards and shades, and you’ve got a video that defined early MTV cool.
Chart Performance
“Legs” became one of ZZ Top’s biggest hits, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 — their highest-charting U.S. single. It also hit No. 16 in the UK, and the dance remix climbed to No. 13 on the U.S. Dance Club chart. The video won Best Group Video at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards, cementing the band’s unlikely status as visual icons.
Still Hitting Home
“Legs” wasn’t just a hit — it was a reinvention. ZZ Top managed to modernize their sound without losing their identity, blending blues grit with synth-pop gloss in a way that felt fresh, not forced. It’s still a staple of their live shows and a reminder that even the most rooted bands can evolve — and strut — with style.