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Billy Gibbons Repeats Claim Gillette Offered ZZ Top $1 Million Each to Shave

He says the disputed 1980s proposal was turned down to preserve the band's image.

Overview

  • On Jay Mohr’s Mohr Stories podcast, Gibbons said he and the late Dusty Hill were offered $1 million per man to shave their beards for a commercial.
  • He recounted consulting publicist Bob Merlis, then deciding to pass on the deal to maintain the group’s trademark look.
  • Gibbons said Gillette denies making the offer, and People reported it has requested comment from the company.
  • The guitarist has mentioned the alleged pitch before, including a 2012 remark that he never seriously considered it.
  • ZZ Top remains active on the road with bassist Elwood Francis, with a slate of North American dates scheduled for spring 2026.