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Billy Gibbons Says ZZ Top Turned Down $1 Million Each to Shave Beards in 1980s Offer

Gibbons cast the refusal as a choice to protect a defining part of the band’s identity.

Overview

  • In a Jan. 6 appearance on Jay Mohr’s Mohr Stories podcast, Gibbons said Gillette offered him and bassist Dusty Hill $1 million apiece in the 1980s to shave on camera.
  • Gibbons said the razor brand denies making the offer and People reported it has requested comment from Gillette.
  • He recounted consulting publicist Bob Merlis, who cautioned them, leading the band to reject the deal.
  • Reports commonly date the proposal to 1984, which would equal roughly $3.1 million per person today after inflation.
  • Coverage notes ZZ Top continues to tour with bassist Elwood Francis following Hill’s 2021 death, with U.S. dates starting in March and European shows planned for the summer.