When ZZ Top comes to Camden, NJ on September 17 with Lynyrd Skynyrd for MGK’s Big Gig, our listeners will see the timeless Billy Gibbons rocking on stage like it’s still the 1970s.

However, they might forget his brief career as a television actor in Bones when he marvelously pulled off a unique spin on a TV dad and kept his smooth rock star persona.

The ZZ Top front man appeared in seven episodes of the crime drama/comedy as Angela’s father.

Billy Gibbons in Bones

Bones ran for 12 seasons on Fox from 2005-2017. Michaela Conlin played Angela Montenegro, a police sketch artist for a crime lab. 

Her middle name, “Pearly-Gates,” is a clever reference to Gibbons’ iconic Les Paul guitar used to record every ZZ Top album since the band formed in 1969.

Although Bones never makes any direct references to his career with ZZ Top, the show effectively portrays Gibbons with aura legendary rock star.

Gibbons talked about his character with IMDB.

“I go out of my way to be the protective dad, somewhat overly so. When you get an opportunity to have a daughter as sweet and charming as Angie, you want to make sure that protection is there when needed.”

Rock Star Persona

The most memorable interactions come between Gibbons and Jack Hodgins, Angela’s love interest played by Ty Thyne.

In Gibbons’ second appearance in “Stargazer in a Puddle” (Season 2, Episode 21), Jack asks for his daughter’s hand in marriage.

The scenario leads to a chaotic chain of events. Jack must steal his future father-in-law’s car back from a group of gamblers to earn respect in the family.

Billy Gibbons pulls off the edgy intimidation of an overprotective father in a flawless way without compromising his legendary rock star status.

Although the car used in the episode doesn’t quite measure up to the famous “Eliminator” used in some of ZZ Top’s best music videos, it gives an additional allusion to the music career of Billy Gibbons.

Other interesting interactions include Gibbons stalking Jack after he breaks up with Angela and an idea for Jack and Angela’s child to be named Staccato Mamba.

Bones also stars Philadelphia area native David Boreanaz, a Malvern Prep graduate and Philadelphia Flyers super fan.

Get your tickets to see Billy Gibbons and ZZ Top with Lynyrd Skynyrd and special guest Uncle Kracker at MGK’s Big Gig in September.

You May Also Like:

ZZ Top: Their 40 Best Songs, Ranked

Andre Gardner is a 45 year radio broadcast professional who continues to live the dream.

Sign me up for the 102.9 WMGK At Work Network email newsletter!

Join WMGK's At Work Network and get the latest rock news, exclusive presales, contests and more straight to you inbox.

*
*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.