Heard It On The X

Tune into ZZ Top's "Heard It On The X," a hard-rocking tribute to powerful border radio stations from their 1975 album Fandango!. Featuring shared lead vocals between Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill, this bluesy track captures the raw energy and outlaw spirit of discovering music beamed across borders.

Released on the unique half-live, half-studio album Fandango! in 1975, "Heard It On The X" stands out with its shared lead vocal duties. Guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill trade verses, giving the hard rock track a dynamic conversational feel. Its driving blues-rock shuffle and raw energy capture the signature sound of early-mid 70s ZZ Top, powered by their unmistakable Texas groove.

The song's lyrics are a direct homage to the legendary high-wattage AM "border blaster" radio stations broadcasting from Mexico (like the famous XERF). These stations reached deep into the US, playing blues, R&B, and rock often absent from mainstream American airwaves during that era. "Heard It On The X" celebrates that rebellious spirit and musical discovery, remaining a beloved hard rock fan favorite from 1975.

SONG MEANING: "Heard It On The X" is a tribute to the powerful, unregulated AM radio stations located just south of the US-Mexico border, whose call signs often started with "X" (e.g., XERF, XERB). These "border blasters" could be heard far into the US, playing blues, rock and roll, and R&B music often unavailable on more restricted American stations, serving as a vital musical lifeline for many listeners.