Cheap Sunglasses

Based in Vancouver WA

✨ Cheap Sunglasses, a high-energy ZZ Top tribute act

that brings the legendary Texas trio’s signature sound, look, and attitude to the stage. 

From the gritty blues-rock grooves of “La Grange” to the chart-topping swagger of “Sharp Dressed Man,”

We deliver an authentic and electrifying live experience that fans of all ages will love.

 

 About Cheap Sunglasses:

 

 • Authenticity:

 Faithful recreations of ZZ Top’s greatest hits, complete with signature beards, guitars, and stage presence.

 • Professionalism:

 We are three seasoned musicians who have 100+  years of performance experience collectively at clubs, festivals, private events, casinos, and arenas.

 • Flexible Setup:

We can tailor our set to fit your schedule—whether it’s a 60-minute showcase or a full 2+ hour performance.

 • Audience Appeal:

Our show is a hit with classic rock lovers, blues fans, and anyone looking to party to iconic, crowd-pleasing music. 

 

We’d love the opportunity to bring the “little ol’ band from Texas” experience to your roster or venue.

 

NEWS

Still Searching for the Right Word describing Cheap Sunglasses: A ZZ Top tribute band with Swagger and Soul

After a long, loud 4th of July, where the fireworks kept popping well into the night, sleep was more of a suggestion than a reality. I wasn’t sure if I had the energy to go out again. Saturday came, and I was still dragging. But then I saw a ZZ Top tribute band playing at The Headliner. They are a band based out of Vancouver Washington. I debated whether I had enough energy to go out. After three Ultimate Harefest festivals with 23 rock tribute bands, I am a tribute band fan. The decision was easy, I can't miss an opportunity to see a ZZ top cover band. 

This band rocks The guitar solos were electric, the band was locked in, and every note felt like a jolt of pure energy. You could feel it in the room—people weren’t just watching a show; they were experiencing it. They delivered a  blues experience with a rock edge and soul-deep emotion—gritty, powerful, and electrified with searing guitar solos. Every ZZ Top song hit hard, leaving a lasting punch.

When Cheap Sunglasses kicked off their set with ZZ Top’s iconic “Cheap Sunglasses,” I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was their third gig, after all. But the second that opening riff hit—and the first guitar solo screamed through the speakers—I was all in. The sound was sharp, clean, and enjoyable.

 It was a no-nonsense setlist full of ZZ Top heavy hitters. What followed was one blazing guitar solo after another, each bursting with raw energy and thrown in with energetic songs with slide guitar brilliance.

They performed ZZ Top’s most iconic hits—“La Grange,” “Tush,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “Jesus Just Left Chicago”—with the kind of grit, groove, and guitar-driven songs that define true Texas blues-rock.

The Lineup That Rocks:

Lowell, on guitar and brought that signature ZZ Top sound with a voice soaked in blues and grit—“Jesus Just Left Chicago” never sounded better.

Steady on bass, Angelo laid down grooves that let every song rock, showing off a gut-level bass sound you feel more than hear.

Bryce on drums? Absolutely rock solid. As the heartbeat of the band, he locked in the rhythm from the start—and the rest followed in sync.

The band didn’t just play ZZ Top—they lived the sound. “Sharp Dressed Man” rolled out with another blistering solo, and the kind of performance that makes tribute bands truly stand out.

A great tribute band captures the essence of the original work, strong stage presence, and excellent musicianship—delivering every note, riff, and rhythm with confidence. From the lead singer’s voice to the band’s energy and instrumental execution, the performance should leave the audience feeling like they’ve just experienced an unforgettable tribute to the original band.

They weren’t just performing—they were having a blast. But they did not have the iconic Amish looking beards. They were short on  beards,  long on riffs.

With a guitar in one hand and taking a sip of his drink in the other, Lowell kept playing mid-song with one hand like it was second nature. And when they took on “Hey Joe,” they made it their own, layering it with bluesy richness and emotionally driven guitar solos. Every track was followed by another killer guitar  solo, as if the band had a secret vault of guitar riffs they were dying to unleash.

Final Thoughts:

It’s hard to believe this was their third major gig together. Their chemistry, timing, and stage presence all said otherwise. They didn’t just cover ZZ Top—they channeled the essence of Texas blues-rock with effortless cool and top charting ZZ Top songs.
I look forward to their next performance. A night listening to Cheap Sunglasses was a reminder of the original band’s nostalgic tunes and iconic sound. They did ZZ Top proud. If you are a ZZ top fan or just like 70s rock, they are must see.

Mike Cheavalier

Surfside Washington News 7/6/20205