Field Note: Issue 2 The Little Ol’ Band from Texas and The Little Ol' Beard Co from Saskatchewan

Field Note: Issue 2 The Little Ol’ Band from Texas and The Little Ol' Beard Co from Saskatchewan

Back in late May, we received a message through our website’s contact form. I’ll be honest—my first thought was, “This has got to be a scam.” But after a couple of close reads, something about it seemed legit. The email included a phone number, so I decided to call.

Turns out, it was real. A SaskTel Centre event organizer had reached out to ask if we’d provide a welcome gift for none other than the most iconic, legendary beards in rock... ZZ Top.

We jumped on the opportunity.

The initial request was for a custom-engraved beard comb to commemorate ZZ Top’s Saskatoon stop on the ELEVATION Tour. The engraving read:

“The ELEVATION Tour – SaskTel Centre 2025.”

Done and done.

But we couldn’t stop there.

We put together a full Calibre package for each band member (yes, Mr. Frank Beard—it all works great on mustaches too):

  • A custom-labeled bottle of our Fisticuffs Beard Oil and matching balm

  • A tin of Huckleberry Mustache Wax

  • Our flagship Gunsmoke Oil & Balm in classic Calibre labeling

  • And of course, the engraved beard comb

What an honour.

This all sparked a bit of buzz, too. I had a great chat with Evan Bray on 650 CKOM’s morning show about the opportunity, beard culture, and the evolution of our brand—from the workbench to ZZ Top.

When you think of ZZ Top, you think of beards that have stood the test of time. These guys have been doing their thing since 1969—with grit, swagger, and style. And through it all, they’ve stayed true to their look. A perfect Calibre fit.

We’d be remiss not to honour Dusty Hill, who passed away in 2021 after more than 50 years holding down the low end and bringing serious beard power to the trio.

Dusty’s presence helped shape not just the sound of ZZ Top, but the iconic look that’s inspired generations. His longtime guitar tech, Elwood Francis, stepped in following his passing—and let’s just say, the man’s beard does not disappoint. The legacy lives on.

Though we didn’t get the chance to meet the band in person, we’re humbled to know that the little ol’ band from Texas has heard about the little ol’ beard company from Saskatchewan.

Thank you to SaskTel Centre.
Thank you to Evan Bray, 650 CKOM & 980 CJME.
And thank you to ZZ Top—for keeping the bearded tradition alive.

Stay bearded. Stay manly.
Calibre Beard Co.

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