The Fabulous Thunderbirds with "Look at That" from Austin City Limits

Witness a blistering display of Texas blues-rock as the legendary Fabulous Thunderbirds lay down a swaggering rendition of "Look at That." Recorded live for the iconic television program Austin City Limits in Austin, Texas, and broadcast during the show's 12th season in 1987, this performance captures the band at the absolute peak of their commercial success. Radiating effortless cool, Kim Wilson and Jimmie Vaughan lead the quintet through a masterclass in roadhouse rhythm and blues, making this a standout moment in the program's rich archival history. The Performance This appearance is a masterclass in musical economy and relentless groove, blending the grit of traditional swamp blues with the massive, overdriven power of Texas rock and roll. The Rhythmic Interplay: While many blues-rock outfits rely on frantic energy, the Thunderbirds master the art of the deep, swaggering pocket. Fran Christina’s rock-solid, driving drumbeat locks in perfectly with Preston Hubbard’s thick, walking bassline, creating a relentless, hypnotic groove that anchors the entire track and demands physical movement. The Signature Tone: Jimmie Vaughan’s guitar work here is characteristically greasy and deeply expressive. Armed with his signature Fender Stratocaster and a tone steeped in Texas mud, Vaughan employs his trademark "less is more" approach, letting every biting chord and stinging lead line breathe. The chemistry between his tasteful solos and Kim Wilson's booming vocals and wailing harmonica creates a massive wall of sound that feels simultaneously precise and effortlessly loose. The Atmosphere: Returning to their home turf in Austin, the band feeds off the raucous energy of the local crowd, capturing the gritty, roadhouse vibe that defined the city's legendary live music scene. In front of the famous Austin skyline backdrop, the ensemble proves their onstage telepathy remains unmatched, turning the studio into a massive, head-bobbing blues party. About the Song: "Look at That" Originally recorded for their massive 1986 commercial breakthrough album, Tuff Enuff, "Look at That" is a quintessential slice of Texas blues storytelling. The 1986 Success: Showcasing the band's trademark attitude and knack for infectious hooks, the track became a major rock radio staple. Produced by Dave Edmunds, the song perfectly balanced the band's raw, sweaty live sound with a polished, radio-friendly punch, helping propel the Tuff Enuff album to platinum status and cementing the Thunderbirds as global superstars. A Cultural Standard: The song remains an essential piece of the band's mythology. This hometown performance brought the track's infectious, gritty groove to a passionate Texas audience, cementing its status as a canonical blues-rock standard that celebrates the effortlessly cool style of the American South. Performance Details Lead Vocals & Harmonica: Kim Wilson Lead Guitar: Jimmie Vaughan Bass: Preston Hubbard Drums: Fran Christina Song: "Look at That" Program: Austin City Limits (Season 12) Recording Location: Austin, TX Broadcast Year: 1987 Songwriter: Kim Wilson Genre: Blues Rock / Texas Blues If this swampy, fuzz-drenched performance moved you, please LIKE, COMMENT with your favorite Fabulous Thunderbirds track, and SUBSCRIBE! #TheFabulousThunderbirds #LookAtThat #AustinCityLimits #1987 #KimWilson #JimmieVaughan #TexasBlues #BluesRock #ClassicRock #MusicHistory #LiveMusic #80sMusic

Added 27 Jul 2026