Did Billy Gibbons Really Warn Night Ranger About a “Most Poisonous” Scorpion? 🦂

Brad Gillis Recalls the Bizarre Scorpion Incident With ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons On this episode of Talking Guitars on Johnny Beane TV, we dive into one of the strangest backstage stories from Night Ranger’s early days on the road with ZZ Top. After briefly joining Ozzy Osbourne’s band following the tragic death of Randy Rhoads, guitarist Brad Gillis returned to Night Ranger and immediately found himself touring with some of rock’s biggest names, including KISS and ZZ Top. Gillis remembers how warmly both legendary bands treated Night Ranger—but one ZZ Top tour produced an unforgettable backstage incident involving bassist Jack Blades and a tiny scorpion. 🦂 The Scorpion Incident Night Ranger was touring with ZZ Top during the band’s early years. Billy Gibbons frequently hung out backstage with the younger band. During one show, reportedly in New Mexico, Jack Blades left his coat or shirt on a chair. A baby scorpion apparently crawled inside the clothing. After the show, Blades put the garment back on—and was stung by the scorpion. When Gibbons heard what happened, he reportedly asked if it was a small scorpion. When Blades said yes, Gibbons warned: “Those are the most poisonous.” Blades was taken to the hospital and successfully treated. The scorpion was captured and eventually preserved in a glass display. Billy Gibbons reportedly turned it into a bizarre souvenir for Blades, complete with a message wishing him mercy! 🎸 From Backstage Pranks to Rock History What makes the story even more memorable is the friendship between the bands. Gillis says ZZ Top essentially took Night Ranger under their wing when they were still a new group riding the success of “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me.” More than 40 years later, Night Ranger and ZZ Top are still sharing stages, making Gillis’s memories of the band—and especially the late Frank Beard—even more meaningful. It’s one of those incredible rock-and-roll stories that sounds completely made up… until you hear it from someone who was actually there. What would YOU do if you put on your jacket and got stung by a scorpion backstage? 🦂😂 #TalkingGuitars #JohnnyBeaneTV #BradGillis #NightRanger #ZZTop #BillyGibbons #JackBlades #FrankBeard #ElectricGuitar #GuitarPlayers #RockAndRoll #ClassicRock #GuitarHistory #RockHistory #OzzyOsbourne #RandyRhoads #KISS