Dusty Hill
ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill has died at age 72 at his home in Houston, TX. For over 50 years, Hill was ZZ Top’s bassist. A cause of death is currently unknown.
Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard issued a statement: “We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX. We, along with legions of ZZ Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the ‘Top’. We will forever be connected to that “Blues Shuffle in C.”
You will be missed greatly, amigo. Frank & Billy”
Gibbons and Beard performed their shows earlier this month without Hill, stating that the bassist had been forced to seek medical attention for “a hip issue.” Per Dusty’s request, the show must go on, the statement said. Elwood Francis, the band’s longtime guitar tech filled in.
Joseph Michael “Dusty” Hill was an American musician, singer, songwriter, bassist and secondary lead vocalist for ZZ Top. He also played keyboards with the band. As a member of ZZ Top, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
Born in Dallas, TX, Hill suffered a number of health issues in recent years. In 2000, ZZ Top canceled a European tour after Hill was diagnosed with hepatitis C.
On Friday, ZZ Top wrote in a Facebook post, “The members of ZZ Top, Billy, and Frank, would like to share that Dusty, their fearless Bass player, is on a short detour back to Texas, to address a hip issue. They await a speedy recovery and have him back pronto.
Per Dusty’s request “The show must go on!”. With that directive, ZZ Top has put the services of Mr. Elwood Francis, their trusted guitar tech of the past two decades, into play with his slide guitar, bass guitar, and harmonica playing in full swing. “And with Elwood to our right, rest assured ZZ Top will deliver their good time, signature show”, said Billy F Gibbons. “Billy’s big guitar, crushing drums from Mr. Beard, and Elwood securing the bottom end continues the delivery with those famous three chords we all dig”.
ZZ Top was best known for their heavy blues/rock and incorporated synthesized rhythms into their sound in the 1980s. Formed in 1969 in Houston, TX by vocalist and guitarist Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard (drums) and Dusty Hill (bass) joined in 1969 and 1970. Initially rooted in blues, the band’s style has evolved throughout their career, with a signature sound based on Gibbon’s blues guitar style and rhythm section of Hill and Beard. ZZ top reinvented themselves in the late 1970s with a new musical direction and their now famous public image. The band has released 15 studio albums and sold 50 million albums worldwide.
RIP. Condolences to the band, families, friends and fans. Dusty Hill will be sorely missed.
Dusty your stage presence will be greatly missed I would like to thank you ,you have left us with great albums of soulful music that will carry on for generations my thoughts and prayers for your family Billy Frank and all your fans .RIP Dusty
I can’t believe that Dusty Hill died! Dusty Hill will be greatly missed by his band mates and his FANS as well! Dusty Hill was a GREAT bass player for ZZ Top.! Dusty Hill will always be remembered forever!
I’m not a person to cry but a tear rolled down my cheek when I learned that Dusty had passed. My prayers go to you, Mr. Dust, and to you, Mrs. Dust for sure, as well. You will both be remembered in my heart for all my life.