ZZ Top Bassist Dusty Hill Dies At 72
• UPDATED: Dusty Hill, one third of ZZ Top, “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas,” for more than 50 years, has died, the group’s longtime rep confirmed. He was 72 years old.
ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard issued a statement on social media that reads, “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.”
On July 23, the band, currently on tour, had posted a message on its Facebook page stating that Dusty “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.”
Yesterday, SiriusXM personality Eddie Trunk shared a text message he had received from Billy Gibbons (and approved to share with fans), which read, in part, “As Dusty said upon his departure, ‘Let the show go on!’ and… with respect, we’ll do well to get beyond this and honor his wishes.” The message continued, “Dusty emphatically grabbed my arm and said, ‘Give Elwood the bottom end and take it to the Top.’ He meant it, amigo. He really did.”
• As a tribute to Dusty, SuiteRadio’s Donna McKenzie is hosting a six-song retrospective on him and the band. It runs 24:10, is inventory-free, fully produced and totally turnkey. For download instructions, hit up Ed Moloney at ed@suiteradio.net.
• Benztown has also made available an Audio Tribute to Dusty Hill, written and voiced by Bill Royal and produced by Matt Anderson.
• And may we suggest that you watch — or re-watch — the excellent documentary, ZZ Top: That Little ‘Ol Band From Texas on a streaming service near you.
