Dusty Hill, the bassist for ZZ Top, has died. He was 72.
Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard of the Texas-based trio issued a statement writing: “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,” the statement added.
Hill was a longtime member of the Texas blues rock group for over 50 years. No cause of death was given.
Hill had been dealing with a health concern related to a hip issue as recently as Friday, the band revealed, adding that they were awaiting “a speedy recovery” and hoping to “have him back pronto.”
“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,” the Facebook post read. “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.”
This post first appeared on Rock Confidential.
Dusty Hill, ZZ Top Bassist, Dead At 72
