We have some sad news to report. The popular rock band ZZ Top’s leading frontman and quiet “long-bearded” bassist Dusty Hill, who was one-third of the greatest band on earth, unfortunately, passed away at age 72 peacefully in his sleep at his Texas home on Wednesday.
Variety reports his long-time guitarist Billy Gibbons and drummer Frank Beard announced Hill’s death on Wednesday—but says the band will continue to carry on and tour.
The cause of Hill’s death has not been revealed.
The band is best known for their famous hits, “Give Me All Your Lovin”, “Sharp Dressed Man”, “La Grange” and more.
Gibbons said per satellite radio host Eddie Trunk: “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.” Adding to his sentiments, “Dusty empathetically grabbed my arm and said, ‘Give Elwood the bottom end and take it to the Top.’Â He meant it, amigo. He really did.”
The ‘Elwood’ in Hill’s reported quote is his guitar technician Elwood Francis. The group’s most recent show with Elwood filling in for Hill who was very ill July 25 in Kentucky, when the band kicked off their tour July 16. They knew this would be the last time they would see Dusty again.
“We, along with the 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.”
Gibbons said in a statement on the passing of their friend Dusty Hill, “We, along with the 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.”
RIP Dusty Hill. You will be remembered for your awesome bass guitar playing and will be sorely missed by your family, friends and fans all around the world!
