No cause of death has been revealed
ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill has passed away at the age of 72. The band shared the announcement via a press 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,'” Frank Beard and Billy Gibbons share.
No cause of death was revealed as of press time, but last week, Hill returned to Texas during the band’s newly launched tour to address a hip issue.
“‘Per Dusty’s request ‘The show must go on!,'” the band shared over the weekend. “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.”
On July 16th, the band returned to the road after a 16 month hiatus necessitated by the worldwide pandemic. A residency at The Venetian Theater in Las Vegas is also set for October after being postponed from last year. Tonight’s (July 28th) show in Simpsonville, SC has been canceled. No word on future dates, but the band will likely continue as Gibbons tells 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.”
We will have more details as they become available.
Per usual, celebs have shared their thoughts via social media.
Received this just now via text from @BillyFGibbons regarding passing of Dusty Hill @ZZTop . Billy told me okay to share w/fans: 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.
— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) July 28, 2021
Also this from @BillyFGibbons @ZZTop : 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.— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) July 28, 2021
WOW! Dusty Hill. What an icon. @ZZTop ’s bassist forever. So unique. Always a gentleman from the days of us opening for them through the recent days of them opening for us. I don’t know what to say but “Thank you” and “Rest however you damn well choose!” https://t.co/tHfjLy1xbj
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) July 28, 2021
So sad to hear about Dusty Hill. An all-time great bass player, and a rock and roll institution. Breaks my heart. @ZZTop
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) July 28, 2021
Ahhhh man, I love Dusty Hill. A true rocker. What a straight jammer https://t.co/k6L53JlhW6
— Flea (@flea333) July 28, 2021
Damn it’s been a BRUTAL month for musician deaths…Heaven just obtained the most eclectic band ever assembled 😔
RIP Joey Jordison (Drums)
RIP Dusty Hill (Bass)
RIP Mike Howe (Vocals)
RIP Jeff LaBar (Guitar)
RIP Gary Corbett (Keys)
RIP Robby Steinhardt (Violin)
RIP Biz Markie pic.twitter.com/G1nD9SxPiQ— Mike Portnoy 🤘 (@MikePortnoy) July 28, 2021
Rest In Peace, Dusty Hill. pic.twitter.com/ixiyNk4Mhz
— TIDAL (@TIDAL) July 28, 2021
"And there's @ZZTop and you can't forget…"-Charlie Daniels 1974
Saddened to hear about the passing of Dusty Hill. I met him in Knoxville in the 80s & he told how he made everyone in the bar he frequented be quiet when that line came on the jukebox. Rest in peace, Dusty.-CD, Jr.— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) July 28, 2021
Rest in peace to the legendary @ZZTop bassist and Texan, Dusty Hill. We always loved to watch him on our stage. With ZZ Top’s connection to Houston, they understood the significance of the Rodeo and always performed with a high level of creative energy. ❤️ #RIPDustyHill pic.twitter.com/4Z52NMqGnd
— RODEOHOUSTON (@RODEOHOUSTON) July 28, 2021
Our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Dusty Hill. We are also thinking of our brothers in the band & crew for ZZ Top. 🙏🎸♥️ pic.twitter.com/2fTYg9mB9x
— Thorogood&Destroyers (@thorogoodmusic) July 28, 2021
RIP Dusty Hill pic.twitter.com/L0NNclWW0G
— William Patrick Corgan (@Billy) July 28, 2021
Texas takes off its cowboy hat today. Rock and roll has been stopped in its tracks. Dusty Hill you will always be bad, nationwide, and much missed. My deepest condolences to the @ZZTop family, and to Dusty's loved ones who number many 🙏 https://t.co/aKTF3n9ESs
— Martha Quinn Ⓥ (@MarthaQuinn) July 28, 2021