Legendary ZZ Top bassist, Dusty Hill has died at the age of 72. The news was confirmed by the blues-rocker's surviving members via social media yesterday (Wed 28th).
“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,'” the post said.
“You will be missed greatly, amigo,” signed by Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard.
Joseph Michael Hill, aka Dusty Hill, started out playing in the Warlocks alongside his brother Rocky Hill and ZZ Top’s Beard during the 1960s. Following Rocky’s departure, Beard and Hill teamed up with Billy Gibbons and ZZ Top was born. In the that followed, the band found their legendary rock status with a string of hits like, “Sharp Dressed Man,” “La Grange,” “Legs” and more.
ZZ Top | “Sharp Dressed Man”
Hill had played with the Texas blues-rockers since 1970 and also appeared in films like Back to the Future III and television shows like King of the Hill.
Just a few days ago, ZZ Top announced on social media that Hill would be taking time out from the band’s current U.S. tour dates to “address a hip issue” and wished their bandmate a “speedy recovery.”
See some tributes from fellow rockers below.
Rest In Peace #DustyHill of @ZZTop. My thoughts go out to @BillyfGibbons and Frank Beard and all the #ZZTop fans around the world pic.twitter.com/FLu71RF62V
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) 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
RIP Dusty Hill.
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