ZZ Top will continue as a band, despite the passing of their bassist Dusty Hill.
Hill passed away in his sleep according to the band’s website. He was 72 years old. The cause of death is also unknown.
Hill had stepped away from the band, citing a “hip issue”. The band also cancelled last night’s show at Simpsonville S.C, following news of Hill’s passing.
In a shared statement, Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard said, “We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, Texas”.
They also added, “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”.
More on this story here.
“Let the show go on”
Following this, SiriusXM radio presenter Eddie Trunk shared a text message he received from Gibbons, vowing that the band will continue.
“Received this just now via text from @BillyFGibbons regarding passing of Dusty Hill @ZZTop”, Trunk tweeted. “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”.
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
The band had kicked off their tour two weeks ago.
“A Celebration With ZZ Top” will also continue into August with dates in the far west, south and mid west of America. They will then play in the East, South and their native Texas in the fall.
ZZ Top will then begin a residency at the Venetician Theater in Las Vegas in early October. That was initially scheduled to take place last year, but had to be postponed due to the pandemic.
A coast to coast tour of Canada has also been pencilled in for April and May 2022.
ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons has also released new tracks as part of his recently released album Hardware. More on that here.
