ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill dead at 72
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Dusty Hill, bassist and secondary lead vocalist for popular American legendary Southern blues-rock trio ZZ Top, has died at the age of 72. This was announced in the band’s Face Book page last week.
According to a post on the band’s official Facebook page by his band mates of the past 52 years, Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard revealed that Hill died in his sleep at his home in Houston, Texas last week. They did not give further details.
‘We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, Texas,’ read the band’s statement. ‘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’ Gibbons and Beard said.
Earlier in July, ZZ Top had announced that Dusty Hill would not play some upcoming shows due to a hip injury. Known for his bushy beard and sunglasses, Hill played with ZZ Top for over 50 years.
Born Joseph Michael Hill, the bassist originally played guitar alongside his brother Rocky in Dallas before moving to Houston and joining Beard.
ZZ Top was founded in 1969, and played their first live concert the following year.
The trio would go on to release 15 studio and four live albums, with hit singles like ‘Gimme All Your Lovin’, ‘Sleeping Bag’, and ‘Viva Las Vegas’.
ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.