The music world said goodbye to a rock and roll legend today.
Dusty Hill, the longtime bass player for the American rock band ZZ Top has passed away at the age of 72.
The news was shared by his bandmates, ZZ Top founder and guitar player Billy Gibbons, and drummer Frank Beard on Facebook:
“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.’
You will be missed greatly, amigo.
Frank & Billy”
Just a week ago, Dusty injured his hip and was forced to cancel a show, however the band had subbed in guitar tech Elwood Francis to continue touring for the rest of the summer.
There is no word on whether or not his death is related to the hip injury.
Of course, along with Billy, Dusty is known for sporting the iconic ZZ Top beard, and rocking out for the better part of the past 50 years. Formed in Houston, Texas, in 1969, ZZ Top’s debut album, affectionately titled, ZZ Top’s First Album, wasn’t released until 1971.
However by their 1973 album Tres Hombres, they were a household name with hits like “LaGrange” and “Tush.” They would eventually go on to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
