Rock band ZZ Tops bassist Dusty Hill dies at 72

ZZ Top’s bassist Dusty Hill has passed away, according to TMZ reports. The longtime bassist succumbed to death, aged 72, at his home in Houston, Texas.

Bandmates and friends, Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard took to social media to share the news and wrote, “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.”

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The reason for Dusty’s death is unclear. However, there have been speculations that it could be related to his recent hip injury which caused him to withdraw from a few shows across America.

ZZ Top had recently taken to Facebook to announce Dusty Hill’s injury and wished him a speedy recovery, writing, “The members of ZZ Top, Billy, and Frank, would like to share that Dusty, their fearless Bass player, is on a short detour back to Texas, to address a hip issue. They await a speedy recovery and have him back pronto.”

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The band further announced his replacement and shared, “Per Dusty’s request “The show must go on!”. 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.”

“And with Elwood to our right, rest assured ZZ Top will deliver their good time, signature show”, said Billy F Gibbons. “Billy’s big guitar, crushing drums from Mr Beard, and Elwood securing the bottom end continues the delivery with those famous three chords we all dig,” it added.

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Dusty Hill was one of the founding members of the rock band. Apart from being the lead bassist, he was also the secondary lead vocalist. The band debuted in 1969.