ZZ Top ‘will continue after Dusty Hill’s death’ – Billy Gibbons confirms bassist’s wishes
Yesterday, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard confirmed the tragic news that their bassist Dusty Hill had died aged 72 in his sleep. Last week, the late rocker had pulled out of a concert as he was recovering from a hip injury and was replaced by the band’s guitar tech Elwood Francis. And now Billy has confirmed ZZ Top will not be breaking up, suggesting that Elwood could well be on the way to being the band’s new bassist as early as tomorrow, when they’re next set to perform in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
SiriusXM radio host Eddie Trunk wrote on Twitter that Billy texted him the news ZZ Top would continue, which has been confirmed by the band’s publicist Bob Merlis.
Eddie tweeted: “Received this just now via text from @BillyFGibbons regarding passing of Dusty Hill @ZZTop. Billy told me okay to share w/fans.”
Billy wrote: “As Dusty said upon his departure, ‘Let the show go on!’
“And…with respect, we’ll do well to get beyond this and honour his wishes.”
READ MORE: ZZ Top reveal HILARIOUS set story from their Back to the Future cameo
Billy added: “Dusty emphatically grabbed my arm and said, ‘Give Elwood [Francis] the bottom end and take it to the Top.’”
ZZ Top had cancelled their show in Simpsonville, South Carolina last night following news of Dusty’s death, but the rest of the tour from tomorrow remains set to go ahead.
So by the sounds of it, at least for the time being, Elwood will be playing bass in the late rocker’s stead.
The guitar tech has previously worked for the likes of Joe Perry and Guns N’ Roses’ Izzy Stradlin and Gilby Clarke.
ZZ Top’s statement upon Dusty’s death read: “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.”
ZZ Top’s 50th anniversary documentary film featuring Dusty Hill, ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band From Texas, is streaming on NOW.
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