Dusty Hill, bassist for iconic rock group ZZ Top, dies at 72
Dusty Hill, bassist for the iconic rock band ZZ Top, has died just days after he had taken a leave of absence due to a hip issue, the group said Wednesday.
"We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX," according to a statement posted to the group's social media feeds.
"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."
The message was signed by the group's other members, drummer Frank Beard and guitarist Billy Gibbons.
The band was scheduled to play Wednesday night at CCNB Amphitheater at Heritage Park in Simpsonsville, South Carolina. But a venue manager confirmed to NBC News on Wednesday afternoon that the show has been cancelled.
Just this past Friday, the group announced that Hill, its "fearless" bass player, was "on a short detour back to Texas, to address a hip issue."
"They await a speedy recovery ... Per Dusty’s request 'The show must go on!'” last week's statement continued.
"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.“
The Texas natives Gibbons, Beard and Hill — with Gibbons and Hill sporting long, distinctive beards and the whole trio wearing dark sunglasses — comprised one of the most well known bands of the 1980s.
ZZ Top has been nominated for three Grammy Awards: In 1983 for best rock performance by a group for the album "Eliminator," in 1986 in that same category for the album "Afterburner" and last year for best music film for "That Little Ol' Band From Texas."
The "Little" documentary "tells the story of how three oddball teenage bluesmen - Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard – became one of the biggest, most beloved bands on the planet, all while maintaining a surrealist mystique that continues to intrigue fans and entice onlookers," according to the group.
"Legs," from the "Eliminator" album, was the 60th biggest Billboard hit of 1984. But that ranking belies the song's staying power, thanks to a highly stylized music video in the art form's early years.
This is a breaking news story, please check back for updates.
