ZZ Top star Dusty Hill has died, aged 72.
His bandmates, Frank Beard and Billy Gibbons, confirmed the sad news on Facebook, paying tribute to the musician.
In a sad post on the group’s official page, they 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. Frank & Billy.’
Hill’s cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
Heartbroken fans rushed to offer their condolences to the musicians, as well as Hill’s family and friends.
‘ZZ Top was the first concert my mother took me to see waaaay back. Sending all the love.. RIP Dusty,’ a follower wrote.
‘My sincerely condolences to the band, Dusty’s family and friends. Just a huge loss,’ another commented.
‘RIP Dusty, you played a mean bass and the blues like nobody’s business. You’ll be missed for sure,’ one penned.
As a Facebook user added: ‘My deepest condolences. Thanks for the music Dusty.’
Hill was one of the founding members of ZZ Top, launching the group in 1969 and serving as their lead bass player.
They dropped their first album, aptly named ZZ Top’s First Album, two years later.
It wasn’t until the release of Eliminator, in 1983, that the band soared up the charts, where they remained for decades.
The group were honoured for their music by being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
They also landed a spot on the Glastonbury line-up in 2016, playing the Pyramid Stage beside Adele, Muse and Coldplay.
Hill was forced to take a backseat from the group’s live performances across the US recently after a hip injury.
They confirmed the news on social media, wishing him a ‘speedy recovery’ at the time.
‘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,’ they posted on Facebook.
‘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”.’
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