Longtime bassist and secondary lead vocalist of ZZ Top, Joseph Michael “Dusty” Hill has died at the age of 72. Guitarist, lead and backing vocalist Billy Gibbons and drummer, percussionist and backing vocalist Frank Beard broke the news today with the below message.
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 last week, ZZ Top revealed that Dusty had to skip performing live with the band to travel back to his home state of Texas to deal with a hip issue. The band’s guitar tech of the past two decades, Elwood Francis was announced has Dusty’s temporary replacement.
in 2004 Hill was inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ as a member of ZZ Top.
RIP, Dusty.
