Dusty Hill died in his sleep. Their hit singles from this period, "Cheap Sunglasses" and "Pearl Necklace", showed a more modern sound. Soon after they signed this deal they celebrated with the release of their eleventh album Antenna, later followed by Rhythmneen ironically marking their twelfth album, as well as 1999s XXX, both of which included live recordings. ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill, who played with the Texas blues-rock trio for over 50 years, died Tuesday at age 72. I am now 54 and will be seeing them again tomorrow night in SLC UTAH. Register here, by continuing you accept our By 1992 their Greatest Hits had already been released by Warner Bros, but this didnt stop them from signing a $35 million deal with RCA soon after. ZZ Top Bassist Dusty Hill Dead at 72 - Ultimate Classic Rock Beard, the drummer, had to take time out to deal with his drug abuse issues, which involved him going to Jamaica, while Gibbons chose to travel to his friendly Europe. But Gibbons reveals he did eventually leave the tour: He requested dismnissing himself from the band. That's a compliment. 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson recalls speaking at Dusty Hill's By 1969 Gibbons had assembled the first lineup of ZZ Top, the drummer from Moving Sidewalks, Dan Mitchell, and a bassist and organist known as Lanier Greig. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Everything is bigger in Texas. Billy Gibbons broke his silence about the issue and commented on it. Hill was born in Dallas, Texas, on May 19, 1949. As a child, he began performing music with his brother, Rocky Hill. According to his wife that was there when he passed, he was talking to her and passed away mid sentence. [25] He drove himself to a hospital before going into shock. People would look at us onstage, drop their jaws, and moan, Hill told Rolling Stone in 1974. ', Its no secret that over the past few years he had a pretty rough go with a broken shoulder, followed with a broken hip. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. You may have even seen him on screen in various appearances such as Back to the Future Part III and on Deadwood.. Dusty Hill the GOAT. 8 position on the Billboard 200 albums chart. appreciated. As you can see, Dusty is playing bass as he sits down on a large speaker and we're told he was sitting like this for the entire show and had to be helped off the stage because he couldn't walk on his own. ', 'We will forever be connected to that Blues Shuffle in C. You will be missed greatly, amigo.'. Hill was the lead bass player and secondary lead vocalist for he super group which has the hit song Legs. "[22] Hill sang lead on several ZZ Top songs. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. He also mentioned that although he tried to take care of himself as much as he could, Its no secret that over the past few years he had a pretty rough go with. News of the bassist's passing was confirmed on Wednesday (July . ZZ Top's Dusty Hill has passed away at the age of 72. Their "trusted guitar tech" Elwood Francis filled in for him on bass before his return. Hill joined not long after, staying with ZZ Top for more than five decades, until his death. His rep confirmed the musician's death, but said a cause of death was. Ive come up with some ideas, and then rejected them all. HOUSTON -. Dusty Hill was born on May 19, 1949 (age 73) in Dallas, Texas, United States. So far, there is nothing about the cause of death of the musician. Who knows? Eddie Mekka, 69. I am sure l will not have the chance again. I like the humor in that.. Dusty Hill, the bassist for the iconic rock band ZZ Top, has died just days after he took a leave of absence because of a hip issue, the group said Wednesday. Thanks for all the music, memories and good times guys. This album became incredibly popular and reached No.8 on the Billboard 200 album chart. After Dusty Hills death, the band continued touring with their long-term guitar technician, Elwood Francis, taking Hills place on the bass. The Only Led Zeppelin Album Featuring Robert Plants Bass Parts, Smashing Pumpkins Billy Corgan Debuts New Song During The Highland Park, Corey Taylor And Shawn Crahans Sons Release A New Single, Johnny Depp And Jeff Beck Cover Killing Jokes The Death And, Brian Welch Gives New Details About Love And Deaths Justin Bieber Cover Let Me Love You, Yngwie Malmsteen Recalls Ritchie Blackmores Advice To Get Strong Hands, Duran Durans Andy Taylor Opens Up About His Battle With Stage 4 Prostate Cancer, Neal Schons Wife Reveals Two Members Are Against Reunion With Gregg Rolie, Mtley Cres Vince Neil Confirms He Wont Be Able To Sing At Upcoming Live Shows. That means you've filled in everything and it's right for the song, and you're not standing out where you don't need to be. Here's the last time ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill performed with the band before his death and you can tell something's just not right with him. 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS,INC. ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill, who played with the Texas blues-rock trio for over 50 years, died Tuesday at age 72. Dusty also left a grieving wife, Charleen McCrory, behind. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 by Keith Richards. Rocks Off Magazine is reader-supported. Hill, who had recently suffered a hip injury, died in his sleep, as confirmed by a statement on Instagram from bandmates Billy. Rest in Peace, Dusty Hill. ZZ Top, Blue oyster cult and lynard skynard. Dusty Hill was the bassist, and one-half of the beards, for legendary rock group ZZ Top. In the process of a restoration project, and having gold leaf done with ZZ Top logo on the tank for my best friend who was killed on this bike by a drunk driver. Widow of ZZ Top's Dusty Hill Shares Thanks for - Loudwire "[6] The New York Times described him as a "precise musical mechanic" complementing Gibbons' "showy virtuoso". Its awesome but at same time, a very touching tribute. [14][15] On the 1976 album Tejas, Hill took the vocal lead on "Pan Am Highway Blues", "Avalon Hideaway" and "Ten Dollar Man", and duetted with Gibbons on "Its Only Love". This album certainly took a mildly different direction, demonstrating their versatility by embracing more modern sounds at the time, influenced by bands like Depeche Mode. "[23], Rock musicians and contemporaries paid condolences through social media, including Paul Stanley, Ozzy Osbourne, John Fogerty, Flea, Zakk Wylde, Warren Haynes, Tony Iommi, David Coverdale, Scorpions, Foghat, Kentucky Headhunters, Blackberry Smoke, Steve Miller Band, 38 Special, and the Allman Brothers Band. Lets go take care of this.'. ZZ TOP Bassist Dusty Hill's Cause of Death: Hip Injury Related He was a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee band ZZ Top, with whom he played bass and provided an unmistakable profile with that long beard. Although the attending physician had earlier warned him that bursitis was not uncommon, even arthritis, and they said its not a very comfortable place to be. As such you will hear his distinctive voice on most tracks. In addition to his career in music, Dusty's works include several on-screen appearances, notably in Back To The Future Part III, Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme and in the eleventh season episode of King Of The Hill, Hank Gets Dusted. So hes been kind of tip toeing through keeping himself ship-shape as best he could. Phil Robertson is revealing what he said while delivering the eulogy at the funeral of ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill, who died last month at the age of 72. , updated The American rock band ZZ Top made its first-ever live show with the new bassist after the bands longtime bassist Dusty Hills tragic and sudden passing. just doesnt make any sense. Tragic lose!! After Rocky formed a band with a drummer, Dusty took up bass at the age of 13. His genres are Hard rock,blues,rock. Born Joseph Michael Hill on May 19, 1949, Dusty was a musician, singer and songwriter hailing from Dallas, Texas. We still love it, and we still get a kick out of being onstage. They will undoubtedly be remembered by everyone for their cool style, sly antics, and cheeky grin. As some of you know, Dusty Hill died in his sleep at his home on July 27, 2021. Who cares how he died just knowing it was his time. He also mentioned that although he tried to take care of himself as much as he could, it was still difficult. His bandmates Frank. ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill dies aged 72 | ZZ Top | The Guardian 2 Billy Gibbons is a member of the band ZZ Top Credit: Getty - Contributor Who is Billy Gibbons? Gibbons continued in the interview to state that his problems were not small. Agencies American guitarist Joe Michael "Dusty Hill" played guitar for the rock band "ZZ Top" for around 60 years. Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, Potential Sixteenth Album And Tragic Circumstances, Who Is Tatiana Shmailyuk? On July 30, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, ZZ Top made a live performance with the bands new bassist. It was around this time that the rumor started to spread that Hendrix, who was highly coveted at the time as a guitarist, admitted that he wasnt the best guitarist in the world on The Dick Cavett Show. Dusty was amazing. [21] In 2014, Hill fell on his tour bus and injured his hip, requiring surgery. Too many painkillers. A wordsmith with a keen interest in the history behind the musicians - Erik is our key Rocks Off storyteller. I just wanted to feel normal, Hill said in 2019. ZZ Top was nominated for three Grammy Awards: in 1983 for best rock performance by a group for the album "Eliminator," in 1986 in the same category for the album "Afterburner" and this year for best music film for "That Little Ol' Band From Texas.". They became popular in the 1970s and did very well in the 1980s. Think Ill crank up BeerDrinkers and HellRaisers. As you may know, Dusty Hill passed away at the age of 72 and the band announced his death from, . Dustin Diamond, known best for his portrayal of the endearingly nerdy Screech on "Saved by the Bell," died Monday morning, weeks . ZZ Top second only to Led Zeppelin. Dusty Hill, one-third of ZZ Top for the last 51 years, was revealed Wednesday to have died of indeterminate causes. They will, with their guitar tech Elwood Francis, who will replace, Axl Rose Recalls Lisa Marie Presleys Struggle After Losing Her Son, Duran Durans Andy Taylor Opens Up About His Battle With Stage, Keith Richards Bears Good News About Rolling Stones Future, Neal Schons Wife Reveals Two Members Are Against Reunion With Gregg, Interview With Michael Amott (Arch Enemy), Armies, Your First Goal Is Power Metal: Sabaton Interview, Opeth Interview: Talked With Fredrik Akesson. Since he had fractures I am willing to bet he went out like Tom Petty. [15] In 1983, ZZ Top released Eliminator, a bestselling record which made the band "bona fide pop stars", according to the Financial Times. ZZ Top Legend Dusty Hill Dead at 72 - loudwire.com News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. I will always listen to you, as will anyone who ever wanted to rock out, and we will all be moved.". Information is still emerging surrounding the situation, but one of the most prominent questions being asked by fans is what Dusty's actual cause of death was. In 1975, Hill sang lead vocal on "Tush", the band's first Top 20 hit and one of its most popular songs. Tucker Carlson Bashes Fox Nation in Leaked Video, Hill remained a quiet presence through it all, rarely granting interviews and letting Gibbons serve as the groups mouthpiece. Dusty Hill sand both lead and backing vocals for ZZ Top. To complete the sign up process please verify your email address by clicking on the link that has been sent to you previously speficifed email. The cause of death has not been revealed, yet on July 23, the band had stated that Hill needed to go back home to Texas to resolve a hip problem.. Hill actually spent time during this hiatus working at Dallas Airport doing menial labor. "[7], Hill, Rocky, and the future ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard played in local Dallas bands the Warlocks, the Cellar Dwellers, and American Blues. Although the attending physician had earlier warned him that bursitis was not uncommon, even arthritis, and they said its not a very comfortable place to be. Billy admits that the 'waterworks (have been) coming and going' since Dusty's passing but spoke of the musician's desire to see the group - which also features Frank Beard - continue. Their top hits from that were La Grange and Jesus Just Left Chicago. on the level of Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin! HOUSTON (AP) ZZ Top says bassist Dusty Hill, one of the Texas blues trio's bearded figures, has died at his Houston home. BUT 2) AS FOR ELWOOD, YOUR CHOICE TO REPLACE YOU, IT SEEMS FAIRLY OBVIOUS THAT ALTHOUGH HE'S GOT THE BEARD AND SOON, THE MOVES, IT IS HOWEVER, FAIRLY OBVIOUS, THAT ELWOOD NEEDS A HAT. On Wednesday, July 28, 2021, the American rock group sadly announced the demise of their iconic bassist. Gibbons was asked if he died without a cause and here is what he replied: Thats about all they can determine. Continuing to talk about his late bandmate, Gibbons mentioned the health status of Dusty Hill. Born Joe Michael Hill in Dallas, he, Gibbons and Beard formed ZZ Top in Houston in the late 1970s. [10], With Gibbons as the main lyricist and arranger, Hill played bass and keyboards and sang lead on some songs. A few days after this video, ZZ Top announced Dusty was heading back to Texas due to a hip issue. RIP sharp dressed man. Dusty died in his sleep on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at his home in Houston, Texas. RIP Dusty. Almost immediate death. To quote Gibbons himself, his exact words: Were cooking up another round of wicked sounds for the next ZZ Top record. Dusty Hill passed away last week in his sleep at the age of 72. The cause of death has not been revealed, yet on July 23, the band had stated that Hill needed to go back home to Texas to resolve. On July 30th, merely days after his passing, ZZ Top did their first gig in over four decades with Hill on the bass. There have been any number [of low points in my life], but I never discuss them in public, he said in 2010. Heidi Parker For Dailymail.com, Dennis Quaid relives Great Balls of Fire theatrics at the piano in Billy Gibbons tribute in Nashville benefit concert at The Grand Ole Opry, Ghostbusters are grandpas now! Hill was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of ZZ Top in 2004. Someone once asked me to describe my tone, and I said it was like farting in a trash can. I know Fran and Billy want to go on with their music but after 50 years with Dusty not with them, I will just never see them again live but enjoy hearing their music still. Many wondered how and why he had died so soon after the tour, many were left confused at how this had happened as there was little mention of major health ailments prior. FIVE DECADES BELOVED, YOUR PLACE IN MUSIC HISTORY WILL LIVE ON. Although it is unclear if Dusty's death is related to a hip injury he recently suffered or another health scare, his bandmates confirmed that he passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX.. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. ZZ were these kind of guys so I really felt terrible for Billy losing what had to feel like a family member. Who knows? [26] Hill's wife later said that he was looking to get more physical therapy for his chronic bursitis. And after all this time, we all know what winds up the others and what makes them the people they are., Hill grew up in Dallas, Texas, and began playing bass when he was 13. Hill hadto drop out of subsequent ZZ Top shows when he was taking care of a hip injury. Dusty, youve earned it. "So unique. Once they started getting interest from record labels, they realized Etheridge was still contracted with Vaughan and couldnt sign a record deal so they quickly replaced him with the now long-standing member Dusty Hill. His death was announced today by bandmates Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard. ZZ Top Bassist Dusty Hill Dead at 72 - Rolling Stone RIP to one of the most solid bass players in rock and a genuinely nice guy. A Warner Bros. In the show, the band was joined by the crews two-decade member guitar tech Elwood Francis. Hill wasnt ZZ Tops original bass player, but he joined shortly before they cut their debut LP, ZZ Tops First Album, in 1971, and remained a pivotal part of the group through their most recent albums and tours. With a focus on the 60s, 70s, and 80s, we aim to grow into the modern age as we grow ourselves. 2023 Cable News Network. Four slugs from a .44. 'But knowing that we can take his wishes forward and give him all due respect You know, he was adamant. Updated Dusty Hill - Wikipedia Previously, the band said ZZ TOP Bassist addressed his injury in the past few weeks, which forced him to bow out of a series of performances across the US and his . We will forever be connected to that Blues Shuffle in C. You will be missed greatly, amigo., John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival tweeted a remembrance of his own: We are devastated to hear about Dustys passing. [28] On August 6, Hill was featured in the BBC Radio 4 obituary program Last Word. After releasing their album Tejas in 1976, they had closed out their album contract with London Records, which included several successful albums, singles as well as around seven years of touring. [23] Hill had already recorded bass and vocals for ZZ Top's upcoming album.