RIP: ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill, 72

[thewayne]

It's kind of unbelievable that ZZ Top has been together for over 50 years and with the same lineup. They formed in 1969, which places them in the same age bracket as The Stones and The Who in terms of bands starting before 1970 who were still playing. I could only think of two other rock trios: Rush (formed 1968!) and The Police, Rush having lost Neil Peart recently and The Police having broken up in '84 or '86 and reformed a couple of times after.

Dusty had some physical problems and had hip replacement surgery. Cause of death is currently unknown or unreleased, he apparently passed Tuesday night in his sleep. The band had been on tour and he went home because of hip problems, the band's guitar technician stepping into his role.

No word on the band's plans at this time.

According to the article, Dusty picked up the bass at age 13 and immediately started playing it. He wasn't that good at first, but he kinda got better.

He will be missed.

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/zz-top-bassist-dusty-hill-dead-obit-1203694/

Comments

[arthur_p_dent]

ZZ Top was one of the bands I grew up on. Was fortunate enough to meet and have a couple drinks with Billy Gibbons in Nashville a few years back - that was a really cool evening.
Another sad day for Rock.

[thewayne]

That's pretty cool to not only meet a rocker, but to meet a legend like Billy.  'Gratz!

[bibliofile]

The technician will be Dusty Hill's permanent replacement, in accordance with Hill's wishes.

[thewayne]

That's nice that he got to choose his replacement and thought that highly of his skill.

[silveradept]

You wish that certain groups could go on as long as they wanted, but hopefully Dusty could say that he had a good run.

[thewayne]

Since he got to choose his replacement, the band's guitar technician, I think so.