The comments below have not been moderated, By They joined guitarist-vocalist Billy Gibbons of the Houston psychedelic band Moving Sidewalks in the recently-formed ZZ Top, just after they released their first single "Salt Lick", in 1969. ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill, who played with the Texas blues-rock trio for over 50 years, died Tuesday at age 72. Don't have an account yet? Who cares how he died just knowing it was his time. You were and will always be the baddest bassist of all time, love you, may you rest in peace, hope to see you again someday, my prayers go out to your family, THE Best Band Ever!!!!! Academy Slaps Down New Rules After Andrea Riseborough, Tom Cruise, Michelle Yeoh Controversies There have been any number [of low points in my life], but I never discuss them in public, he said in 2010. [25], Hill married his longtime girlfriend, the actress Charleen McCrory, in 2002. All I will say is that you have to have the right attitude to these downturns. 2023 Cable News Network. [23] According to Gibbons, "Dusty emphatically grabbed my arm and said, 'Give Elwood the bottom end, and take it to the Top.' These three then went on to reach dazzling heights as ZZ Top, and the trio remained unchanged, until Dusty Hills Death in July 2021. 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. Moreover, this goes a long way to demonstrate how embedded in rock culture ZZ Top is. So hes been kind of tip toeing through keeping himself ship-shape as best he could. The bands longtime guitar tech, Elwood Francis, stepped in for Hill. The band was due to play in Simpsonville, South Carolina, on July 28, but the show was canceled. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 by Keith Richards. Quiz: Are You True Metallica Fan Or Poser? A man of multiple talents, he occasionally played the keyboard for the band. 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. Hill was buried in a private service on August 7, 2021. [10], With Gibbons as the main lyricist and arranger, Hill played bass and keyboards and sang lead on some songs. The rocker, who was one of the founding members of the legendary 1970s rock group ZZ Top, was having health issues before he died. This horrible dichotomy occurred for ZZ Top fans recently, as the vocalist and bassist, and founding member of the infamous bearded group, passed away in his sleep in 2021 shortly after the band announced a new album. Moment commuter blasts eco-zealots, Student kicked out of school for 'there are only two genders' t-shirt, Russian freight train derails and bursts into flames after explosion, Royal superfans camping on The Mall ahead of King's Coronation, Women's rights activists and pro-trans campaigners separated, Cambridge students party in the park during annual celebrations, Saboteurs wreck Russian train cut power cables 37mi from Ukraine, Hundreds of Household Division members rehearse for coronation, Moment large saltwater crocodile snatches pet dog off beach in QLD, Devastating tornado picks up car and hurls it through air in Florida, Unseen footage of Meghan Markle during her teenage years, Historic chairs to be reused by the King for the coronation service. Hill spent the period working at Dallas Airport, saying he wanted to "feel normal" and "ground himself" after years spent performing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As some of you know, Dusty Hill died in his sleep at his home on July 27, 2021. Widow of ZZ Top's Dusty Hill Shares Thanks for - Loudwire Most bass players are guitar players first, he told writer Gary Graff in 2016. According to his wife that was there when he passed, he was talking to her and passed away mid sentence. 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson recalls speaking at Dusty Hill's FIRTHERMORE< WHEN THE COUNT IS FINALIZED, IT'S LIKELY YOU'VE SOLD MORE ALBUMS, CDs & MERCH, THAN THE FOREMENTIONED "LEGENDS." Dusty Hill sand both lead and backing vocals for ZZ Top. Hill was the lead bass player and secondary lead vocalist for he super group which has the hit song Legs. Dusty Hill, bassist for the enduring Texas blues rock band ZZ Top for over half a century, has died at age 72. In the Las Vegas Review Gibbons had told reporters the trio was thinking about another album to their already illustrious discography, with the potential for Jeff Beck to appear on the album. Over the past few years, Hill endured a hip replacement surgery and a shoulder injury. 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. The boogie rock single "La Grange" brought the band their first hit, with it just missing the Billboard Top 40. 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.. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. 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. Dusty Hill death - Billy Gibbons introduces Elwood Francis as ZZ Top Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard took to Instagram and announced the passing of their fellow musician and friend on July 28. Yet, by July 2021 Dusty Hill was forced to leave a tour due to what was later revealed to be a broken hip and a broken foot. On July 28th, the band announced that Hill died in his sleep at his home in Houston, Texas at the age of 72. In Memoriam: Notable people who died in 2023 - ABC News Born Joseph Michael Hill on May 19, 1949, Dusty was a musician, singer and songwriter hailing from Dallas, Texas. ZZ Top Bassist Dusty Hill Dead at 72 - Taste of Country The amazing trio that was ZZ Top will claim their place in the history books of Rock and Roll for years to come. He died in 2021 after a period of declining health. Source: Getty Images While Recycler returned to their older sound by keeping the guitar as the main driver, moving away from synths and drum machines, it seemed to cut out the fans they had generated from their 80s synth phase. ZZ Top icon Dusty Hill has died at age 72. 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. 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. Dusty Hill's Life Path Number is 2 as per numerology. Dusty, youve earned it. [11][12] With the assistance of manager Bill Ham and engineer Robin Hood Brians, ZZ Top's First Album (1971) was released and exhibited the band's humor, with "barrelhouse" rhythms, distorted guitars, double entendres, and innuendo. [15] In 1983, ZZ Top released Eliminator, a bestselling record which made the band "bona fide pop stars", according to the Financial Times. talked about how his bandmate Dusty Hill knew that there was something unusual with him right before he passed away. The pair were married since 2002. Fast forward to 2016 after a successful North American tour in 2015, ZZ Top chose to embark on another tour soon after called the 2017 Tonnage Tour. [9] Hill recalled, "Being a musician in Texas had its own set of risks and at that time we had long, blue hair in the 60s in Texas. ZZ were these kind of guys so I really felt terrible for Billy losing what had to feel like a family member. Hill favored simple compositions and a "big", distorted sound. After four decades of touring and recording they decided to take another large hiatus as elders of their trade by this point. TMZ broke. Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'N_tM6iN-Q_JGpVnA5f49rw',sig:'yBDh43bRfQ5xcmRp1aDjQtUvpRc6UDD4hKDEC-ilYjU=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1399706134',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })}); By 2011 they had decided to continue their journey of stardom by producing a more modern album produced by Rick Rubin, which included a lot of Hip Hop influence as that style of sound was growing rapidly in Houston and other areas at the time. What was Dusty Hill's cause of death? | The Sun They really need to get it right, I believe his wife. Joe Michael "Dusty" Hill[1][2] (May 19, 1949 July 28, 2021) was an American musician who was the bassist of the rock band ZZ Top for more than 50 years. Dusty Hill, bassist for iconic rock group ZZ Top, dies at 72 - NBC News After Rocky formed a band with a drummer, Dusty took up bass at the age of 13. They write, "We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has . RIP to a true Rock n Roll legend.". Dusty gave me the directive. Their debut release, "ZZ Top's First Album," came out in 1970. Before that you signed the back of my ticket at the Dallas Convention Center. Diamond died just weeks after being diagnosed with stage 4 small cell carcinoma, a type of cancer that commonly occurs in the lungs but can also originate in the prostate or gastrointestinal tract. Dusty Hill, who rose to fame as a bass player and singer in the iconic Texas-based blues-rock band ZZ Top, has died. Dusty was acknowledged by guitarist Gibbons as the Sharp Dressed Man rockers performed in Alabama on Friday. He told the audience following the opening tune: 'We're gonna have a good time in here tonight. And I could tell that, He said, Boy, this shoulder and hip are really starting to become a problem. But, as of this juncture, yeah, it was off to dreamland and beyond., In the interview, the ZZ Top frontman also mentioned that Hill said, before he left to deal with his health, meaning that they should continue without him, and this is exactly what the band is doing. You may have even seen him on screen in various appearances such as Back to the Future Part III and on Deadwood.. Dusty Hill was the bassist, and one-half of the beards, for legendary rock group ZZ Top. After the set, the star was helped off stage. "[7], On December 16, 1984, Hill accidentally shot himself in the abdomen when his derringer fell from his boot and discharged. The show we did together just last week would be his last. Eddie Mekka. Dusty Hill, the bearded bassist with American blues-rock band ZZ Top, has died, according to the bands official website. In 1975, Hill sang lead vocal on "Tush", the band's first Top 20 hit and one of its most popular songs. Per Dustys request, The show must go on! the band had written in a statement. All rights reserved. No Les. Dusty's precise cause of death is yet to be revealed but he had suffered a hip injury a few days prior to his passing. Dusty died in his sleep on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at his home in Houston, Texas. Just look for the good everywhere. The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Lets face it, you dont necessarily pass away from a broken shoulder or broken hip. Your email address will not be published. As a child, he began performing music with his brother, Rocky Hill. 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. 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. Thanks guysMy thoughts are with you and the familyDusty will be missed. Dusty Hills death in 2021 almost caused the legendary rock band to cancel their plans for a 16th album. It has been revealed that HIll had already recorded his own parts for the album prior to his passing, meaning that the album can be released giving full credits to him posthumously. After Dusty Hills death, the band continued touring with their long-term guitar technician, Elwood Francis, taking Hills place on the bass. This album included La Grange, perhaps their most famous song to date, about a brothel in La Grange called Chicken Ranch. As such you will hear his distinctive voice on most tracks. Billy Gibbons: Why ZZ Top Will Not End After Dusty Hill's Death Dusty died in his sleep this week at his Texas home at the age of 72. Always a gentleman from the days of us opening for them through the recent days of them opening for us," Stanley said. God Bless you Dusty and RIP, Had the pleasure of sitting in several times on drums with Billy and Dusty at The Cellar (Houston, TX) back in the 70s. Continuing to talk about his late bandmate, Gibbons mentioned the health status of Dusty Hill. Dusty then relocated to Houston alongside Frank in the late 1960s, where he met Billy Gibbons and the rest was history. Wed feel kind of funny with the Stones watching us from behind, waiting for us to finish., The follow-up albums werent as successful and the band took a three-year break following the release of 1976s Tejas, during whichHill took a job at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Following their debut album, the band released Rio Grande Mud (1972), which produced their first charting single, "Francine". [5], Hill began singing for money with his brother Rocky at the age of 8. While his cause of death is unknown, he did say in 2010 what hed like to see written on his tombstone. Wife Of ZZ Top Bassist Breaks Her Silence About Dusty Hill's Death Dusty Hill diedsuddenly on July 28 at the age of 72. And he had some problems with some ulcers. ZZ TOP was the first concert l had ever been to in my life. 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. All Rights Reserved. I heard a couple try to relate his death to the COVID vaccine, but as a physician, I can tell you that there is absolutely no evidence of sudden death secondary to the vaccine (according to mountains of peer-reviewed scientific data, not the unsubstantiated claims of random, non-scientist conspiracy theorists), Your email address will not be published. The "Little" documentary "tells the story of how three oddball teenage bluesmen 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. Im just glad hes in a good spot.. CNN Dusty Hill, the bearded bassist with American blues-rock band ZZ Top, has died, according to the band's official website. The performance was with his bandmates Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard on July 18 at the Iroquois Amphitheater in Louisville, Kentucky. Lets go take care of this. 'But knowing that we can take his wishes forward and give him all due respect You know, he was adamant. In 1968, he and the drummer Frank Beard joined the guitarist Billy Gibbons in ZZ Top; they went on to release albums including the bestselling Eliminator (1983). TMZ obtained this video from ZZ Top's last concert with Dusty -- July 18 at the Iroquois Amphitheater in Louisville, KY -- and he's clearly having a tough time performing in what would ultimately be his final gig. No more. The Texas natives with Gibbons and Hill sporting long, distinctive beards and the trio wearing dark sunglasses would go on to become one of the most recognizable bands of the 1980s. Gibbons alongside a new bassist should release Hills final album soon and likely continue the ZZ Top tradition of touring heavily. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Gordon Lightfoot, Canadian Folk-Rock Troubadour, Dead at 84 Yes you have two stories, one his wife saying Dusty woke her up in the middle of the night and they started talking he then just stopped talking and just leaned over and died next to her, so the the question did she call 911? He said, "I'm going to go down and see what's up. ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill dies aged 72 | ZZ Top | The Guardian Thrown to the heart/lungs can cause Go do your thing. One of the best concerts . I'm one of those content creators of MetalCastle, which shares breaking news from Rock and Metal music. Dusty had been forced to pull out a number of shows across the US just weeks ago after suffering an injury to his hip and it was confirmed earlier this week that he had died in his sleep in Texas. Dusty Hill died in his sleep. Their hit singles from this period, "Cheap Sunglasses" and "Pearl Necklace", showed a more modern sound. Required fields are marked *. You will be missed greatly, amigo, Beards and Gibbonss statement added. By Shamar Walters, Alexander Smith and Elizabeth Chuck. [16] He was rarely recognized, but told fans who asked: "No! To quote Gibbons himself, his exact words: Were cooking up another round of wicked sounds for the next ZZ Top record. Dusty will be missed here on earth but living the eternal life with Jesus Christ and not feeling any pain or sadness just very happy and perfect body. That little ol' band from Texas is now, sadly, littler. '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,' it was noted. 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., The band was formed in 1969. Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley said he would cherish all the times their bands shared the stage. And I could tell that he was moving a little slow. Although these issues did not necessarily lead to his death, they certainly affected Hills quality of life. What Was Dusty Hill's Cause of Death? The ZZ Top Bassist - Distractify Thats about all they can determine, he said. 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. [19] Hill was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of ZZ Top in 2004. Rock fans, already grieving the loss of Slipknot's Joey Jordison, were left heartbroken. First time I saw the z was in the late seventies second late 80s third time 90s Im 71 slowing down but I have tickets for 12 1 Tyler tx taking my grandson who plays bass so pumped dusty you will be missed by millions may your journey be safe with no pain when you go across the rainbow bridge you will see many friends rest in piece bro your name will go on forever , ZZ Top the only bandi was ever truly in love with. The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time I am now 54 and will be seeing them again tomorrow night in SLC UTAH. 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. When he did talk to the press, he hinted at a darkness that few fans saw. R.I.P. 1976 liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium Memphis Tennessee Texas World Tour. He was 79. His genres are Hard rock,blues,rock. Dusty Hill Hill performing in 2015 Background information Birth name Joe Michael Hill Born (1949-05-19)May 19, 1949 Dallas, Texas, U.S. Died July 28, 2021 (aged 72) Houston, Texas, U.S. Tributes from across the rock world poured in Wednesday afternoon. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. A venue manager confirmed Wednesday afternoon that the show had been canceled. 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. By 1983 they started a string of top 40 singles such as Legs, Got Me Under Pressure, and another international hit Sharp Dressed Man thanks to one of their coveted albums Eliminator. Front row seat. William Frederick Gibbons, who is known professional as Billy Gibbons, is one of the founding members of the rock band ZZ Top. Love you and one day we will may get to see each other in heaven. Always has been and always will be a top force in Rock and Roll. A few days after this video, ZZ Top announced Dusty was heading back to Texas due to a hip issue. We bought One ticket and printed 6 or 7 more. It may sound morose, but you never get younger, he said. 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. The doctors told him before that his illnesses are not easy to deal with and that even though people rarely pass away from a broken shoulder or hip, they definitely lead to other problems. Wife Of ZZ Top Bassist Breaks Her Silence About Dusty Hill's Death In a statement after news of Hill's death broke on Wednesday (July 28), his bandmate . Do you think Id be sitting here? Rocks Off Magazine is reader-supported. He has an estimated net worth of $60 Million Bassist and vocalist with the rock band ZZ Top. 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. But I think that this was a real challenge. So hes been kind of tiptoeing through keeping himself ship-shape, best he could. By Elisha Fieldstadt and Diana Dasrath. ZZ Top: Bearded bassist Dusty Hill dies in his sleep at 72 Mitchell was also replaced during this period by Frank Beard. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Hill had an estimated net worth of $60 million. Speaking to Variety on Thursday afternoon, Gibbon's said: "The show must go on. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. On July 30, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, ZZ Top made a live performance with the bands new bassist. Their album Tres Hombres makes a clear reference to the cementing of this trio as the bands lineup. Rocks Off is a digital collection of stories, articles, and music. At that time, the band said its longtime guitar tech, Elwood Francis, would fill in on bass, slide guitar and harmonica. ZZ Top Play First Concert Since Bassist Dusty Hill's Death Hill sat down on a large speaker the entire show and, according to the site, had to be helped off the stage. [5] Hill described his tone as "big, heavy, and a bit distorted because it has to overlap the guitar. 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