ZZ Top bassist Joseph “Dusty” Hill, 72, has died.
Hill was the band’s bass player for more than 50 years. During his life, probably to his own surprise, he and his band mates became cultural and musical icons, even appearing in an episode of The Simpsons, television’s longest-running sitcom.
Band members Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard issued the following statement just a few hours ago:
“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.”
Earlier this month, Gibbons and Beard performed for the first time without Hill in more than 50 years. They stated that he had “to address a hip issue” although Hill was reportedly in more serious condition than the public was aware.
Watch Hill rip it on La Grange in this 1982 video.
It’s important to note that ZZ Top absolutely helped influence the country alt. rock movement that continues to this day.