RIP Dusty Hill

Dusty Hill, the bassist of US blues rock band ZZ Top, has died at the age of 72.

According to a short statement from bandmates Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard; Dusty passed away in his sleep at his home in Houston, Texas. No further details were given.

Earlier in July, ZZ Top had announced that Dusty would not appear at some of their upcoming shows due to a hip injury.

Known for his bushy beard and sunglasses, Dusty had been a major part of ZZ Top for over 50 years.

In the statement from Billy and Frank, they said “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’, You will be missed greatly, amigo.”

Born Joseph Michael Hill, Dusty originally played guitar alongside his brother Rocky in Dallas before he and Frank moved to Houston where they joined Billy to form ZZ Top in 1969. They played their first live concert the following year.

The trio would go on to release 15 studio and four live albums, with hit singles like Gimme All Your Lovin’, Well Dressed Man, and La Grange, as well as being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

Although primarily the bass guitarist in the band, Dusty also played keyboard and was a joint lead vocalist with Billy in the band.

Dusty made various cameo acting appearances including Back to the Future Part III and HBO’s Deadwood, and played himself in the animated television series King of the Hill.

Following news of his death, fans and fellow musicians of Dusty’s flocked to express their grief on social media.

Ozzy Osborne wrote on Twitter: “Rest In Peace #DustyHill of @ZZTop. My thoughts go out to @BillyfGibbons and Frank Beard and all the #ZZTop fans around the world”

All of us at Shangrla Radio join you in mourning the loss of a true Rock giant!

RIP Dusty!