Tributes are paid to ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill, who has died aged 72

29 July 2021, 10:19

Tributes are being paid to rock legend Dusty Hill, the bassist of ZZ Top, who has died aged 72.

Dusty Hill's death was confirmed by the group’s representative, who said that Hill died at home in his sleep.

Fellow ZZ Top members Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard released a statement, saying: “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.'”

They added: “You will be missed greatly, amigo.”

Hill started his career playing alongside his guitarist brother Rocky and future ZZ Top bandmate Frank Beard in various small bands such as the Warlocks and American Blues. He soon ZZ Top frontman Billy Gibbons, who was touring the same areas with his band the Moving Sidewalks.

After he and his brothers went seperate ways in 1968, Hill and Beard moved to Houston and teamed up with Gibbons, who formed ZZ Top in 1969.

ZZ Top - Sharp Dressed Man (Official Music Video)

The line-up stayed the same for more than five decades, and in 2020 they celebrated their 50th anniversary.

Their biggest hits included rock favourites 'Gimme All Your Lovin', 'Tush' and 'Sharp Dressed Man'.

Various stars have paid tribute to Hill, including Kiss star Paul Stanley, who wrote: "WOW! Dusty Hill. What an icon. @ZZTop’s bassist forever. So unique. Always a gentleman from the days of us opening for them through the recent days of them opening for us. I don’t know what to say but ‘Thank you’ and ‘Rest however you damn well choose!'”

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

Read more tributes below: