Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Dusty Hill death: Tributes pour in after ZZ Top bassist dies aged 72

Musician remembered as ‘an all-time great bass player’ and ‘truly a music legend’

Clémence Michallon
New York City
Wednesday 28 July 2021 16:47 EDT
Comments
Dusty Hill of ZZ Top performs during the Eurockeennes rock music festival on 3 July 2016 in Belfort, France
Dusty Hill of ZZ Top performs during the Eurockeennes rock music festival on 3 July 2016 in Belfort, France (SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Tributes are pouring in for ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill following his death at the age of 72.

The band’s guitarist Billy Gibbons and its drummer Frank Beard announced Hill’s passing in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

"We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, Texas,” the wrote.

“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.”

Fans and figures across the music industry started sharing tributes to Hill shortly after the news of his death broke.

“RIP DUSTY HILL I love you forever,” comedian Rob Delaney wrote on Twitter. “Your bass was so loud at one show it made my wife puke. You were half of rock n roll’s greatest EVER rhythm section & a hell of a songwriter.”

“So sad to hear about Dusty Hill,” singer-songwriter Jason Isbell tweeted. “An all-time great bass player, and a rock and roll institution. Breaks my heart.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott also shared a message honouring the musician, a native of Dallas.

“Today we lost a great friend and a remarkable Texan,” Abbott wrote, describing Hill as “truly a music legend”.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in