Life and career highlights of ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill, who has died aged 72

By Helen Johnson
Published 29th Jul 2021, 13:03 BST
Dusty Hill, bassist of American rock-blues band ZZ Top, has died at the age of 72, his band members have announced (Photo: SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images)Dusty Hill, bassist of American rock-blues band ZZ Top, has died at the age of 72, his band members have announced (Photo: SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images)
Dusty Hill, bassist of American rock-blues band ZZ Top, has died at the age of 72, his band members have announced (Photo: SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images)

Dusty Hill, bassist of American rock-blues band ZZ Top, has died at the age of 72, his band members have announced.

Born Joseph Michael Hill, the bassist originally played guitar alongside his brother Rocky in Dallas before he moved to Houston.

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ZZ Top was founded in 1969, and played their first live concert the following year.

Lead singer-guitarist of ZZ Top, Billy Gibbons - who also starred in TV drama Bones - and drummer, Frank Beard, said in a post on the band's Facebook page: "We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston.

"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," they added.

Hill joined ZZ Top in 1970 and played with the band for more than 50 years, as their music progressed from heavy blues to its experimental synthesiser sound of the 1980s.

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