When the subject of long lasting band lineups rolls around these pages again, as it did recently, ZZ Top always get an honourable mention. Alas no more, as Dusty Hill has left the building. The band statement reads,
“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.
Frank & Billy
Oh no. That’s put a damper on things. There’s a great documentary about the Top on Prime which is excellent fun. Watch with a bottle of Rebel Yell and toast the great man.
Seconded, superb documentary. ZZ Top do (did?) what it says on the tin, stick to the formula, no pretence, don’t futch with what works.
Sad.
They played a show a few days ago with his guitar tech standing in quoting a leg injury. Apparently that was the first time they’d played without him.
Tres Hombres is now playing.
He’d very recently damaged his hip, apparently, so the injury excuse was probably genuine.
Yes, not wanting to imply otherwise, poor wording on my part.
Dos Hombres now
Saw them in Brum a few years ago and have to say they were great fun and very very tight as you would expect from band who played together for so long.
Oh no, I love ZZ Top. ‘Eliminator’ soundtracked ‘83 for me.
That simple little break on ‘Bad Girl’ swings like I don’t know what and it’s all down to him.
RIP.
La Grange is now playing VERY loudly. They were some band.
Eliminator was my entry point, but if anyone asks * Tres Hombres would be my suggested kick off point
* they might. It could happen …
Deguelo for me – just perfect, on the b!uesy side. But across the albums they are remarkably consistent, very little filler. Tres Hombres is pretty darn magnificent too. Hot, blue and righteousness indeed.
Before this evening I’d never heard La Grange. What a song.
I’ve seen ZZ Top live twice, the first time at a charity gig in Birmingham where Hill’s bass was so powerful it made my trousers vibrate (hello Moose….). The second was one of the very best shows I’ve ever seen, and the only time I’ve ever bought a ticket from a tout, at the now defunct House of Blues in Hollywood. I had a fantastic view in a small venue with an incredible atmosphere, crystal clear sound, and they played all the hits. Hill and Beard were absolutely rock solid, letting Gibbons do his thing as only he can. There’s no hiding place in a 3 piece band.
I can’t think of a band who have been as good for so long. RIP.
RIP, played my only ZZ Top record in tribute, a 12 inch single of “Legs”, there is nothing more 80s.
Aw bugger.
I only saw them the once, on the Recycler tour in 1991*, but man what a band. No one ever sounded quite like them, and now they never will.
* Bryan Adams was second on the bill that day: the day before THAT BLOODY SONG hit number 1.