Life and career highlights for ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill, who died aged 72 Bedford News

Dusty Hill, bassist for 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 moving to Houston.

ZZ Top was founded in 1969 and gave its first live concert the following year.

ZZ Top lead singer-guitarist Billy Gibbons – who also starred in the TV series Bones – and drummer Frank Beard said in a post on the band’s Facebook page: “We are saddened by the news today. hui that our companion, Dusty Hill, died in his sleep at his home in Houston.

“We, along with legions of ZZ Top fans around the world, will regret your unwavering presence, your good nature, and your enduring commitment to providing this monumental background to ‘Top’.”

“We will miss you very much, amigo,” they added.

Hill joined ZZ Top in 1970 and performed with the band for over 50 years, as their music shifted from heavy blues to experimental synth sound of the 1980s.

ZZ Top has released 15 studio albums in total, the most recent in 2012, and the band was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

One of the band’s songs, Doubleback, was also featured in the movie Back to the Future Part III, where the band made an appearance in the movie playing a country version of the song with local musicians.

A multitude of tributes from musicians around the world have now been paid to Hill.

American singer-songwriter Travis Tritter paid tribute to Hill on Twitter, writing: “Very sad to hear of the passing of @zztop bassist and co-singer Dusty Hill.

“Legendary musician and a great guy who left too early!” He will be sorely missed. Sincere condolences to his family, friends and fans. #RIPDustyHill.

Queen star Brian May posted on Twitter: “No! It can not be. I’m so sad. RIP Dusty hill. Bri. “

Rock band Garbage also paid tribute to Hill on Twitter.

“Dusty hill. Rest in the Rock. Our sincere condolences to all who knew and loved him @ZZTop, ”the group wrote.

“Rest In Peace Dusty Hill is a true legend. You’ve influenced us from day one and you’re still the coolest band in Texas,” rock band Whiskey Myers said on Twitter.

Singer Paul Young also expressed his condolences on Twitter, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that I have to say goodbye to a member of That Lil ‘Ol Band From Texas: ZZ Top’s RIP Dusty Hill. I have loved this band since I was 14 and they are without a doubt the coolest band on the planet! My condolences to his family, Frank & Rev. Billy G ”.

Guitar company Gibson said on Twitter: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Dusty Hill. Thank you for the years of funky music, rock and bass. Rest at Power Dusty Hill, there will never be another like you. Our condolences to friends, family and fans of Dusty. We are thinking of you all.

Musician Bootsy Collins also wrote, “Danggit! We have lost another giant loving legend of the Rock & Roll Empire, Mr. Dusty Hill. Prayer goes out to his family and friends … Thank you for blessing us all with your gifts. TO TEAR APART”