Tuscaloosa Show Still Scheduled After ZZ Top Bass Player Dies

TUSCALOOSA, AL — ZZ Top bass player Dusty Hill, one of the iconic beards and voices in the Texas-based rock group, died in his sleep at his home in Houston this week, which comes less than a week after the band announced Hill was forced to leave the tour due to health issues.

He was 72.

The news also broke as ZZ Top is set to play the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater this Friday, representing one of the first major shows of the 2021 concert season. No official word has been given on the status of the concert.

"We join in mourning the loss of Rock & Roll Legend Dusty Hill and send our condolences to the ZZ Top family," the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater shared on Wednesday. "This Friday night's concert is still scheduled at this time, with long-time friend of the band Elwood Francis sitting in on bass. Any updates will be shared as soon as they are available."

Click here to subscribe to our free Tuscaloosa Daily newsletter and breaking news alerts

"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'," the band said in an official statement Wednesday afternoon. "We will forever be connected to that 'Blues Shuffle in C.' You will be missed greatly, amigo"

Patch reported on Sunday when the band announced Hill had left the current tour due to health issues, with Elwood Francis — the group's guitar tech for the last two decades — expected to fill in on bass, slider guitar and harmonica.

The band is scheduled for a show tonight in CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park in Simpsonville, South Carolina.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.