Billy Gibbons, the legendary guitarist of ZZ Top, has finally broken his silence following the heartbreaking death of his long-time bandmate, Dusty Hill. The music world was stunned when the iconic bassist passed away suddenly on July 28, 2021, in Houston, Texas. Now, for the first time, Gibbons is opening up about the loss that has shaken the foundation of one of rock’s most enduring bands.
In an emotional interview, Gibbons described Hill’s passing as “totally unexpected,” recalling that his friend had only stepped away from the band’s tour days earlier due to minor health issues. “Dusty wanted to see a doctor to figure out what was dragging him down,” Gibbons said quietly. “We all thought he’d be back in no time. But he never woke up.”
For over five decades, Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and drummer Frank Beard embodied the unmistakable grit and swagger of Texas rock. Their chemistry was electric — a brotherhood forged in smoky bars and decades of touring. Together, they created anthems that transcended generations, from “Tush” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’” to “La Grange” and “Sharp Dressed Man.” Hill’s thunderous bass lines and understated presence were essential to ZZ Top’s soul.
“Dusty was the quiet strength of the band,” Gibbons reflected. “He had that timing — that groove — that no one could duplicate. You felt it in your bones every time he hit a note.”
His death marks more than the loss of a friend; it signifies the end of an era. For fans who grew up on ZZ Top’s gritty riffs and bluesy swagger, Hill’s passing feels like losing a piece of rock history itself. The beards, the humor, the raw authenticity — all of it carried a spirit that was uniquely theirs.
But in true ZZ Top fashion, Gibbons insists that “the show must go on.” According to him, that was Hill’s final wish. “Dusty told us, ‘The show must keep rolling,’” Gibbons shared. “He didn’t want ZZ Top to stop. He wanted the music to live on.”
In honor of that wish, the band has chosen to continue performing, with Elwood Francis, Hill’s longtime guitar tech and friend, stepping into his role. “We felt it was right to pick up the sticks and carry on,” Gibbons said. “That’s what Dusty would have wanted.”
The emotion in Gibbons’ voice was evident as he spoke about the countless years they shared — not just on stage, but in life. From recording sessions deep in Texas to their countless nights on the road, their friendship was built on mutual respect and an unspoken understanding. “We didn’t need a lot of words,” Gibbons said softly. “We just knew.”
Tributes to Hill have poured in from every corner of the music world. Rock icons like Slash, Paul Stanley, and Ozzy Osbourne paid homage to his influence, while fans around the world flooded social media with memories and gratitude. A mural in Houston now stands in his honor, capturing the bearded legend with his bass in hand — forever part of the city’s heartbeat.
Though the pain of his loss lingers, Gibbons finds solace in the music they created together. “We’ve got tracks coming,” he revealed. “They’re not sad songs — they’re Dusty songs. They’re about keeping the wheels turning.”
As ZZ Top moves forward, each performance will double as a tribute — a celebration of Hill’s legacy and a promise to keep his spirit alive. “Every note we play now has a little bit of Dusty in it,” Gibbons said. “He’s gone, but he’s not gone. He’ll always be with us.”
More than half a century after they first plugged in their guitars and turned Texas blues into a global phenomenon, ZZ Top’s story continues — proof that brotherhood, music, and legacy never truly die.
“We’re gonna keep playing,” Gibbons said finally. “That’s what Dusty would’ve wanted. The show goes on.”
