Dusty Hill of ZZ Top recorded his vocals in the studio for a new album by the group before passing away, according to his bandmate Billy Gibbons . The bassist and co-vocalist died last week at the age of 72.
Hill passed away on the night of July 27th while sleeping, according to a statement released on the band's social media. The duo had planned to release a new album and had spent the last few months recording in the studio, Gibbons told Variety .
The colleague recounted that although the recordings needed some finishing touches, the founder of ZZ Top said it was "very lucky" that they managed to record the audio before he passed away, as this allowed Hill to do what he loved in his final months.
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ZZ Top canceled the show scheduled for the day after Hill's death, but on the evening of July 30th, the group performed at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater in Alabama as a tribute to their colleague. Confirming Hill's expressed wish for the band to continue playing, ZZ Top brought in Elwood Francis as Dusty Hill's replacement for the tour. Francis has been the band's guitar technician for over 20 years.
Frontman Billy Gibbons introduced Elwood Francis and commented: “Whooooeee. We’re going to have some fun tonight. Dusty gave the direction for that to happen.” Watch the video here.
ZZ Top's last studio album is La Futura , from 2012.
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