Dusty Hill To Be Featured on Upcoming ZZ Top Album

In a new interview with Classic Rock, ZZ Top frontman Billy Gibbons revealed that the “Little Ol’ Band From Texas” is working on a new studio album, which will be their first full-length since 2012’s La Futura. It will also mark the first since bassist Dusty Hill died in 2021, though Gibbons has revealed we haven’t heard the last of him yet.

ZZ Top has continued since his passing with Elwood Francis on bass at the request of Hill himself. Gibbons has revealed that both players will be featured on the upcoming record.

“Dusty was a great guy, a swell singer. He provided a solid platform for me to solo without having to look back. He was always on it. Dusty used to say, ‘If I’m late to the stage, be sure to give my guitar to Elwood.’ Elwood is a family member; he’s been with us for three decades,” Gibbons said. “And sure enough, Elwood picked up the parts and pieces. But whereas Dusty played with his fingers, Elwood uses a pick. It’s a little sharper. He brings a little more finesse. And at the first rehearsal he showed up with a full beard longer than mine.”

Gibbons says ZZ Top hopes to have the album out this year, but their upcoming tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd may put it on hold. As to which tracks will have Hill and which will have Francis, bassists will be able to hear the slight difference.

“Are things coming to the boil yet? Yeah, in fact we are currently reviewing the tracks that deserve completion. Dusty is on some of those, so is Elwood. What’s fascinating is that we have three or four tracks with them both, they’re trading off. The only tell-tale difference is that Dusty, playing with his fingers, sounds a little warmer.”