ZZ Top’s Elwood Francis: “I’ll Never Be In The Band”

The late, great Dusty Hill’s passing in 2021 seemed to many like it could be the end of ZZ Top. However, guitar tech Elwood Francis was quickly tapped to fill in the low end and has been with them ever since. In a new interview with Guitar World, Francis says the whole ordeal has been “weird” and that he doesn’t consider himself part of the band.

“Dusty is their bass player. I’m not the bass player. I shouldn’t be in the band,” he said. “I’ll never be in the band. I shouldn’t be in the band. It’s Dusty’s thing. Sure, I’ll still play with them, but it’s a weird thing, man.”

Modest as he is, Francis was selected by Hill himself to take up his position and has been doing a killer job for the past three years. He’s continued the tradition of playing wild instruments by bringing a 17-string bass on stage from time to time. Frontman Billy Gibbons has only praise for his work.

“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,” he told Classic Rock last year. “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. And sure enough, Elwood picked up the parts and pieces [to replace Hill in ZZ TOP]. 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.”

The full interview with Francis will be in an upcoming Guitar World issue. Meanwhile, That Little Ol’ Band from Texas has a stacked tour schedule. Check their website for their 2024 itinerary.