ZZ Top plays first show after the passing of Dusty Hill: video available

ZZ Top played their fist show since the death of Dusty Hill, taking the stage Friday (July 30) for a performance in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

The concert came just two days after the founding bassist passed away in his sleep. Though Hill’s death was unexpected, he had been dealing with several ailments in recent weeks, including leg and shoulder injuries. Before his passing Dusty Hill had contacted band’s leader Billy Gibbons and said to him that he wants the band to continue without him and that he wants the group’s guitar tech Elwood Francis to take his place on the stage. Gibbons told Variety that he will respect Dusty Hill’s wishes and continue the band with Elwood on bass:

“’I think I’m due to go visit the physician to see if I can bounce back. In the meantime, I want you to grab our guitar technician, Mr. Elwood (guitar tech Elwood Francis) and take him out of that tech station and strap him up with my guitar and make him carry on with every single note.’ And I said, ‘Well, if that’s your wishes, I’ll respect that.’”

– Billy Gibbons

You can watch fan-filmed footage from the show below: