Billy Gibbons says Dusty Hill’s health was “a real challenge”

After the death of bandmate Dusty Hill, ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons opened up about his friend’s health issues during the last years of his life, saying it was “no secret” that Hill was struggling with some issues including a dislocated shoulder. , broken hip and ulcers.

“He’s been kind of on tiptoes keeping the shape of a ship the best he can,” Gibbons said. Variety. “But I think it was a real challenge. And throwing in the towel, maybe it caught up to him. Who knows? I’m just glad he’s in a good position.”

News of Hill’s death came just days after the recent start of a ZZ Top tour – the band had played two gigs when Hill asked for a layoff, citing health reasons.

“Sure, I said, ‘Hey, man, health is number one. Go do your thing, “” Gibbons recalls telling him. “And I could say through those first two valiant attempts, if he didn’t give it 110%, he was the first to kind of say, ‘Damn. Let’s take care of this. “”

In 2016 and 2017, ZZ Top had to postpone or cancel tour dates due to Hill’s health issues, but this time, according to Gibbons, Hill insisted the band continue to tour while he was away. “He was adamant,” Gibbons recalls, noting that Hill himself appointed ZZ Top guitar technician Elwood Francis to play in his place. “He said, ‘I’m going to go downstairs and see what happens. Until then,’ he said, ‘the show has to go on. Don’t forget that.’ And he was pointing his finger and shaking it. “

At the moment, the exact cause of Hill’s death remains unknown, although it has been reported that the bassist died in his sleep. “Let’s face it, you don’t necessarily die from a shoulder or hip fracture,” Gibbons said. “Although the attending physician warned him earlier that bursitis was not uncommon, even arthritis, and they said it was not a very comfortable place. And I could tell he was moving around. a little slowly. He said, “Boy, that shoulder and hip is really starting to get a problem. But, at this point, yes, it was off to Dreamland and beyond. “

Going forward, Francis will continue to replace Hill as the band resumes their rescheduled tour, which will continue into 2022. The band performed their first show last night since Hill’s death, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. as you know, “Gibbons said from the stage.” Dusty gave me the directive. My friend, your mate, Elwood Francis is going to keep it behind me.