New ZZ Top Album Will Feature Bass Tracks From Dusty Hill

ZZ Top singer Billy Gibbons has confirmed that their upcoming album will feature songs recorded with the band’s late bassist Dusty Hill.

The group’s next album could be released later this year and follows their 2021 La Futura. The record will also include tracks featuring Dusty’s replacement, Elwood Francis, ZZ Top’s longtime guitar tech.

In a new interview, Gibbons talked about the status of the new LP saying:

“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.”

While talking about how Francis joined the band following Hill’s passing, Gibbons said:

“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. 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.”

Gibbons also mention the anticipation of their fans for them to return to the live stage. He added:

“‘What’s this going to be like?’ ‘Can this guy hold up the bottom of the TOP?’ In a trio it’s a big challenge.
“Everything has to be working at a hundred and ten per cent. But Elwood was ready, having been a part of it for so long… [Dusty] said: ‘The show must go on.’ That was his wish, and we granted it.”

Meanwhile, ZZ Top will go back on the road this summer with Lynyrd Skynyrd for their first co-headlining tour The Sharp Dressed Simple Man. Together, these legendary bands will be taking over 22 cities in North America.

Produced by Live Nation, the trek will launch on Friday, July 21 at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, Florida and continues with stops in Fort Worth, Phoenix, Chicago, and more before wrapping up in Camden, New Jersey at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion on Sunday, Sept. 17.