ZZ Top will resume their tour tonight in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, two days after the death of legendary bassist Dusty Hill.
Singer and guitarist Billy Gibbons told Variety, "We did elect to postpone Wednesday night’s performance [in South Carolina] out of just respect and trying to get our wits together. I think everybody was relieved that we had a little bit of time to regroup and think things through. But at the same time, everybody was ready, standing on point. And they said, 'Come on. You heard Dusty’s directive as he was bowing out to go off the deck. He turned and pointed and he said, ‘Come on. The show must go on.'
He added, "So here we are. Friday night, we’ll kind of pick up sticks and carry it on. I may grab his stage hat and throw it over his microphone, and I’ll sing one for the Dust.
Billy also said, "I’m not sure how (a tribute moment) will unfold. I’ve heard from so many folks, and it’s kind of a shame that you have to lose a band member to realize just what it means to have been an important figure for our friends, fans, followers... So, I think it’s worthy of giving him some special moment during (the show) as we proceed. And one up. Not only can you not forget five decades very easily, but you certainly can’t forget a character like the Dust."
On dealing with his friend’s death, Gibbons added, "I had a couple of moments with the waterworks coming and going, and I really felt a sense of relief. I said, 'Gee whiz, maybe I am human after all.' This is coming from a very deep and glorious place, with respect to knowing that after 50 years with the guy, we were all joined at — no pun intended — joined at the hip."
Dusty Hill died in his sleep at home in Houston on Wednesday at age 72.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]