Billy Gibbons hinted at a new ZZ Top album following Dusty Hill’s passing.
“Throughout the eons, the changes within the band are constantly ongoing,” the guitarist said. “We dig ’em; it keeps things lively. Speaking of lively, the spotlight goes to Elwood! Our main man with the new ‘bottom of the top.'”
He continued, “Elwood is a brilliant player and really knows his stuff as a stalwart supporter going past three decades. He’s got the feel and the intuition and has long been a practitioner of the ZZ ethos: do it, do it good, and keep doing it. He has those Dusty shoes to fill and deftly rose to the occasion. That is where it’s at!”
Gibbons announced last year that the band was set to finish a new album by the end of the year. They began recording the album before Hill’s death, meaning it would feature much of his playing, along with new bass tracks by his replacement, Elwood Francis.
“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,” Billy told Classic Rock.
He added, “And sure enough, Elwood picked up the parts and pieces. 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.”
“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,” Billy also said.
ZZ Top is currently on their North American tour and will perform in Tucson, Arizona, on October 25.
