ZZ Top Issues Statement on Those Trying to ‘Cash In’ on Dusty Hill’s Death
ZZ Top has issued a statement related to unnamed parties releasing various pieces of merchandise paying tribute to late bassist Dusty Hill.
The band’s statement begins, “ZZ Top, its representatives, and the family of Dusty Hill have become aware of unauthorized merchandise being sold on the internet purporting to celebrate the memory of Dusty Hill (“RIP Dusty,” “Thank you, Dusty” etc.). Please be aware that neither the band nor Dusty’s family has approved the sale of any merchandise or promotions connected to Dusty.”
The statement continues, “It is sad and unfortunate that many people are trying to ‘cash in’ on Dusty’s untimely death. Please know that no monies generated by these bogus goods are paid to the band or to Dusty’s family. It is our hope that all of you who cherish Dusty’s memory and love this band will honor Dusty by refraining to purchase any of these bootlegged goods. We further hope that you will inform others of this inappropriate and illegal behavior.”
The statement concludes, “Please know that ZZ Top will pursue all available remedies to put a stop to the sale of unauthorized merchandise relating to Dusty Hill or ZZ Top. We are saddened by our loss, and will protect Dusty and ourselves to the fullest extent of the law. We appreciate all our fans and hope you will work with us to prevent this outrageous and illegal conduct.”
Hill died on July 28 at the age of 72. An exact cause of death has not been confirmed.
In the days following Hill's death, guitarist Billy Gibbons told Variety, “Well, it’s no secret that over the past few years he had a pretty rough go with a broken shoulder, followed with a broken hip. And he had some problems with some ulcers. So he’s been kind of tiptoeing through keeping himself ship-shape, best he could.”
Gibbons added, “Let’s face it, you don’t necessarily pass away from a broken shoulder or broken hip. Although the attending physician had earlier warned him that bursitis was not uncommon, even arthritis, and they said it’s not a very comfortable place to be. And I could tell that he was moving a little slow. He said, ‘Boy, this shoulder and hip are really starting to become a problem.’ But, as of this juncture, yeah, it was off to dreamland and beyond.”
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