ZZ Top’s bassist drops some truth about never being a part of the band

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As a gamer with a deep appreciation for music history, I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness when I hear the story of Elwood Francis and ZZ Top. The iconic blues-rock band that once ruled the 1980s music scene with their distinctive sound and image had no intention of becoming what they were – heavy rock gods. Their early albums were rooted in the blues, showcasing their raw talent and dedication to their genre.

ZZ Top initially aimed to establish themselves as a blues band in the late 1970s and early 1980s, evident in their first few albums. Despite maintaining their unique style and talent, they later shifted towards producing pop-rock singles. Though this change raised some eyebrows among fans, their live performances continued to captivate audiences.

Dusty Hill, an original member of the trio since its inception in 1969, remarkably remained a constant presence until his passing in 2021. Noteworthily, there were no shifts in the band’s lineup during this period, with musical evolution being the only significant change. However, Hill faced health issues related to chronic bursitis several years prior and opted for a hiatus as a result. Tragically, he did not recover and passed away shortly after announcing his leave.

When Hill was unable to perform, the band chose long-time guitar technician Elwood Francis as his stand-in. At first, both the band and Francis assumed this was just a temporary arrangement. They didn’t believe Hill was seriously ill enough to die. Although Francis was skilled in playing Hill’s parts and was an excellent musician, assuming Hill’s role felt uneasy for him.

Elwood Francis is one humble member of ZZ Top

Three years have passed since Hill left the band, and I, Francis, still don’t feel like a true member despite performing with Frank Beard and Billy Gibbons for countless concerts. I sense that acknowledging this could be disrespectful to Hill, which is something I deeply avoid. From their perspective, things are different. They’ve grown accustomed to my presence and recognize the significant contribution I bring to the band. While they undoubtedly miss Hill, they continue to function as a unit because of me.

In a recent conversation with Guitar World, Francis expressed his feelings about permanently taking over for Hill as follows: “Initially, Dusty was merely unwell and expected to return shortly. It was an entirely distinct scenario; I was simply filling in…It feels strange. Dusty is their bassist. I’m not a band member. I don’t belong. I shouldn’t be there…It’s Dusty’s role. Of course, I’ll continue performing with them – but it’s an unusual situation, you know.”

Francis’ humility is sincere. Most people would share his feelings when taking over from a band member who had been there for five decades. It’s easy to feel like an intruder. However, Francis plays a crucial role in ZZ Top’s continuity. Beard and Gibbons likely recognize this. Eventually, Francis will come to understand the significance of his contribution to the band.

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2024-07-14 16:00