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

ZZ Top never set out to become 1980s heavy rock gods. They wanted to be a blues band and their first few albums represent that. They were good at what they did, but then they changed their sound a bit and began producing pop-rock singles. While some may have questioned their new musical direction, few questioned their ability and their concerts were still immensely entertaining.

Bassist Dusty Hill had been a founding member of the trio and stayed that way until 2021. In fact, miraculously, there were no lineup changes between 1969 and 2021, only stylistic musical changes. Hill, however, was suffering from chronic bursitis a few years ago and decided to take a leave because of the illness. He would never return and died a few weeks later.

In his place, the band picked long-time guitar tech Elwood Francis to take Hill's place. Initially, the band and Francis thought the move would be short-lived. No one thought Hill was sick enough to pass away. Francis knew the parts to play and he was a good musician, but taking Hill's place felt wrong to him.

Elwood Francis is one humble member of ZZ Top

Even three years and many concerts later, Francis does not feel like he is part of the band. He seemingly doesn't want to do so because feeling that way might imply disrespect to Hill. The other band members, Frank Beard and Billy Gibbons, don't see it that way. Francis has been with them too long. Sure, they personally miss Hill, but they are still a band because of Francis.

In a recent interview with Guitar World, Francis talked about replacing Hill full-time saying, "When I first started doing it, Dusty was just sick and going home for a few weeks. It was entirely different; I was just helping out...It’s just weird. Dusty is their bass player. I’m not the bass player. I’m not in the band. I’ll never be in the band. I shouldn’t be...It’s Dusty's thing. Sure, I’ll still play with them – but it’s a weird thing, man."

Clearly, Francis is being genuinely humble. Many of us might feel the same way if we were replacing a musician who had been with a group for 50 years. We might feel like imposters. The truth is, though, that without Francis, ZZ Top might not have continued. There is a great likelihood that Beard and Gibbons are aware of this. One day Francis will hopefully be aware of his rightful importance.

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