Elwood Francis and Dusty Hill *Two Years Ago* A Bitter Sweet Story

It was two years ago this July (2023) that we lost Dusty and gained Elwood. A quick look back on that time in rock history and let's see how the band is doing today two years after the death of Dusty Hill. #zztop #dustyhill #elwoodfrancis
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The Yellow Bass Story:
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[@JivinJoe1984]

Elwood has came along way since filling in for Dusty. I'm thankful Elwood is keeping the band goin

[@daryljohnson3945]

Precious and Grace, Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings.

[@Bootradr]

I love the pre-Eliminator ZZ Top music. I started getting back into vinyl over 2 years ago and had been wanting to do this for a very long time. I had been buying records at different times as I came across them and I finally did it and bought a decent turntable about two and a half years ago. Since then, I've been reacquiring my albums that I can no longer find and I'm guessing my family must have thrown away somewhere through the years? Either way, about six or eight months ago I went by my local record store and was looking through the newly brought in used LPs and somebody had gotten rid of all of their ZZ Top albums. That was a good thing for me. I can't remember if it was five or how many albums I got but other than one of them that is a little too noisy the rest of them sounded very good and near mint condition. It had been a long time since I had heard many of these songs and I really enjoyed jamming out on them again. More than once too haha! I did buy the newly repressed and remastered Tres Hombres and it sounded spectacular. I hope they go back through and remaster and/or reissue some of the other LPs from the ZZ Top early days catalog. These guys definitely had it going on! Brian in Fort Worth 🎶

[@ferdberfle5069]

We had already bought tickets to the December 1st, 2021 show here in Tyler, TX when we heard the news of Dusty's passing. I was not surprised that the guys decided to go on with the tour, and they put on a GREAT show when they played here! Elwood definitely held up the bottom end for ZZ Top that night! My favorite ZZ Top song? I'm old school, I love Jesus Just Left Chicago. Billy even brought out his Pearly Gates Les Paul to play that tune!

[@guyhillTophat]

0:00 0:00

[@guyhillTophat]

Yes! I love everything ZZ Top!

[@crazywisdom2]

Love ZZ top. Thankful that Elwood is there to keep the boys rolling. ZZ ain't done rocking yet !!~

[@johnirohnson]

I've seen ZZ 30+ times with Dusty so Elwood was always part of the stage scene and I was aware of him and his talents. I've seen them with Elwood 3x. He does a great job and makes Billy laugh AND Frank SMILE!! He brings a new energy to the show. I will miss Dusty every day until I die, as many of us will! I'm enjoying the time these three have with us, the diehard fans!!! Thanks guys, thank you Dusty ❤ ~Would have loved to see a "B side" show but SO many great tunes, so little time! When they play LaGrange at the near end of the show, I always think of the ending song from the Carol Burnett Show! ***I'm so glad we had this time together..just to have a laugh and sing a song...seems we just got started and before you know it...comes the time we have to say, so long. *** Never take anything for granted bcuz it could be the last. Be in the moment and cherish the memories being made! Thank you ZZ Top, for many of them 😊

[@RiverDocs]

Well said! Thanks for watching!

[@nebraskamike607]

This is a great post! Love the Carol burnett quote and its just perfect. I also say so long and never goodbye. Nothing good about having to say goodbye unless you're talking to the x wife or husband.

[@johnirohnson]

@@nebraskamike607 fellow Husker here

[@nebraskamike607]

@@johnirohnson that's cool 😎 I live in between Kearney and g.i. I've seen ZZ about 15 times maybe more. I bet we went to the same concerts a few times? My first was el Loco at the Pershing in Lincoln.

[@johnirohnson]

@@nebraskamike607 yep. Snow storm that night.

[@onazram1]

Precious and Grace is my favorite song, so Tres Hombres is my favorite album..

[@StrongmanTaylor]

I just saw ZZ Top last month August 2023 for the first time. I took for granted all the years I could have gone and seen them. Thank you Elwood for doing a great job, the ZZ Top show still kicked ass. I am 39 and I grew up on ZZ. One of the first albums I ever bought was ZZ Top's Greatest Hits back in 1992. I was 8. Favorite song: Got Me Under Pressure.

[@HoustonRoad]

Great video RD, as always!!!

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks. Appreciate you support!

[@MegaRmerrill]

I known Elwood for years he the best and neighbor neighbor off the ZZ Tops first album

[@RandyFricke]

Thank you Elwood. Well done!

[@fotisbozikas507]

Rest in peace Dusty, still can't believe he's gone. He was such a big part not only of Zz top but of rock n roll in general. He had a great minimalistic style in playing the bass and his vocals suited the music really well. Its really sad that he passed away but the music rhat he wrote and co-wrote will never be forgotten. Elwood does a great job keeping the music alive. He is a solid bass player and fits the style of Zz top... I mean he got the iconic look, the skills and the badass attitude, what can go wrong? Personally I really dig zz top's 70s albums and I believe back then they played some of the greatest Southern-blues-texas rock that the world has ever heard. Im not a big fan of their 80s albums but that's a personal view of mine. Anyway, they were and they are still one of the greatest bands and I'm really glad they still play their awesome music

[@craigdankers8509]

I just saw them in Alpharetta Georgia with Lynyrd Skynyrd a great show miss Dusty but MR Francis is the best replacement you can find killer show.

[@cindywindy6591]

Awesome, we will be seeing them in Hershey, Pa...Sept. 9th and I'm taking my 16 year old grandson who plays in a band, to show him their brilliance.

[@sadielampduo3762]

Thanks for this post , it keeps ZZs Rock and Roll rolling on !!!

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks for listening

[@huntspoint3442]

I just saw ZZ Top in Va Beach two weeks ago. They were awesome! Elwood started the show the big bass. That monster guitar fits perfectly into their show.

[@chrisharrington9786]

I was at the show also. Elwood killed it! Thought it was really cool when Billy joined Lynyrd Skynyrd for Call Me The Breeze great show in Virginia Beach

[@huntspoint3442]

@@chrisharrington9786 , my 27 yo son also came with us. He could not stop talking about how Billy could still jam like that. I also thought that impromptu riff he went into was killer.

[@DrDoom-uu3cj]

Favorite ZZ Top song is "Just Got Paid" Used to play it every Friday night after work (pay day). That was before "La Grange" and everything after that.

[@steveconti3966]

Huge shoes to fill yet he walks just " Fine " 👍

[@shrimp8004]

Hard to fill them shoes there one of a kind fills the spot on stage just fine

[@johnwhite993]

Mexican blackbird and master of sparks are 2 of my favorites. Too many to list. Love all of them songs

[@Darin-hq9mn]

I love Z Z Top Tres Hombres , Deguello, Fandango, Rio Grande Mud , Tejas, all their earlier stuff were good. I'm Bad I'm Nation Wide is one of my favorite songs. Rest in peace Dusty and Rock on Elwood, Billy & Frank

[@RiverDocs]

My Favorite album too!

[@Stryper101]

I saw ZZ Top on November 7, 2021 for the first time and I think it was awesome. Really rocked. And lovely tribute to Dusty in the end when they had a Dusty backing track playing to one of the last songs. Touching tribute. Rock on ZZ with your new war horse Elwood Francis!

[@audreydaleski1067]

Outstanding man and band.

[@jasonashley4579]

I'm 42 and these guys have been my absolute favorite since I was a little boy.

[@jimmyleon2983]

My favorite ZZ Top album is the one that made me a ZZ Top fan, "Tres Hombres"!

[@tonyakimble6840]

ZZTop was one of the best bands ever. I miss that music it’s not like it use to be. God bless your family and May you rest in peace and no he will never be forgotten ❤❤

[@sxymike12]

Most don’t get to pick their successor, seems like he’s been groomed for this for a while

[@GrymsArchive]

@ 2:26 No. The idea that they are still using the ZZ Top name after Dusty's death make's it feel like they just replaced a cog in the ZZ Top Machine. Not a fan of this move or of this "New ZZ Top"

[@Gratefulman1965]

RD, Thanks for this segment. Good stuff and Elwood does fit well, actually better than I thought he would. As for my favorite ZZ albums (1) “Rio Grande Mud” and “Deguello”. But ya just can’t beat the early material. A lot of Legendary tracks.🎶

[@RiverDocs]

You're welcome. Thank you for watching!!

[@edwardmcloughlin3797]

I think Elwood is doing a fine job. It's what Dusty wanted. I have the opportunity to see ZZTOP with Elwood and years ago with Dusty. Will continue to be my favorite band. I just learned that Dusty and I were born on the same day. Just 9 yrs apart. R.I.P. Dusty

[@Cheva-Pate]

I’m glad Elwood stepped in, why should ZZ Top stop playing? I hope they go on for many years, favorite song…… love them all!

[@maryannproffitt44]

Rest in heaven. He is missed! Hope the band is ok.

[@TheLateNightCinemaClub]

Elwood is a perfect fit.

[@RiverDocs]

Yea I think he was too!

[@RaulGarcia-h3c]

I wish I had seen these in concert when I was young,Flava talaca flaka talaca skinny girl a song from Fandango .

[@gringopines3476]

HAY BROTHER, I'VE GOTTA SAY I'M PRETTY MUCH PARSHAL TO FANDANGO & TRES HOMBRES. IT'S GOT KIND OF A SMOKEY BLUES MIXED WITH ROCKIN' TEX-MEX SOUND. STAY COOL... PEACE FROM CREEL CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO✌

[@RiverDocs]

Yep they are my favorites too! Peace back at you!!

[@Charles75N]

Another Great doc from River Docs. Thank you.

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks Charles. Appreciate it!

[@ronjohnson2693]

wow have a favorite song that's a hard one. If pressed I would say Jesus Just Left Chicago.

[@gregoryfaircloth8898]

XXX great lp

[@jonvig4771]

You can't mention albums without Tejas and Deguello.

[@3cardmonty602]

Fandango was a great album. My favorite song of theirs is La Grange.

[@cgregister]

Bye bye dusty! Will always miss him. Glad Elwood could cover

[@keithcearlock8768]

Neighbor Neighbor from the first album!

[@keithcearlock8768]

And many more from that album.

[@olehillbilly4331]

Remember hearing Mexican Blackbird the first time. A friend of mine turned me on to it. Thought it was a hell of a great song. Been a fan ever since. Love it all though. What a band 😁

[@chipcruey7757]

"Get High Everybody, Get High" !

[@devans873]

Two things, 1 zz tops first album is my favorite , 2 Elwood you sound good and your a good replacement for Dusty but can you PLEASE do something with your hair.

[@olehillbilly4331]

Don't worry about it Elwood. Just beat the hell out of that bass brother

[@kmackiss]

Heard it on the X . Im form San Antonio , guess you why .

[@cecilchamberssr5844]

No dust no top

[@DreDogg_100]

I was in Big D that July when Mr. Hill left us. He was raised there. Eventually HTown became his home until his passing. I was born 2 years before they released the first LP. My all time Top tune would be "Sure Got Cold After The Rain Fell". I'm a Texas blues boy at heart and the Band the Reverend Billy G. absolutely kills it on that song. Here's to Mr. Dusty Hill and also here's one more for the fine job that Elwood has done since and I'm positive for a long time to come. "CHEERS Y'ALL!"

[@deanolson3804]

I have always been a fan. Concert tickets dating back to the 70's. My favorite memory is seeing them at Michnichols arena in Demver Co.back in 81 with 70 thousand fans awesome show and stage show. Than 2 days later standing front in a small town of Grand Junction with 15 hundred. Awesome. God bless Dusty and his brothers in arms. God bless Elwood for keeping the music alive. Peace, keep the faith. Dean

[@olehillbilly4331]

Great video RD,as usual. Thanks for all of them. Keep em coming

[@BenCoombs]

A great update vid Doc!! Cheers!!

[@RustyEast]

It's only right that the tech has the gig

[@seanhammer6296]

"Mexican Blackbird."

[@rubenbarbo3342]

Is that your real hair looks good

[@CHill-uh1fg]

I have to say that I pretty much like every album ZZTOP did but the 1st 4 albums never get old,I still listen to them, but I guess my favorite was ZZ TOPs 1st album 😎, it's what made me become a guitar player. 🎸

[@Kiera_Jackson74]

Yeah I saw them with Elwood last year up here in Victoria BC and Elwood brings a good, new heavier thump to the ZZtop sound and you can see it in the twinkle of Frank and Billy's eyes

[@chopperdeath]

Beer drinkers and hell raisers.

[@bfpdude001]

Way to go Elwood

[@steveconnolly7129]

Best freekn decision,and i met him back in the mid 80s or 90s,of course dusty was alive and well,me and dust doin the finger shake thats irreplaceable moment with the guys,i wanna thank you

[@stelthy100]

FANDANGO IS MY FAVORITE ALBUM BY ZZ TOP

[@RiverDocs]

Yes! Love that live version of Thunderbird!

[@carlmontney7916]

This is from a bass players perspective. While Elwood is OK with ZZ, he's not Dusty and it shows. Not because Elwood's not talented, because he is. BUT, when you hear him play with the band, it is obvious that he is a guitarist who is playing bass and filling in rather than a *bassist* who's solidly in the pocket like Dusty was. Im glad ZZ Top continues but it's not the same band anymore and will never be. RIP Dusty

[@valinormons]

ZZ Top is one Helluva band from Deep in the Heart of Texas. You'd think that after losing Dusty that it would be the forever end, but NO! Dusty had a plan and now that it's in effect, the band is still bailing hay out on the range. Good luck to Billy, Frank and Elwood. I'm gonna but that new album too!

[@thomasreaves302]

"Sheik" and "Master of Sparks" really floats my boat.

[@nebraskamike607]

Gonna see the boyzz next week at fiddlers green in denver. Sharp dressed simple man tour! Lynyrd skynyrd is touring together with them. This is a holy grail/bucket list concert! Front row! I have the best wife in the world cuz she bought the tickets and gave them to me for Christmas! Gonna seem strange with no dusty or Gary rossington. 😢😢😢😢

[@RonnieFrancis]

We are coming to the concert in Little Rock, AR on April 18th, 2024. My last name being Francis makes me wonder if Elwood is my kinfolk. Maybe I can meet him. Thanks,

[@chloewinkworthartist]

im not a bass player, but i learnt about playin bass from dusty..

[@ivan_emege]

First Album, Tres Hombres y Fandango son mis álbumes favoritos.

[@Mr.SharkTooth-zc8rm]

💪❤

[@davidseasor9036]

Elwood's an ole Kentucky boy. He's doing just fine...

[@johndalessandro6433]

From what i seen, Elwood has done a fenominal job so far. He is not tryin' to be Dusty. He has his own style and look. Since he was the guitar tech for so many years, its like he was part of the Band anyway in a sense. Dusty can NEVER be replaced. His enthusiasm on stage, playing abilities and voice is etched in my memory forever. I would have been beyond scared to take the stage those first few gigs after Dusty's passing, but Elwood done it honorbly and with class. I seen ZZ Top during thier Afterburner tour in Pittsburgh at the old civic arena. They sold out 3 nights there if I recal. They had stage affects and a lazer light that lit up the roof of the arena. In reality though, they didnt need any of that, just thier own live music and stage presentation woulda been just as good. And while thier 80's videos where really cool, i like the older stuff better. I used to practice drums to the Tehas album. Frank used to throw in those little drags on the snare that i loved. Anyway, good video and GOD BLESS

[@RiverDocs]

Well said and thank you for watching!

[@frowertrampton7148]

Is he learning foot moves along with Billy?

[@briankady1456]

Favorite ZZ Top song? Uh, too many to list...

[@frankfischer1281]

Elwood has kept the band going...thar's true. But he's doing it with a respect for Dustys'memory without comprimising Elwoods' own contributions. I dig it.

[@RiverDocs]

Well said!

[@andrewmize823]

I'd say First Album, Tres Hombres, and Deguello are probably my favorite ZZ Top albums. I like a good bit of their other stuff, but those three have my favorite tracks.

[@RiverDocs]

Love Tres Hombres!

[@davemish4163]

Elwood is great, don't get me wrong. But you don't just replace a guy after 50 years.

[@RiverDocs]

Of course not, you are correct. But I am glad to see Elwood working out so Billy and Frank can continue to play. Thanks for watching!

[@stephenmiller5023]

I’m a huge fan of “ That little old rock band from Texas “ and have seen the boys at least a half dozen times ever since the late 70’s . Have not seen Elwood play live with them yet in person, but in the videos I’ve seen he’s definitely fitting in just fine . Our oldest Daughter lives in New Braunfels Texas & we have been to Gruene hall where The band did their documentary back about 4 -5 years ago & I would have loved to have been present when they filmed there in the hall. My favorite ZZ tune ?? 🤔, I’d have to say “ I need you tonight “ from Eliminator, but that WHOLE FIRST album just Kills it for me , as Any of those early tracks were just magic back then , especially Brown Sugar . 😎👍

[@B00MBATS]

Just watched ZZ Top perform last night with Skynyrd... I agree that Elwood stepping in for Dusty and keeping the band rocking. What an awesome show!!!

[@briansipe9755]

I wondered why today sucked so bad. Then I realized what the date was. RIP Dusty. Welcome Elwood. Thanks to Billy and Frank for our favorite band. Brian and Kelly.

[@robertengland8769]

Tres Hombres was phenomenal. Im glad I have a vinyl copy. I grew up listening to ZZ top. R.I.P Dusty.

[@JensEngquist]

It is time to "stop" This is NOT ZZ Top

[@bmit41]

Definitely Eliminator

[@bosshoss64]

Master of Sparks

[@midnightexpress1567]

Elwood is doing a great job. Saw them here in Arizona in Aug 2023

[@fstopPhotography]

BLUE JEAN BLUES

[@Joey_Fabitz]

Top 5 Blues

[@debbiephillips1447]

I love Tres hombres

[@1phoenix346]

Well done.

[@williamkerr3350]

Without a doubt the boys are still hot,blue and righteous,great show thanks.

[@taitedubard670]

Promo`SM 💔

[@cindywindy6591]

September 9th Hershey Stadium I'm taking my grandson & his band (they are 16) to see how guitar is really played. I wish I could get a meet & greet, didn't see any and couldn't afford it anyway. We are so excited to see them. Saw them before and it was a down pour of drenching rain with dangerous lightning streaking across the sky the entire show...They played right through it. Couldnt belive it. RIP Dusty 🙏

[@RiverDocs]

If they aren't having a meet & greet at this show you might get there 3-4 hours early and maybe walk around a little and see how close you can get to the busses. Just "hang around" ya never know who you might run into. Good luck!

[@shrimp8004]

U done it again RD another bad ass documentary Balinese probably my favorite I live couple block from there ✌️

[@RiverDocs]

Thanks Shrimp!

[@jeffyoung8726]

You know, I really like watching ALL of your videos! I think they are insightful, and always give me something to think about? But here is where I disagree. I believe that when certain things happen, that it's a sign? Meaning an end? It's not a pleasant situation, nor is it a happy one? But some bands don't know when to quit? Some bands say they're coming to an end, and they don't or they do for a little while and then they go back out on the road. I get all of this, I do. And often folks don't want to let go of what was. No matter how good Elwood is, he's not and never will be Dusty Hill! Elwood plays well, and knows a lot of their stuff. But there is no way he could take the place of good ol' Dusty Hill. And he shouldn't either? I've seen ZZ Top many times over the years. Seen'em in the 70's, 80's and 90's too. Never did they ever disappoint me! And to put somebody else in place of Dusty, is just not my cup of tea! I've seen them live with Elwood just once, and it's not the same, not at all! Dusty wasn't just the bass player, he was a third of this legendary band! If it would've been left up to me, I would've ended right there on a good note? Billy Gibbons can put together a solo band, with Frank Beard on drums and whoever else he wanted? THAT'S the way it should've gone? They could've even played some of their ZZ Top songs, and that would've gone over well and been their tribute to Dusty!

[@RiverDocs]

Hey it's cool to agree to disagree...But here is how I see it. Now remember I am a player too so I am looking at it from their side mostly. Why because a member dies should the other player have to give up the one and only thing they love and worked so hard for in life? Why should Billy or Frank not be able to go out and play and entertain because Dusty passed? They aren't doing this for the money...they have plenty. They do it because they are musicians and enjoy entertaining people and making music. And they worked all their life for that band name and deserve and earned the right to use it and play the songs they wrote. That is kind of where I am coming from on that subject. I appreciate your comment and watching my videos!!

[@jeffyoung8726]

​@@RiverDocs, Billy & Frank most certainly are doing it for the money! If not, why aren't they doing free shows? I totally get what you're saying man. I too am a player! That's how I make my living, in a wedding cover band. Been doing that for years, and I write music too. Anyway, Frank & Billy could still go out with some other guys? They just don't need to call the band ZZ Top? It's just like Kiss is doing? It's not the same at all? I get the joy of making the music, just do it on a different platform that's all? They could pack a stadium by playing some of their songs, as well as bringing in new material? That would be cool in my opinion, and I bet fans would love it too? Thanks for the response dude. I really dig your videos!

[@RiverDocs]

It's not just a band name, it's a brand, it's a business. Quite a few of their employees have worked in the office and crew for many years. Last check they had over 25 employees. They can't just fold that up. You're looking at it as a fan and I get that part, but even though Billy and Frank have the money and could walk away and jam with who they want, that would put a lot of people out of work and fold the company. So yes you're right they do it for the money, but not for themselves so to speak.

[@jeffyoung8726]

@@RiverDocs, Fair enough dude. Good point! Rock on brother, I appreciate your point of view!

[@RiverDocs]

Same here man. It's one of the things I don't like about music now days is the money controls it all...But I guess it does in every aspect of life anymore. You take care and keep on rockin!

[@johnemorrison-kj3ox]

Thanks Elwood ! ! 🤙

[@georgeedward1226]

Another great video. Well done.

[@RiverDocs]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@julieleighton2606]

La Grange

[@chloewinkworthartist]

yeah early stuff,new,album might be hard to get in oz, i dont pay that spottyfly shit money for nuthin..gunna look for new album

[@jonathanahquin8506]

JUST PLANE KILLER TUNES,KILLER BAND.💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

[@Fukna69]

Yeah tough spot to be thrown into, kinda like Kevin Harvick and Dale Earnhardt, but he’s done a great job and been well received, there’re just never be a Dusty Hill, RIP