Blimp Time-Hop: Dusty From ZZ Top Turns 70

He was born May 19, 1949 in Dallas, Texas.  Joseph Michael Hill turns the big 7-0 this weekend. Blimpville knows him better as ‘Dusty’ from ZZ Top.

Soon after ‘That Lil’ Ole Band from Texas’ formed in 1969, he became the bass player, co-vocalist and sometimes keyboardist . There were two other bass players in the band briefly, before he joined Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard. Happy Birthday Dusty Hill!

Dusty has rocked Portland 13 times with ZZ over the years, from the very first concert at the CCCC in 1977 to last summer on the Maine State Pier. Apparently, he likes to hang with the locals after the show and have fun while he's here too.

Blimpsters have reported legendary sightings in the past at Yankee Lanes (now Sparetime) and Platinum Plus (now PT's Showclub). "Lord take me downtown! I'm just lookin' for some Tush!"

By the way, we think the guy who posted the video is just noticing Dusty's shoulder shock for the first time. We're pretty sure he's always had that move.

The very first Maine headlining appearance from ZZ Top happened 44 years ago, two days before Dusty's 26th birthday in 1975. This was just around the corner from the original WBLM studios at trailer in Litchfield at the CMYC in Lewiston. The Blimp was very involved with getting the word out about the show on the radio. WBLM teamed up with Northeast Concerts led by our longtime friend, Andrew Govatsos.

The promoters originally had Brownsville Station as the headliner. ZZ Top popularity blew right up and they were switched to the top of the bill. The promoters didn't have a picture of ZZ Top in time for the release of the announcement poster. Brownsville Station (also a trio) were used instead. Wonder how many people thought they were looking at ZZ?

Here's what they played!

What a precious treasure this is! Listen to the whole historic show right here!

ZZ Top is celebrating 50 Years of virtually peerless Texas boogie with drums bass and fuzzy guitar. They'll be kind enough to make a stop at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford on September 14 with Cheap Trick opening.