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ZZ Top continues with new lineup despite loss of classic members
Billy Gibbons has defended the decision to continue ZZ Top with a new lineup following the deaths of longtime bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 and drummer Frank Beard in August. As the sole remaining member of the band’s classic era, Gibbons described the current iteration of the group as a ‘hybrid’ that maintains the band’s solidified legacy while allowing for new additions.
The new lineup features Elwood Francis on bass, who was previously the band’s longtime guitar technician, and Michael Monahan on drums. Gibbons noted that both Hill and Beard had been involved in selecting their respective replacements, intending for the changes to be temporary, though they became permanent after their passing. Gibbons expressed satisfaction with the new members, stating that the band is enjoying this new phase and that he is ‘couldn’t be happier about it.’
Entities
Billy Gibbons · Dusty Hill · Elwood Francis · Frank Beard · ZZ Top
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Elwood Francis replaced Dusty Hill in the band. 99wfmk.com · 1057thehawk.com · wblm.com · wpdh.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Drummer Frank Beard died on August 17 at the age of 77. 99wfmk.com · 1057thehawk.com · wblm.com · wpdh.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Michael Monahan is the current drummer for ZZ Top. 99wfmk.com · 1057thehawk.com · wblm.com · wpdh.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Billy Gibbons asserts that the current lineup remains ZZ Top despite changes to the original members. 99wfmk.com · 1057thehawk.com · wblm.com · wpdh.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Bassist Dusty Hill died in 2021. 99wfmk.com · 1057thehawk.com · wblm.com · wpdh.com