Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

After this week’s passing of ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill, the question remained whether ZZ Top would continue to perform. Until last week, Hill had never missed a show since he joined the band in 1969. Hill and Billy Gibbons’ matching long beards have become a trademark to the blues-rock trio.

However, one of Hill’s wishes before leaving this world was for ZZ Top to keep rocking. According to ZZ Top publicist Bob Merlis, Gibbons sent a text that read “As Dusty said upon his departure, ‘Let the show go on!’ And … with respect, we’ll do well to get beyond this and honor his wishes.”

Gibbons continued speaking about this conversation with his longtime bandmate and friend, “Dusty emphatically grabbed my arm and said, ‘Give Elwood the bottom end, and take it to the Top. He meant it, amigo. He really did.”

Last week ZZ Top’s guitar tech Elwood Francis filled in for Hill as the now late bassist was suffering hip injuries. Although Hill can never be replaced, Francis will grant Hill’s last request and continue to fill the role.