May 16, 2007
ZZ Top has canceled its European tour so Dusty Hill can undergo treatment for a benign growth in his inner ear that's affecting his hearing.
Dr. Shawn Nasseri, a California otolaryngologist who is treating the 57-year-old bassist/singer, said preliminary plans don't include surgery.
"In the near-term, we plan to stabilize Dusty's hearing and symptoms with medication and a conservative management strategy," he said in a statement.
ZZ Top got its start in Houston in 1969 when local guitarist Billy Gibbons got together with Hill and drummer Frank Beard, from Dallas-based band American Blues.
The band has been touring for much of the spring. Its European tour was to start June 15 in Leipzig, Germany, and run into early July.
More U.S. dates were set for July and August. Those shows, starting July 15 in Dallas, weren't expected to be affected.
"I'm looking forward to dealing with this problem and getting back out there with Billy and Frank," Hill said. "I'm sure we'll put this behind us very shortly."
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Copyright 2007 The Associated Press
