More than a thousand pieces of ZZ Top memorabilia are going up for auction in Dallas over the next week. "The Collection of Dusty Hill of ZZ Top" starts with a public exhibition that begins Thursday.
"ZZ Top are true Texans. Of course, they're a global band. They're loved all around the world, but we've brought everything here to Dallas just to showcase ZZ Top and make everybody smile," says Julien's Auctions Founder Martin Nolan.
Dusty Hill died in 2021. His family worked with Nolan and Julien's Auctions to set up the event.
"This is a huge privilege to work closely with the family of someone who has passed, preserve their legacy, celebrate an amazing life and career, and present these items to the world in the best condition possible," Nolan says.
Nolan was standing in front of the "Hot Rod Guitar" Hill used that blew smoke into the crowd.
"The items themselves are just the tangible conduit to the story, and we're all nostalgic," Nolan says.
The guitar is expected to sell for $40,000 to $60,000.
Also up for bid is Hill's fur guitar from "Legs" and clothing worn in the video.
"When people come here, they're going to see amazing jackets, stage-worn jackets because when ZZ Top got on stage, it wasn't just music, they made a fashion statement as well, " Nolan says.
An exhibition begins Thursday and includes a pop-up store at 915 Slocum St. Dallas, TX 75207.
The auction takes place online and in-person. Bidding has already started, and the auction itself takes place December 7 through 9. A complete list of items is available here.
"What ZZ Top gave us was incredible music. They changed the way we listened to music with their blend of blues, jazz and soul forming that iconic sound we know and love," Nolan says. "We can still have that music play today, and it's still relevant today."
Among clothing up for auction is Hill's jacket from "Fandango" in 1975.
"Just incredible how well this has been maintained," Nolan says. "It's just absolutely beautiful."
A bald eagle jacket worn by Hill during a show is expected to sell for $5,000 to $7,000
"Back and front, these jackets have incredible detail," Nolan says. "You can see the feathers on the sleeves, and if I turn it around, you can see the work on the back as well. When they got on stage, it was what they wore, what they played and the lyrics they gave us. That's why we're celebrating such an amazing legend."
Other items include jewelry and belt buckles. Nolan says Hill would also set up a shrine with Elvis memorabilia while traveling among shows. Several items including a Zippo lighter with Elvis Presley's face, a jumpsuit and a vest with Elvis' face are among items to be auctioned.
"He never forgot that when they became famous in their own rite, who was an influence and who was important to them," Nolan says. "There are quite a few other celebrity artists who've signed up to bid in this auction because they're looking up to ZZ Top."
The exhibition is free.
A portion of the money spent in the auction will be donated to MusiCares, a non-profit run by the Recording Academy that provides financial assistance, job training, and health services for musicians.
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