ZZ Top's Dusty Hill Dies at 72

(Photo by Gaelle Beri/Redferns)

Dusty Hill, the longtime bassist for ZZ Top, died Wednesday of undisclosed causes, the band announced. He was 72 years old.

“We are saddened by the news today that our compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston,” reads a tweet by Hill’s bandmates, Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard. “We, along with legions of ZZ Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the ‘Top.’ We will forever be connected to that ‘Blues Shuffle in C.’ You will be missed greatly, amigo. Frank and Billy.”

Hill joined ZZ Top in 1970, two years after the band was formed by singer-guitarist Billy Gibbons.

For many of us, @ZZTop has defined what a great power trio could do & for how long they could do it well. #RIPDustyHill & as one of a million fans, I Thank You. pic.twitter.com/TMg78wN7iH

— David Wild (@Wildaboutmusic) July 28, 2021