Dusty Hill, ZZ Top Bassist, Dead at 72

Dusty Hill, longtime member of the iconic blues rock band ZZ Top, has died. He was 72. 

In a statement shared on the official ZZ Top Facebook page, his surviving bandmates, Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard, confirmed that he "passed away in his sleep" at his home in Houston, TX. 

"We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX," the statement reads. "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,'" it continues. "You will be missed greatly, amigo."

Hill joined ZZ Top in 1970 just one year after the hard rock group was founded by Gibbons. Along with Beard, who replaced original drummer Dan Mitchell in 1969, the Tres Hombres have been the only official members of the group throughout its 52-year existence.

In addition to his bass talents on timeless hits like "La Grange" and "Sharp Dressed Man," Hill will always be remembered for his legendary beard, which he rocked alongside his bandmate for decades. Rest in peace.