"ZZ Top" Bassist Dusty Hill Passes Away

Dusty Hill, the bassist of American blues-rock band "ZZ Top", has passed away at 72, the band's official website announced on Wednesday.

"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, from surviving members Frank Beard and Billy Gibbons, read.

"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'." the statement added.

The band was founded in 1969 with Hill joining not long after. He remained in the ZZ Top for over five decades, until his death.

Hill was born in Dallas, and after trying to break into the music scene there, he eventually moved to Houston, where he met Gibbons.

Last week, the band's website shared that Hill was being sidelined due to a "hip issue" with the band's longtime guitar tech, Elwood Francis, stepping in for Hill.

"Per Dusty's request, 'The show must go on!" the band wrote in a statement.