ZZ Top's Dusty Hill Has Passed Away, Age 72

ZZ Top bass player Dusty Hill has passed away, age 72. 

The news was confirmed by ZZ Top today with a post shared to the band's social media. 

"We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX," it 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'. We will forever be connected to that 'Blues Shuffle in C.' 

"You will be missed greatly, amigo. Frank & Billy."

Hill, born Joseph Michael "Dusty" Hill in 1949, was a member of ZZ Top alongside founding member Billy Gibbons (guitar and lead vocals) and Frank Beard (drummer) since 1969. 

The group released their debut album, ZZ Top's First Album, in 1971 and would go on to find chart success with albums like Tres Hombres, Fandango!, Eliminator (their highest charting album in Australia at #2), Afterburner and more. 

Eliminator, released in 1983, offered some of the group's best-known tracks, including Gimme All Your Lovin', Sharp Dressed Man and Legs, adding to their already impressive catalogue alongside tracks like 1973's La Grange and 1975's Tush.

In 2004, ZZ Top were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame by The Rolling Stones' Keith Richards.

Tributes continue to flow for Hill on social media today.  

"Rest In Peace #DustyHill of @ZZTop. My thoughts go out to @BillyfGibbons and Frank Beard and all the #ZZTop fans around the world," said Ozzy Osbourne via Twitter. 

"WOW! Dusty Hill. What an icon. @ZZTop’s bassist forever. So unique. Always a gentleman from the days of us opening for them through the recent days of them opening for us. I don’t know what to say but 'Thank you' and 'Rest however you damn well choose!'" said KISS' Paul Stanley.