Dusty Hill, ZZ Top bassist, dead at 72

close

Video

Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines for July 28

Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here. Check out what's clicking today in entertainment.

Dusty Hill, the bassist for ZZ Top, has died. He was 72.

Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard of the Texas-based trio issued a statement to Fox News writing: "We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX.  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," the statement added.

Hill was a longtime member of the Texas blues rock group for over 50 years. No cause of death was given.

Musicians Dusty Hill and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top perform onstage during day two of 2015 Stagecoach. Hill has died at the age of 72. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

Hill had been dealing with a health concern related to a hip issue as recently as Friday, the band revealed, adding that they were awaiting "a speedy recovery" and hoping to "have him back pronto."

"The members of ZZ Top, Billy, and Frank, would like to share that Dusty, their fearless Bass player, is on a short detour back to Texas, to address a hip issue," the Facebook post read. "Per Dusty’s request ‘The show must go on!’ With that directive, ZZ Top has put the services of Mr. Elwood Francis, their trusted guitar tech of the past two decades, into play with his slide guitar, bass guitar, and harmonica playing in full swing."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

One of the original founding members of ZZ Top, the Dallas-born instrument player cut his chops on the cello in high school, according to Variety. Hill, along with his guitarist brother Rocky, and Beard played locally in bands including the Warlocks, the Cellar Dwellers and American Blues.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The band has a gig scheduled for Wednesday night in Simpsonville, S.C.

Fox News' Lauryn Overhultz contributed to this report.

The Associated Press contributed to this report