Dusty Hill, the bassist in the American rock group ZZ Top, has died aged 72.
A statement on the band’s Instagram account read: “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’.
Dusty Hill (L) with bandmate Billy Gibbons as they were inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2012
“We will forever be connected to that Blues Shuffle in C. You will be missed greatly, amigo. Frank & Billy.”
Hill had taken a leave of absence from the band due to a hip problem just days earlier, NBC said.
The message was signed by the group’s other members, drummer Frank Beard and guitarist Billy Gibbons.
The band was scheduled to perform in Simpsonville, South Carolina, on Wednesday, but a venue manager said the gig had been cancelled, NBC said.
On Friday, the group announced that Hill, its “fearless” bass player, was “on a short detour back to Texas, to address a hip issue.
“They await a speedy recovery … Per Dusty’s request ‘The show must go on!’
Dusty Hill (L) and Billy Gibbons (R) of ZZ Top playing the 2003 Montreux Jazz Festival
“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.”