Dusty Hill’s band mates Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard issued this evening confirming the news. They wrote: “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.”
A cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
It is believed the bassist had been suffering from a hip injury in recent weeks, which forced him to pull out of a number of shows across America.
Dusty, real name Joseph Michael, was best known as the group’s bass guitarist.
The musician was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a ZZ Top member in 2004.
Away from the stage, he also starred in several TV shows, most notably playing himself in an episode of animated series King Of The Hill.
The musician may also be remembered for accidentally shooting himself in 1984.
Addressing the incident in 2010, he said: “I couldn’t believe I’d done something so stupid.
“To this day, I don’t know how I could do it. But I didn’t really feel anything at the time.”
“All I knew was that I had to get myself to a hospital straight away, so I got in the car and drove there.
“It was only when I arrived at the hospital that the seriousness of what I’d done hit me, and I went into shock,” he added to Louder.
Tributes have flooded in for the late musician on Twitter this evening.
One commented: “RIP Dusty Hill. Rock lost a legend today.”
A second added: “So sad to hear about Dusty Hill. An all-time great bass player, and a rock and roll institution.Breaks my heart. @ZZTop.”
A third wrote: “So sad. Thank you for the music, Dusty. RIP Dusty Hill #dustyhill.”
More to follow…