Dusty Hill, one third of ZZ Top,  has died, the group’s longtime rep confirmed. He was 72 years old.

ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard issued a statement on social media that reads, “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.”

On July 23, the band posted a message on its Facebook page stating that Dusty “is on a short detour back to Texas, to address a hip issue. They await a speedy recovery and have him back pronto. 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.” ZZ Top’s U.S. tour had been scheduled to run through Dec. 12 in Midland, TX.

Editorial credit: TDC Photography