ZZ Top is mourning the loss of their drummer, Dusty Hill, who unexpectedly passed away. The news was announced on Wednesday, July 28, in a statement shared on 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,” the band wrote. “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.”

 

Hill, who had been with the iconic rock band for more than 50 years, was forced to step away from their current tour to seek medical attention for a problem with his hip, although it is unclear if that is related to his passing or not. Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard posted the news on Facebook.

“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. 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.

“And with Elwood to our right, rest assured ZZ Top will deliver their good time, signature show,” added Gibbons. “Billy’s big guitar, crushing drums from Mr. Beard, and Elwood securing the bottom end continues the delivery with those famous three chords we all dig.”

According to Variety, Hill’s first performance with ZZ Top was on February 10, 1970. The band, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, last released Tonite at Midnight: Live Greatest Hits from Around the World in 2016, although they continued to regularly tour.

Funeral services have yet to be announced. Everything Nash extends their deepest condolences.