A post on Instagram paid tribute to Hill, who died in his sleep in his home in Houston. No cause of death was attributed.

“We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX,” the Instagram post read. “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,” it added, signing, “Frank & Billy” at the end.

According to Variety, Hill had recently suffered a hip injury that required him to miss some performances of the band’s 2021 summer tour, the first that Gibbons and Beard had played without Hill in over 50 years.

In a news release on their website, the band announced on July 23 that Hill was making a “short detour back to Texas, to address a hip issue.” The release added, “Per Dusty’s request the show must go on!”

ZZ Top is known best for songs like Gimme All Your Lovin’ and Sharp Dressed Man from their 1983 Eliminator album, and La Grange from the 1973 album, Tres Hombres.

ZZ Top’s complete discography was extensive and consisted of 15 studio albums, four live albums and 44 singles.

The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

In an interview in 2010 with Classic Rock, Hill was asked what the secret was to keeping a band together for as many years as ZZ Top. In response, he said, “It’s a cliché and sounds so simplistic, but it’s down to the three of us genuinely enjoying playing together.”

“We also have enough in common to maintain a bond between us but sufficient differences to keep our individuality. And after all this time, we all know what winds up the others and what makes them the people they are,” he added.

And asked about his philosophy on life, Hill said, “I think life is there for you to grab it and be positive. Just look for the good everywhere. If you walk around expecting s**t to happen, then it will.”

Update - 7/28/21 4:40 PM - This story has been updated with additional information.