ZZ TOP bassist DUSTY HILL died on Tuesday. There's no word yet on the cause of death. He was 72.
His bandmates BILLY GIBBONS and FRANK BEARDsaid, quote, "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."
Dusty wasn't ZZ Top's original bass player, but he joined just before they recorded their debut album in 1971. He, Billy, and Frank remained a solid lineup to the end.
The band churned out classics in the '70s like"La Grange","Tush", and"Cheap Sunglasses".
Then they took things to another level in the '80s, becoming MTV superstars with slicker, synth-driven hits like"Legs","Sharp Dressed Man", and"Gimme All Your Lovin'".
In the past few years, Dusty had some medical issues, including a shoulder injury and hip replacement surgery. They had to play with a replacement earlier this month so Dusty could deal with a hip issue.
In 2010, Dusty actually talked about what he wanted on his tombstone. He said, quote, "It may sound morose, but you never get younger. I've come up with some ideas, and then rejected them all.
"There's an inscription on a wooden marker over a grave in Boot Hill that says: Here lies Lester Moore. Four slugs from a .44. No Les. No more. I like the humor in that."