Sadness in the music world as ZZ Top bass player Dusty Hill passed away at age 72, in his sleep. The group’s guitarist Billy Gibbons and drummer Frank Beard shared the news on Facebook.

Hill was a member in a number of different bands before forming ZZ Top in 1969. He rocked that iconic ZZ Top beard with bandmate Gibbons for over 50 years, starting off with their first album in 1971. Tributes poured in, along with one from John Fogerty who played with Hill in his final show last week.

We are devastated to hear about Dusty’s passing. We were so blessed to share the stage with the great Dusty and ZZ Top many times, and if that wasn’t Rock and Roll heaven, I don’t know what is. The show we did together just last week would be his last. So heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/oKKslJ2U9M

— John Fogerty (@John_Fogerty) July 28, 2021

There were tributes from Flea, Ozzy Osbourne and Paul Stanley.

WOW! Dusty Hill. What an icon. @ZZTop ’s bassist forever. So unique. Always a gentleman from the days of us opening for them through the recent days of them opening for us. I don’t know what to say but “Thank you” and “Rest however you damn well choose!” https://t.co/tHfjLy1xbj

— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) July 28, 2021

Hill also was seeking help for a hip injury and was adamant that the band continue without him and their long time guitar tech Elwood Francis, to take over on bass. Hill also shared vocal duties with Gibbons and the group had a chance to perform with Brooks and Dunn on a CMT Crossroads special in 2002 on their classics La Grange and Gimme All Your Lovin’.