ZZ Top bass player Dusty Hill has died aged 72.
The musician was known for his long and wispy beard - which became his trademark. Along with bandmates, guitarist Bill Gibbons and drummer Frank Beard, they gave life to the hits "Legs" and "Gimme All Your Lovin'."
In a post on Facebook, Gibbons and Beard said Hill died peacefully in his sleep. Though they didn't reveal the cause of his death, a July 21 post on the band's website said Hill was "on a short detour back to Texas to address a hip issue."
According to The New York Post, Hill suffered several health issues. However, it wasn't known if they were associated.
In 2000, he was diagnosed with hepatitis C - resulting in ZZ Top's European tour cancellation.
Friends and fans alike stormed social media with tributes. "For 50 entire years, Dusty Hill anchored down one of the greatest rock power trios that's ever existed. RIP Hombre," music journalist Corbin Reiff said.
Comedian Rob Delaney confessed his love for Hill - saying he loved Hill forever. "You were half of rock and roll's greatest EVER rhythm section & a hell of a songwriter," he added.
The band Primitive Man called Hill's death tragic - describing him a rocker, a real person and a "lifer."
Hill, Gibbons and Beard formed ZZ Top in Houston in 1969 - getting their name from the blues singer Z.Z. Hill, with the influence of the British power trio Cream, The Associated Press said. Their debut album, "ZZ Top's First Album," was released in 1970.
After three years, they found commercial success with "La Grange." From here, they started to release hit after hit - such as "Tush," "Sharp Dressed Man," "Legs," "Gimme All Your Lovin' " and "Sleeping Bag."
Their 1976 "Worldwide Texas Tour" was one of the decade's most successful while their albums "Eliminator," "Afterburner" and "Antenna" sold millions.
ZZ Top was included in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Hill, too, was included as a member of the band in the same year.
Hill, Gibbons and Beard's look - dark sunglasses and long, wispy beards - became familiar to everyone because of their MTV videos in the 1980s. It was also the subject of a New Yorker cartoon and a joke on "The Simpsons."
