ZZ Top Bassist Dusty Hill Passes Away At 72

TMZ- ZZ Top's longtime bassist, Dusty Hill, has died … TMZ has learned.

Dusty passed away at his home in Houston, TX -- this according to his bandmates, Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard.

They write, "We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX. 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." The boys add, "You will be missed greatly, amigo."

Unclear if Dusty's death is in any way related to another health scare he recently suffered -- namely, a hip injury that the band said he had to address in the past week or so, forcing him to bow out of a string of shows across the U.S. with his bandmates.

Oh man - such tragic news here. Rough week for the music world.

Rock n' Roll legend and ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill has passed away at the age of 72 following an undisclosed health incident last week.

Dusty Hill was a massive piece of one of the greatest trios in music history (and had been since 1969 when ZZ Top was founded) and he brought the look, the feel, and the chugging groove of Blues-inspired Rock to the stage as well as any bass player out there right up until the end….

Put a lil ZZ Top on your queue tonight for Dusty. He will be greatly missed.

Condolences to his friends, family, bandmates, and fans.