WENN

ZZ Top star Dusty Hill has died, days after a hip issue forced the bassist to pull out of a gig in Illinois.

The 72 year old passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, Texas on Wednesday.

His bandmates, Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard, have confirmed the sad news.

"We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX," an Instagram statement from the pair reads. "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'."

It is not yet clear if Hill's death is linked to his recent hip injury.