ZZ Top Legend Frank Beard Has Died At 77
The music world is mourning the loss of one of rock’s most legendary drummers.
Frank Beard, the longtime drummer of ZZ Top and a key member of the iconic Texas trio for more than five decades, has died at the age of 77.
Frank Beard Died In Hospice Care
Beard died at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, while receiving hospice care. Family members were by his side.
His death comes after the drummer had recently stepped away from ZZ Top’s tour because of health issues. The band had also canceled a recent Hollywood Bowl performance amid concerns surrounding his health.
A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Billy Gibbons Pays Tribute To His Bandmate
Following the devastating news, ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons shared an emotional tribute to his longtime friend and collaborator.
Gibbons described Beard as one of the world’s most naturally innovative drummers and praised the signature backbeat that helped define ZZ Top’s sound.
The loss is especially significant for Gibbons, who is now the only surviving member of ZZ Top’s classic lineup.
Bassist Dusty Hill died in 2021 at the age of 72.
Frank Beard Helped Build ZZ Top’s Legendary Sound
Beard joined Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill in ZZ Top in 1969.
Together, the trio became one of the most recognizable groups in rock music.
Beard’s drumming powered some of ZZ Top’s biggest songs, including “La Grange,” “Tush,” “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs.”
The band went on to sell more than 50 million records worldwide and became a major force in rock, blues and Southern music.
The Band Was Inducted Into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame
ZZ Top’s incredible career earned the group a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
Beard, Gibbons and Hill remained together for decades, creating one of the longest-running and most recognizable lineups in rock history.
The band’s success continued well beyond the 1970s, with the 1983 album Eliminator bringing ZZ Top an even larger worldwide audience.
Frank Beard Was The “Beardless” Member
There was always an ironic detail about Beard’s place in ZZ Top.
While Gibbons and Hill became famous for their enormous beards, Beard was famously the member who did not wear the same signature facial hair.
Yet his name was Beard.
His personality and drumming became an essential part of the band’s identity.
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ZZ Top Will Continue
Following Beard’s death, ZZ Top has canceled two upcoming shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs.
However, the band is expected to continue performing in accordance with Beard’s wishes. Elwood Francis will continue handling bass duties alongside Gibbons.
Frank Beard’s death marks the loss of another member of one of rock music’s most legendary trios.
He was 77.
ZZ Top members Frank Beard, Billy Gibbons, and Dusty Hill. (Tom Hill/WireImage/Getty Images)
His unmistakable rhythm will remain part of ZZ Top’s music for generations to come.
