Frank Beard, the drummer for the iconic rock band ZZ Top for more than five decades, has died at the age of 77. The Fort Bend County Medical Examiner’s Office in Rosenberg, Texas, confirmed his death on August 17. His cause of death remains unclear, and an autopsy will not be performed.
Beard's passing occurred weeks after ZZ Top canceled their scheduled Hollywood Bowl performance on August 5, just hours before the show was set to begin. At the time, a statement from the group cited "unforeseen personnel matters" that forced the cancellation. Band frontman Billy F Gibbons stated that "insurmountable obstacles" led to the cancellation and asked for understanding from fans.
ZZ Top has since canceled additional upcoming shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs. However, the band intends to resume its "The Big One! Tour" this weekend with two performances at Austin City Limits, a venue noted as a favorite of Beard's and a city he considered a second home.
Billy F Gibbons formed ZZ Top in 1969, later bringing in Beard, who then introduced bassist Dusty Hill. The trio remained together for over 50 years until Hill's death in 2021 at the age of 72.
"Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas," Gibbons said in a statement. "His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top."
Fans who had purchased tickets for the canceled Hollywood Bowl show were issued refunds, including for transportation and parking passes.