ZZ Top marked their return to the stage for the first time since the death of their drummer Frank Beard, who passed away last week at age 77. Beard's bandmates, Billy F. Gibbons and Elwood Francis, performed at Austin City Limits Live in Texas on Saturday, a venue noted as holding a special place in Beard's heart.

During the performance, Gibbons introduced Michael Monahan as the band's new drummer. Monahan was recommended by Beard himself. "I guess some of you probably know, there's a new man in town," Gibbons told the audience. He recounted a conversation with Beard where the drummer expressed concern about his bass drum foot becoming weak and suggested Monahan take over.

Beard died while in hospice care at his Richmond, Texas, ranch, with family by his side. Gibbons paid tribute to his longtime bandmate on Instagram, calling Beard a "great friend and collaborator" and "one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas." Gibbons added that Beard's "signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top."

The band will continue its current "The Big One! Tour" with dates at Austin City Limits, which the statement described as one of Frank's favorite venues and a city that had been a second home for him.

ZZ Top, formed in 1969, now comprises bassist Francis and Gibbons. The band experienced significant success in the 1970s and 1980s, with hits like "Gimme All Your Lovin'," "Sharp Dressed Man," and "Legs." Their 1973 album "Tres Hombres" reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200.

Beard's passing follows the death of founding member Dusty Hill in 2021, who was replaced by Elwood Francis. Beard had spoken in the 2019 documentary "That Little Ol' Band from Texas" about his lasting satisfaction with playing with Gibbons and Hill, stating he "never wanted to quit, and I’ve never wanted to get fired."

The drummer also openly discussed his past struggles with substance abuse, admitting in the documentary that drugs negatively impacted his relationships and led him to sell his original Ludwig drum kit. He eventually sought treatment, during which the band took a three-year hiatus. Beard recalled his desire to get sober and be "like people I admired that could sit at home and watch TV and go to bed."

In 2004, ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.