Frank Beard, the drummer for the iconic Texas blues-rock band ZZ Top, has died at the age of 77. A statement on the band's website announced his passing on Monday, following a period in hospice care.
Beard, known for his steady backbeat that was integral to ZZ Top's sound, was one of the band's three original members. He remained with the group for six decades, a testament to his enduring presence in the music world. The band acknowledged his significant contribution, with frontman Billy Gibbons stating, "His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top."
Despite Beard's death, ZZ Top plans to continue performing as he had wished. The band is scheduled to resume its current tour, "The Big One!," over the weekend with two dates at Austin City Limits, a venue described as one of Beard's favorites and a city considered a second home to him. The group had previously canceled shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs following Beard's passing.
ZZ Top, which was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, has a long history of touring across North America, Europe, and South America. Following the death of bassist Dusty Hill in 2021, Elwood Francis took over on bass, and the band continued its performances. Gibbons noted that both he and Francis had lost a "great friend and collaborator" in Beard, recognizing him as "one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas."