ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard died in August after a stay in hospice care, the Fort Bend County Medical Examiner’s Office in Rosenberg, Texas, confirmed.
Beard, who was 77, had taken a health leave from the band prior to his death, with drummer Michael Monahan filling in. Beard had reportedly been dealing with foot and ankle issues, which had previously caused a two-month absence from the band.
One of Beard’s final performances was on November 2, 2025, at Viejas Casino & Resort in Alpine, California. During the show, ZZ Top performed hits including “Legs,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide,” all of which Beard co-wrote. The band closed the concert with “La Grange.”
Billy F. Gibbons, founder of ZZ Top, shared a statement welcoming Beard back after his earlier absence. “We missed him and are looking forward to turning it up and rocking out with him as has been the case for the last few hundred or so decades. His complete recovery is cause for celebration and that’s just what we intend to do on an open-ended basis. Welcome back, pardner!” Gibbons stated.
Beard replied to the welcome, “It’s good to be back. See you out there.”
Following the Alpine show, Beard took another extended health leave. His cause of death remains unclear, and an autopsy will not be performed, according to the medical examiner.
“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 of Beard. “His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top.”
ZZ Top had canceled upcoming shows, including a scheduled performance at the Hollywood Bowl on August 5, as well as dates in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs. However, the band stated its intention to resume its tour the weekend of August 16-17 with two performances at Austin City Limits, a venue described as a favorite of Beard's and a city he considered a second home.