Frank Beard, the longtime drummer of ZZ Top and a key figure in the Texas rock band’s enduring sound, died Aug. 17 at age 77. Beard died at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, while receiving hospice care and surrounded by family, according to his publicist. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Beard, born June 11, 1949, in Frankston, Texas, had spent more than half a century behind the drum kit for ZZ Top. He joined ZZ Top in 1969 and became part of the trio’s defining lineup with guitarist Billy F. Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill. His steady, distinctive drumming helped anchor songs including “La Grange,” “Tush,” “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs.” ZZ Top went on to sell more than 50 million records, earn three Grammy nominations and enter the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Following Hill’s death in 2021, Beard and Gibbons were the remaining members of the classic trio, with Elwood Francis taking over bass duties. Beard’s passing leaves Gibbons as the only surviving member of ZZ Top’s best-known lineup.
Gibbons mourned Beard in a statement, saying, “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. His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top. Following Frank’s passing, ZZ Top has canceled its upcoming shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs. The band will resume its current The Big One! Tour this weekend with two dates in at Austin City Limits, one of Frank’s favorite venues and in a city that had been something of a second home for him.”
Beard’s death follows several health-related disruptions to ZZ Top’s 2026 touring schedule. He took medical leave earlier in the year and again stepped away from the band’s “The Big One!” tour in August. ZZ Top canceled its Aug. 5 Hollywood Bowl performance and subsequently canceled shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs. The band is expected to resume its tour in Austin later this week.
Beard is survived by his wife Debbie, and three children.
Editorial credit: Bruce Alan Bennett / Shutterstock.com