Condolences: ZZ Top’s Frank Beard
• Frank Beard, the drummer of ZZ Top for nearly 60 years, has died at the age of 77.
According to published reports, Beard reportedly died on Monday, August 17 at his ranch after receiving hospice care. ZZ Top founder Billy Gibbons posted the sad news to Instagram: “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.”
With Beard’s passing, Gibbons is now ZZ Top’s lone surviving original member — founding bassist Dusty Hilldied in July 2021 and was replaced by the band’s longtime guitar tech Elwood Francis.
The band had canceled their August 5 performance at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, citing Beard’s health issues. ZZ Top has also canceled its upcoming shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs, but will resume its current The Big One! Tour this weekend with two dates at Austin City Limits, one of Beard’s favorite venues and in a city that had been something of a second home for him.
