Frank Beard has died aged 77, ZZ Top confirmed on Tuesday.
A representative for the Texas rock group told USA Today that Mr Beard passed away on Thursday whilst receiving hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, surrounded by family members.
The news comes just weeks after the legendary sticksman was forced to withdraw from the band’s ongoing The Big One! Tour due to deteriorating health.
Mr Beard had also stepped back from live duties earlier in the year, having pulled out of touring in March to undergo what was described as a “health procedure.”
ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard has died aged 77
|
GETTY
Guitarist Billy Gibbons paid an emotional tribute to his longtime bandmate, 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.”
Mr Gibbons added: “His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top.”
The band intends to resume The Big One! Tour this weekend with two performances at The Moody Theater as part of the Austin City Limits music festival.
ZZ Top described the venue as “one of Frank’s favourite venues and in a city that had been something of a second home for him.”
Billy Gibbons paid an emotional tribute to his longtime ZZ Top bandmate
|
GETTY
Shows in Colorado Springs and Salt Lake City have been cancelled.
Mr Beard’s withdrawal from The Big One! Tour at the start of August marked the second time in 2026 that health concerns had kept him off the road.
He had previously stepped away from the group’s live schedule in March whilst undergoing a medical procedure, before returning to action.
The 77-year-old had been a member of ZZ Top for more than half a century, featuring on every one of the band’s 15 studio records.
Frank Beard was a member of the legendary Texas rock band for more than five decades
|
GETTY
He first linked up with Mr Gibbons in 1969 and played a pivotal role in assembling the group’s iconic three-piece formation by connecting the guitarist with his former American Blues bandmate Dusty Hill.
Together, the trio became one of the most instantly recognisable acts in rock history.
Mr Beard’s driving rhythms underpinned a string of classic tracks, from the bluesy swagger of “La Grange” and “Tush” to the MTV-era anthems “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs.”
Across more than five decades, the drummer appeared on all 15 of ZZ Top’s studio albums, providing the rhythmic backbone that helped define the band’s distinctive sound.
The group, which came together in 1969, evolved into one of Texas’s most celebrated musical exports, with Mr Beard’s steady, inventive playing remaining central throughout.
Fans of the star were quick to take to social media to share their condolences.
“D**n, that one hurts. I was fortunate to catch tickets to their tour a few times late 80’s and early 90’s,” one person wrote on X.
ZZ Top became one of the most recognisable rock bands during Beard’s decades-long career
|
GETTY
Another added: “As a Texan that has seen ZZTOP more than 10 times. This really hurts…”
“Oh man, first it was Dusty and now Frank. What a tragedy,” said a third.
Someone else commented: “Thank you for the memories, Frank. May you rest peacefully.”