Frank Beard, the veteran drummer for the legendary American rock band ZZ Top, has died at the age of 77 at his ranch in Richmond, Texas.
A spokesperson for the band confirmed that Beard passed away on August 17 while receiving end-of-life care for a serious illness, surrounded by his family.
Beard was the driving force behind the signature rhythm of ZZ Top for more than five decades, supplying the backbeat for major rock hits such as La Grange, Tush, and Legs.
ZZ Top lead vocalist and guitarist Billy Gibbons paid tribute to his long-time bandmate, reflecting on both their decades of friendship and Beard's musical legacy.
Gibbons said that he and bassist Elwood Francis had lost a great friend and collaborator, while the world had lost one of its most genuinely innovative drummers and a true son of Texas.
Gibbons added that Beard's signature rhythm was crucial in keeping the band at the top of the music industry. He confirmed that the band, in which Beard played for six decades, would continue performing as the drummer had wished.
Cancelled concert dates and tour plans
The announcement follows recent disruptions to the group's performance schedule. Last week, ZZ Top cancelled a scheduled concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles due to Beard's health condition.
Following his passing, the band confirmed they will not perform their scheduled concert on Tuesday in Salt Lake City, Utah, nor their planned show on Wednesday in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Early career and joining ZZ Top
Beard grew up in the small eastern Texas town of Frankston and began his musical career performing with several local rock groups across the state.
He joined ZZ Top in 1971, two years after the group formed in Houston. Although Beard was not a founding member, his dynamic drumming style quickly became synonymous with the group's blues-infused rock sound for millions of fans.
As ZZ Top rose to international prominence during the late 1970s, Beard struggled with drug addiction during a period when the band took an extended break from recording and performing.
Beard successfully completed rehabilitation treatment and returned to the group after their hiatus, continuing to record and tour with ZZ Top for subsequent decades.
In a 2019 interview, Beard recalled entering rehab just as the band was gaining major commercial traction in the late 1970s. When asked at the time whether the band had considered replacing him, Gibbons emphasized the group's steadfast loyalty, stating that there was no other drummer for ZZ Top.
Health struggles and lineup changes
Throughout his later career, Beard endured several health challenges. In 2002, he underwent an emergency appendectomy, which forced him to miss a series of ZZ Top concerts.
More recently, in 2025, Beard temporarily stepped away from band activities due to health issues, although specific details regarding his condition were not publicly disclosed at the time.
His death comes five years after the loss of long-time ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill, who died in 2021 at the age of 72. Following Hill's passing, the band's veteran guitar technician Elwood Francis stepped in to take over bass duties.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction
Despite achieving multi-platinum record sales and worldwide fame, Beard maintained a quiet and modest demeanor regarding his career and success.
When ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, Beard delivered a characteristically succinct acceptance speech.
He remarked that most of his life had been a pleasant surprise, as was the Hall of Fame induction itself, before offering his thanks to the audience.
