ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard Dies at 77
Frank Beard, the longtime drummer whose backbeat helped define the sound of ZZ Top for more than five decades, has died at 77.
The band announced his death on Tuesday, August 18, saying Beard died while in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with members of his family beside him. ZZ Top’s official website lists his date of death as August 17, 2026.
Beard joined ZZ Top in 1969 and became part of the group’s classic lineup with guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill. The trio remained together for more than 50 years, until Hill’s death in 2021.
Gibbons paid tribute to Beard in the band’s statement, describing him as a close friend and one of Texas’ most naturally inventive drummers. He also said Beard’s signature rhythm was central to ZZ Top’s sound and confirmed that the band intends to continue performing, in line with Beard’s wishes.
Beard played on the recordings that helped transform the Texas group into one of America’s most recognisable rock bands, including “La Grange,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’.” The Associated Press reports that ZZ Top sold more than 50 million records, placed seven albums inside the Billboard 200 Top 10 and received three Grammy nominations.
The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, with Beard, Gibbons and Hill recognised as the members of the landmark lineup.
Beard had been dealing with health problems in recent months and had stepped away from touring. No cause of death has been publicly disclosed.
His death has also affected ZZ Top’s current The Big One! Tour. The band cancelled its August 18 performance in Salt Lake City and August 19 show in Colorado Springs. It plans to resume the tour this weekend with two performances in Austin, a city the band described as a second home for Beard and home to one of his favourite venues.
