Frank Beard, the longtime drummer of ZZ Top and the man behind the distinctive rhythm of hits such as “La Grange”, “Tush” and “Legs”, has died at the age of 77. The news was confirmed by a representative of the band.
Beard died on 17 August while receiving end-of-life care for a serious illness at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with his family by his side.
“The world has lost one of the most innovative drummers”
ZZ Top singer and guitarist Billy Gibbons paid tribute to his longtime bandmate in a statement in which he reflected on both their friendship and Beard’s musical legacy.
“Today, Elwood [Francis] and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most genuinely innovative drummers and a great, true son of Texas,” he said.
“His distinctive rhythm was instrumental in keeping ZZ at the top. The band, of which he was a member for six decades, will continue on its journey, as he wished,” he added.
Last week, ZZ Top cancelled their scheduled appearance at the Hollywood Bowl because of Beard’s health condition. Following his death, the band will also not perform Tuesday’s concert in Salt Lake City or Wednesday’s show in Colorado Springs.
From local Texas bands to ZZ Top
Frank Beard grew up in the small town of Frankston, Texas, and played in several local rock bands in his early musical career. He joined ZZ Top in 1971 and, although he was not a founding member, went on to become the drummer who fans came to identify with the band’s sound.
His dynamic and distinctive playing was a key component of some of ZZ Top’s biggest hits, including “La Grange”, “Tush” and “Legs”.
As ZZ Top developed into one of the biggest names in rock in the late 1970s, Beard struggled with drug addiction, during a period when the band took a break from its musical activities.
After ZZ Top returned, Beard had overcome his addiction and continued touring with the band for decades.
Health problems and absence from the band
Over the years, he also experienced other health problems. In 2002, he had to undergo emergency surgery to remove his appendix, forcing him to miss several ZZ Top appearances.
In 2025, he temporarily stepped away from the band’s activities because of health problems, although no further details were provided.
Beard’s death comes five years after the death of ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill, who died in 2021 at the age of 72. Following his death, Elwood Francis took over on bass.
The brief statement at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Despite the huge success he achieved with ZZ Top, Beard maintained a notably modest public attitude towards his fame and career.
When ZZ Top were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, he limited himself to a characteristically brief statement: “All I have to say is that most of my life has been a pleasant surprise, and this is too. Thank you.”
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