Frank Beard, the longtime drummer for ZZ Top whose unmistakable beat helped power the legendary Texas rock band for more than five decades, has died at 77.
Beard died Aug. 17 following a stay in hospice, according to the Fort Bend County Medical Examiner’s Office in Rosenberg, Texas.
His exact cause of death has not been disclosed, and officials said an autopsy will not be performed.
Beard’s death marks another heartbreaking loss for ZZ Top, which became one of the most recognizable rock bands in the world with its signature blues-rock sound, sunglasses, hot rods and massive beards — even though Beard himself famously did not sport the long facial hair that became synonymous with the group.
Bandmate Billy F Gibbons paid tribute to his longtime friend and collaborator following the news.
“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,” Gibbons said. “His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top.”
The band has canceled upcoming concerts in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs following Beard’s death.
However, ZZ Top said it plans to resume its The Big One! tour this weekend with two performances at Austin City Limits.
The Austin venue reportedly held special meaning for Beard, who considered the Texas city a second home.
Questions about the band’s touring schedule had already surfaced earlier this month.
ZZ Top had been scheduled to perform at the Hollywood Bowl on Aug. 5 but canceled the concert just hours before showtime because of what the group described as “unforeseen personnel matters.”
“The ZZ Top tour has unforeseen personnel matters that have forced the band to cancel its appearance at the Los Angeles landmark,” the band said at the time.
Gibbons later addressed the sudden cancellation himself.
“Insurmountable obstacles require canceling our Hollywood Bowl performance,” he said. “Friends, fans and followers of ZZ Top are the best in the business and the band is counting on everyone to bear with us for this brief interruption.”
Fans were issued refunds for their concert tickets, transportation and parking passes.
Beard’s history with ZZ Top stretched back nearly to the group’s beginning.
Gibbons formed the band in 1969 and later brought Beard into the lineup. Beard then introduced Gibbons to bassist Dusty Hill, completing the trio that would remain together for more than 50 years.
The group went on to become one of rock music’s most enduring acts, known for songs including “La Grange,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Gimme All Your Lovin’” and “Legs.”
Beard’s steady, hard-driving drumming became a key part of the band’s sound and helped anchor ZZ Top through decades of albums, tours and changing musical trends.
The original trio remained intact until Hill died in 2021 at the age of 72.
Following Hill’s death, longtime guitar technician Elwood Francis stepped in on bass and continued performing with Gibbons and Beard.
Beard’s death now leaves Gibbons as the sole surviving member of ZZ Top’s classic three-man lineup.
For generations of fans, Beard was the quiet force behind one of rock’s most famous bands — providing the rhythm that helped turn three Texas musicians into international rock icons.