Frank Beard, Legendary ZZ Top Drummer, Dead at 77

Frank Beard, the longtime and legendary drummer of ZZ Top, has died at age 77. He passed away on Monday, August 17th, in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas. It was just last week that TMZ reported that Beard had to step away from touring with ZZ Top due to serious health issues. A statement from the band’s publicist reads, in part, “It was announced today that Frank Beard, ZZ Top’s drummer for the past 56 years, has died. He was in hospice care when he passed away at his ranch in Richmond, TX with family members at his side. Beard, together with guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill were one of music’s most enduring line-ups continuing until 2021 when Hill’s passing saw Elwood Francis join the band, who have continued to tour throughout North America, Europe and South America to this day.” Beard, known as the one ZZ Top member without a beard, was the galvanizing force for the little band from Texas that formed in 1969 in Houston. The drummer, after forming a group with guitarist Billy Gibbons, introduced Dusty Hill, solidifying the ZZ Top lineup that would record and tour together for 50 years until Hill’s death in 2021. Beard’s steady beat was an integral part ...