Frank Beard, the longtime drummer for the blues-rock trio ZZ Top, has died at age 77, the band announced Tuesday via social media. Beard passed away at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by family while in hospice care, according to a statement from the band's publicist. The Fort Bend County Medical Examiner confirmed the death to multiple outlets, though the cause was not immediately disclosed.
ZZ Top canceled two upcoming performances in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs following Beard’s death, while confirming the continuation of their The Big One! Tour this weekend with two shows at Austin City Limits, a venue Beard had described as a second home. The band’s statement, attributed to founding member Billy F. Gibbons, called Beard a “great friend and collaborator” and praised his “signature backbeat” as essential to the band’s success.
Health issues and tour disruptions
Beard’s health had been a recurring concern in recent years. In March 2025, the band announced he would temporarily step away from their Elevation tour to address a health issue, later specified as foot and ankle problems. Earlier this month, ZZ Top canceled a scheduled performance at the Hollywood Bowl on August 5, citing “unforeseen personnel matters” before reports clarified the cancellation was due to Beard’s health. The band had previously confirmed his absence from the tour, with longtime technician John Douglas filling in as a substitute drummer.
Beard joined ZZ Top in 1969, shortly after the band’s formation, replacing original drummer Dan Mitchell. He remained the band’s sole drummer for over five decades, contributing to every ZZ Top studio album and helping define the trio’s signature sound. The band’s classic lineup included Gibbons on guitar and vocals, Dusty Hill on bass (who died in 2021), and Beard on drums. Following Hill’s passing, Elwood Francis, the band’s longtime bass technician, officially replaced him as bassist.
Legacy and tributes
Gibbons reflected on Beard’s impact in a statement shared on the band’s Instagram account, calling him “one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas.” Tributes poured in from musicians and fans, with many highlighting Beard’s influence on the band’s blues-rock style and his role in shaping hits like “La Grange” from the 1973 album Tres Hombres. Beard’s name itself became an enduring quip in rock lore, as he was the only member of ZZ Top who did not sport a beard.
The band’s publicist confirmed Beard’s death was reported to authorities on Monday, and he was laid to rest at his ranch with family present. No further details about funeral arrangements or memorial services have been announced as of publication.