ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard Passes Away at 77

Frank Beard, the long-serving drummer of ZZ Top, has passed away at the age of 77, the band confirmed to CBS News. While the exact cause of death is not yet disclosed, a statement from the band’s publicist noted that Beard was under hospice care when he died at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with his family present. His passing occurred on Monday.

ZZ Top was formed in 1969 by Beard, guitarist Billy Gibbons, and bassist Dusty Hill. Following Hill’s death in 2021, he was replaced by Elwood Francis, Hill’s longtime bass technician, at Hill’s request.

In a statement shared online, Gibbons expressed his sorrow, saying, “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. His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top.”

A photo of Frank Beard performing at the DTE Energy Center on August 20, 2013, in Clarkston, Michigan, was shared, noting his enduring contribution to the music industry.

In light of Beard’s death, the band has decided to cancel two upcoming performances in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs. However, the tour is set to resume this weekend at Austin City Limits. The band described the venue as one of Beard’s favorites, located in a city that felt like a second home to him.

This news story is developing and will receive further updates.