ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard dies at 77
Frank Beard, longtime drummer for legendary Texas rock trio ZZ Top, died on Monday, August 17, at age 77. He passed away in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by family; no cause of death has been given. A band representative confirmed the news on Tuesday. Beard had played drums for ZZ Top for 56 years, since the band was formed in 1969 by guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill, who died in 2021.
“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, ” Gibbons said in a statement. Beard had faced serious health issues in recent years, temporarily stepping away from the band’s tour in March 2025, and ZZ Top canceled a Hollywood Bowl show just last week because of his condition. The band also called off dates on August 18 in Salt Lake City and August 19 in Colorado Springs, though it plans to resume touring this weekend in Austin. ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
