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Frank Beard drummer news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Frank Beard, ZZ Top drummer for 56 years, died at 77 in hospice care. His signature backbeat kept ZZ Top on top, per Billy Gibbons.
Background
Frank Beard was the longtime drummer for the Texas blues-rock band ZZ Top, known for hits like 'Sharp Dressed Man' and 'Legs.' He joined in 1969 and was the only member without a beard until 2013. His death follows the 2021 passing of bassist Dusty Hill, leaving guitarist Billy Gibbons as the last original member.
How it unfolded
- Mar 2025ZZ Top announced Beard had 'temporarily stepped away' from touring to address an unspecified health issue.
- Aug 2026ZZ Top abruptly canceled a Hollywood Bowl performance due to Beard's health issues.
- Aug 17, 2026Frank Beard died at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, in hospice care with family at his side.
- Aug 18, 2026The band confirmed his death, canceled shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs, and said the tour would resume in Austin with a fill-in drummer.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Billy Gibbons said, '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.'
Still unverified
Cause of death was not provided; some reports say he died Monday, others Tuesday.