ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard has died at the age of 77, leaving the iconic Texas blues-rock trio with just one original member, guitarist-vocalist Billy Gibbons.
“Today, [bassist] Elwood [Francis] 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,” Gibbons said in an Instagram tribute.
Beard joined the band in 1971 and appeared on all of its albums. He provided the propulsive shuffle to defining hits such as “La Grange,” “Just Got Paid” and “Sharp Dressed Man,” all of which showcased his hard-hitting yet precise style.
“His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top,” Gibbons said. “The band of which he was part for six decades is going to keep on keeping on as he had wished.”
Last week, ZZ Top cancelled a show at the Hollywood Bowl citing Beard’s health. The band has also canceled its Tuesday concert in Salt Lake City and Wednesday show in Colorado Springs, according to multiple media reports.
Beard’s death follows the passing original bassist Dusty Hill, who died in 2021 at the age of 72. Francis, a longtime member of the band’s crew, joined as Hill’s replacement.
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