ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard dies aged 77 as bandmates pay tribute to ‘innovative’ musician
Legendary ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard has died aged 77, his bandmates have confirmed.
In a statement shared online, bandmate Billy Gibbons paid tribute to the ‘innovative drummer’.
Alongside a carousel of snaps of the drummer, Gibbons wrote: “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.”
Beard, who ironically is the only member of the band without a beard, joined the band shortly after it was formed in 1961, joining founding members lead vocalist Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill – who died in 2021 aged 72.
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An additional statement from the band confirmed that ZZ Top would be cancelling its upcoming shows this week but be back on stage at the weekend.
The statement read: “Following Frank’s passing, ZZ Top has canceled its upcoming shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs. The band will resume its current The Big One! Tour this weekend with two dates at Austin City Limits, one of Frank’s favorite venues and in a city that had been something of a second home for him.”
Beard died at his ranch in Richmond in Texas surrounded by his family, his publicist Bob Merlis told the Associated Press.
His death comes just days after ZZ Top announced it would be canceling its Hollywood Bowl concert set to take place this month.
A spokesperson for the band said at the time: “Insurmountable obstacles require canceling our Hollywood Bowl performance.
“Friends, fans and followers of ZZ Top are the best in the business and the band is counting on everyone to bear with us for this brief interruption.”
Rolling Stone later reported that Beard was facing ‘health issues’, which led to the cancellation and it was announced that drummer Michael Monahan was filling in.
The iconic rock band formed in 1969 and originally had Dan Mitchell on drums, but he was replaced after their first single - Salt Lick - by Beard who would go on to be drummer for the band for more than 55 years.
Speaking on the 2019 documentary That Little Ol' Band from Texas, Beard said he ‘never wanted to quit’ the band.
He shared: “I would say, for me, I have found the people that I want to play with. And I was able to do that at a very early age. I’m still satisfied with them. I’m satisfied with Dusty and I’m satisfied with Billy.
“With these two guys, I’ve never wanted to quit, and I’ve never wanted to get fired.”
Boogie rock trio ZZ Top were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, and are known for hits such as Sharp Dressed Man and Legs.
Throughout their decades of music, the group achieved two top 10 hits in the UK with Gimme All Your Lovin and Viva Las Vegas, and received three Grammy nominations.
While Beard rose to fame with ZZ Top, he previously performed with US rock band American Blues alongside Hill.
Bassist Elwood Francis replaced Hill after his death, joining Beard and Gibbons in the three-piece line-up.
Claire Reid