Frank Beard, drummer for ZZ Top, died yesterday at the age of 77.
The band’s spokesperson stated (among other things) that Beard passed away on August 17 while at a hospice on his ranch in Richmond, Texas, “with his family by his side.”
In early August, Beard left ZZ Top’s “The Big One Tour” due to health issues, with replacement drummer Michael Monahan taking over. In 2025, Beard was also forced to temporarily step away from touring due to an undisclosed medical issue, which reportedly involved his foot and ankle.
The band announced that it would cancel its concerts on August 18–19 and continue the tour on August 22–23 at ACL Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, Texas, “one of Frank’s favorite venues and in a city that was like a second home to him.”
Beard’s death leaves ZZ Top singer-guitarist and founder Billy Gibbons as the sole remaining member of the legendary band. Bassist-vocalist Dusty Hill died in 2021.
