Frank Beard, Longtime ZZ Top Drummer, Dies at 77

Frank Beard, the renowned drummer for ZZ Top, has passed away at the age of 77 following a hospice care stint at his Texas ranch. His family was present as he took his final breaths. ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons paid tribute to his bandmate, describing him as one of the most naturally innovative drummers the world has ever seen. Beard served as the heartbeat behind the band's biggest hits including Sharp Dressed Man, Legs and Gimme All Your Lovin'.

Gibbons announced the news on Instagram, lauding Beard's contribution to ZZ Top’s success and acknowledging him as "a great and true son of Texas". In a statement, the band deemed it necessary to cancel their scheduled performances in light of their drummer's demise, citing plans to resume in Austin, a place that had become a sort of second home for Beard.

During his illustrious career, ZZ Top sold over 50 million records, with six of their singles reaching No. 1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Seven of their albums found themselves residing in the Billboard 200's Top 10. Their music earned three Grammy Award nominations. In a 2019 documentary, Beard himself reflected on his journey, stating, "I never wanted to quit, and never wanted to get fired."

Born in Frankston, Texas, Beard formed his first band, The Moving Sidewalks, where he met the band's bassist and vocalist, Dusty Hill. It was Hill who introduced Beard to future bandmate, Billy Gibbons. Together in 1969, they christened their band ZZ Top, inspired by blues singer ZZ Hill and influenced by British power trio Cream and Jimmy Reed. Despite their signature look - Gibbons and Hill sporting long, bushy beards and dark sunglasses - Beard's clean-shaven visage provided a quirky twist to their image.

Their music, characterized by sly and humorous lyrics, found favor in Hollywood, with renditions of their songs in films such as Happy Feet, Evan Almighty, and Dazed and Confused. Their debut release, ZZ Top's First Album, arrived in 1970, marking the beginning of their legacy. Initially described as a fusion of rock, blues, and funk, ZZ Top's sound was a steamy stew from the heartland of Texas.

Their self-proclaimed moniker, "a little ol' band from Texas," epitomized their humble beginnings. Their influence extended to MTV, with videos featuring models in scanty attire emerging from Gibbons' custom car, becoming a staple.

ZZ Top's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 was a testament to their enduring impact on the music scene. As Beard expressed at the ceremony, "All I have to say is that most of my life has been a pleasant surprise, and so is this. Thank you." He is survived by his wife, Debbie Meredith, and their three children.