Frank Beard, Longtime ZZ Top Drummer, Dies at 77

Frank Beard, the longtime drummer of ZZ Top, has passed away at the age of 77. The news of his death was confirmed by band founder and lead singer Billy Gibbons on Instagram, who also stated that the band had canceled a performance at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles scheduled for August 5 due to Beard's health issues. Beard played with ZZ Top for nearly 60 years and contributed to many of their biggest hits such as "La Grange," "Sharp Dressed Man," "Tush," "Bugs," and "Velcro Fly."

Born on June 11, 1949, in Frankston, Texas, Beard spent his early years playing across the state with guitarist Billy Gibbons. He teamed up with bassist Dusty Hill, who passed away in 2021, to form ZZ Top in late 1969. Alongside Gibbons, they went on to become one of the most sought-after blues rock bands in America. After a two-year break in 1977, the band returned to success with the 1979 album "Deguello," which led to their rise to mainstream fame.

With the popularity of MTV in the 1980s, ZZ Top embraced their iconic long-bearded image through music videos for hits like "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Give Me All Your Lovin’."

The band maintained a stable lineup for over 50 years, with Beard, Gibbons, and Hill playing together until Hill's death in 2021. ZZ Top released a total of 16 albums together. Following Beard's passing, the band also announced the cancellation of their upcoming shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs, stating that they would continue with their "The Big One! Tour" at Austin City Limits, one of the drummer's favorite venues and a place he often called home.