ZZ Top drummer, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Frank Beard dies at age 77 in Texas home
The trio of Beard, guitarist Billy Gibbons, and bassist Dusty Hill was among the most enduring lineups in music history. They first played together in 1970 and continued until Hill's death in 2021.
Frank Beard, the iconic drummer of ZZ Top, has passed away at the age of 77 in his Texas home. The band announced his death on Tuesday, revealing that he had been receiving hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by his loved ones. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Known as a member of ZZ Top for 56 years, Beard played a crucial role in the band's enduring sound, contributing his distinctive backbeat to hits like "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Legs." The trio of Beard, guitarist Billy Gibbons, and bassist Dusty Hill formed the core of the band from 1970 until Dusty Hill's passing in 2021. Elwood Francis subsequently joined the lineup.
Frank Beard's innovative drumming style and Texas roots were deeply admired, with guitarist Billy Gibbons describing him as a "great and true son of Texas" and a key figure in keeping ZZ Top on top. The band has announced the cancellation of performances in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs, but plans to resume touring in Austin, Texas, this weekend.
Established in the 1980s, ZZ Top gained widespread popularity through MTV, where they were frequently showcased alongside other music icons. The band's signature look, featuring the beards of its members, became synonymous with their style. However, Frank Beard was typically seen clean-shaven. In 2004, they were honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with Beard expressing his gratitude during the ceremony, saying, "most of my life has been a pleasant surprise, and so is this."
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