{
  "id": 2104135,
  "title": "ZZ Top's longtime drummer, Frank Beard, dies at 77",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/zz-tops-longtime-drummer-frank-beard-dies-at-77",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-20T08:31:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40435749/zz-tops-longtime-drummer-frank-beard-dies-at-77"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Frank Beard, the longtime drummer for the rock group ZZ Top, has died at the age of 77, according to the band's statement on Tuesday. He passed away in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by family members. The cause of death was not disclosed. Beard had been the drummer for ZZ Top for 56 years, playing alongside guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill. The trio was among the most enduring lineups in music history, playing together since 1970 until Hill's death in 2021, when Elwood Francis joined the group.\n\nBilly Gibbons, the guitarist of ZZ Top, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his friend and collaborator, stating that Beard's signature backbeat was key to keeping the band on top. He added that the band of which he was part for six decades would continue to perform as he had wished. In light of the tragedy, ZZ Top decided to cancel their scheduled shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs but are set to return to the stage in Austin, Texas, this weekend.\n\nDespite the signature flowing beards of its members, drummer Frank Beard was mostly seen clean shaven. The band gained significant fans in the 1980s as one of the key acts showcased on MTV during the heyday of music videos. ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. At the induction ceremony, Beard expressed gratitude, saying, \"All I have to say is that most of my life has been a pleasant surprise, and so is this. Thank you.\"",
  "summary": "LOS ANGELES: Frank Beard, the longtime drummer for the rock group ZZ Top, has died at the age of 77, the band said on Tuesday. Beard died in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with family members at his side, according to the group’s statement. His cause of death was not disclosed. Beard was the drummer of the band known for hits such as “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs” for 56 years. The…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}