ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard Dies at 77

Frank Beard, longtime drummer for legendary rock band ZZ Top, has died at 77.

The band announced that Beard died while receiving hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by family. A cause of death was not immediately released.

Billy Gibbons remembered Beard as “a great and true son of Texas” whose signature drumming was essential to ZZ Top’s sound.

Beard joined ZZ Top in 1970 alongside Gibbons and Dusty Hill, becoming part of one of rock’s longest-running lineups. He played on some of the band’s biggest hits, including “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “La Grange” and “Tush.”

ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

After Dusty Hill died in 2021, Beard continued performing with the band, completing an extraordinary 56-year career with ZZ Top.

The band canceled upcoming shows following his death but plans to return to the stage this weekend in Austin.

Rest in peace, Frank Beard. 🎸🥁