ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard has died

Frank Beard, the longtime drummer of ZZ Top, has died at 77. He died on August 17 while receiving hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas; a cause of death has not been made public.

Beard joined the Texas rock trio in 1969, playing alongside guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill for more than five decades. Gibbons remembered him afterward as "one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas," adding that "his signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top."

ZZ Top cancelled shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs following Beard's death, but kept two previously booked dates at the Moody Theater in Austin, a venue the band called one of Beard's favorites and "a second home for him."

The band returned to the stage on August 22 for a 17-song set, joined by drummer Michael Monahan, who had already been filling in for Beard during his recent absences from touring. Gibbons told the crowd about a call from "our dear Frank Beard, our dear drummer for 50 years," who had asked that Monahan take over behind the kit.

Gibbons said the Austin show was "a celebration," and the band closed the night with 1973's "La Grange" after opening with "Got Me Under Pressure." ZZ Top played the Moody Theater again the following night and continues touring North America through October.

Beard had already stepped back from the road twice in recent years, taking a break in March 2025 for surgery before returning three months later, then stepping away again earlier this year with Monahan taking over on drums. His death follows that of bassist Dusty Hill, who died in 2021 at 72, leaving Gibbons as the sole original member still touring with the band.