Mourning in rock: Frank Beard, legendary ZZ Top drummer, passes away
The music world is in mourning following the confirmation of the passing of Frank Beard, iconic drummer of the legendary band ZZ Top, at the age of 77. The musician’s death was confirmed by Fort Bend County authorities, although the specific causes of his passing have not yet been revealed.
Beard, who was under palliative care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, passed away surrounded by his loved ones. His departure marks the end of an era for the Texan group, which had recently experienced significant changes to its schedule due to the artist’s delicate state of health, forcing the cancellation of key performances, including their highly anticipated concert at the Hollywood Bowl.
An indelible legacy in rock
Frank Beard joined ZZ Top in 1969, solidifying alongside Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill the band’s most iconic lineup. Throughout a career spanning more than five decades, the group achieved impressive milestones that positioned them as living legends:
- Sales of over 50 million records worldwide.
- Six singles at the top of the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.
- Seven albums ranked in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200.
- Three Grammy Award nominations.
Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas. His signature backbeat was key.
Billy Gibbons, co-founder of ZZ Top
Adjustments to The Big One Tour
Following the sad news, the group announced immediate changes to their current tour. The concerts scheduled in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs have been canceled. However, the band confirmed that they will resume their musical commitments this weekend at the ACL Live at the Moody Theater in Austin, a city that held special meaning for Beard and which he considered his second home.
As a curious fact that always accompanied his figure, Frank Beard was the only member of the trio who did not wear the iconic, long beard that characterized ZZ Top’s image for decades, always maintaining his distinctive mustache, a personal trademark that set him apart within the band’s aesthetic.
