HOUSTON — Frank Beard, the longtime drummer and original member of ZZ Top, died Monday at 77 at his ranch in Richmond, southwest of Houston, the Houston-based rock band announced.
ZZ Top said Beard had been receiving hospice care at home before his death.
“Today, Elwood [Francis] 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,” guitarist Billy Gibbons said in a statement. “His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top.”
Gibbons said the band will continue performing as Beard had wished.
The band canceled its Tuesday concert in Salt Lake City and Wednesday show in Colorado Springs following Beard’s death. ZZ Top plans to resume its tour this weekend at Austin City Limits Live, which the band described as one of Beard’s favorite venues.
Beard was born in Frankston, Texas, on June 11, 1949. He joined Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill when ZZ Top formed in Houston in 1969.
Gibbons and Hill became known for their long beards, while Beard famously performed without one despite his surname.
ZZ Top reached international success with its 1984 album “Eliminator,” which featured “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs.” The album sold more than 10 million copies and earned Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
Beard and his bandmates entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.
He was the second original ZZ Top member to die. Hill died at 72 in July 2021. Elwood Francis later took over bass duties for the band.
