Frank Beard, the drummer who had been with ZZ Top throughout its six-decade history, passed away on Monday in hospice care at his residence in Richmond, Texas, with family present. The cause of his death was not disclosed in the announcement made by the band.
Beard’s death prompted the cancellation of two scheduled tour performances—one in Salt Lake City, Utah on Monday and another in Colorado Springs, Colorado on Wednesday. However, the band indicated its intention to resume touring activities over the weekend with shows at Austin City Limits, a venue described as one of Beard’s preferred performance locations in a city that held significance for him.
ZZ Top, founded in 1969 with their first live performance in 1970, became one of the most successful rock acts in music history. The band released 15 studio albums and four live albums, generating numerous hit tracks including Gimme All Your Lovin’, Sleeping Bag, and Viva Las Vegas. Their 1984 album Eliminator achieved diamond certification and included songs such as Sharp Dressed Man and Legs, becoming a commercial milestone with over 10 million copies sold. The group earned Grammy nominations for their Afterburner album in 1987 and for a documentary about their history in 2021.
Beard was notable for being the only band member who did not wear the extended facial hair that became the ensemble’s trademark appearance, earning him the nickname “The Man With No Beard.” Band founder and lead vocalist Billy Gibbons described Beard as an innovative drummer whose signature backbeat had been essential to the group’s enduring success. Following the 2021 death of bassist Dusty Hill, the band continued with bassist Elwood Francis and maintained an active touring schedule across North America, Europe, and South America. ZZ Top received induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
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