Frank Beard, Legendary Drummer For ZZ Top, Has Died
on • Updated
The music world has lost a legend.
Frank Beard, the iconic drummer and a key member of ZZ Top for more than five decades, has died at age 77.
Deadline reports that the band’s representative, Bob Merlis, confirmed Beard passed away at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, while in hospice care.
ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons broke his silence, sharing a touching statement about his longtime friend and bandmate on social media.
“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 to keeping ZZ on top.”
As of right now, a cause of death has not been publicly shared.
Following Beard’s passing, ZZ Top has canceled two upcoming shows on its The Big One! Tour, one in Salt Lake City and another in Colorado Springs.
Beard had been dealing with health issues leading up to his passing.
Earlier this month, ZZ Top suddenly canceled their scheduled performance at the Hollywood Bowl. At the time, the band released a statement explaining that the decision was due to “insurmountable obstacles,” which was later revealed to stem from Beard’s declining health.
Before that, Beard had taken time off from the band in March 2025 for similar reasons.
RELATED: 5 OF ZZ TOP’S BEST COUNTRY MUSIC COLLABORATIONS
Frank Beard, Billy Gibbons, and Dusty Hill formed ZZ Top in 1969
The rock band went on to become one of the biggest names in music, selling more than 50 million albums over the past five decades.
In 2004, ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Hill passed away in 2021, and now Beard’s death leaves Gibbons as the sole surviving member of ZZ Top.
