Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

ZZ Top Announces Return of Frank Beard

eard ZZ Top in concert at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, Sterling Heights, USA - 08 Sep 2019
Photo by Brandon Nagy/Shutterstock (10405941y) ZZ Top - Frank B

Frank Beard, the dynamic drummer of ZZ Top, is back in the thick of action with the band after a two-month hiatus due to health concerns. His return marks a significant moment of relief and celebration for both the band and its legion of fans. The news of Beard's return was welcomed with an enthusiastic response from his bandmates, Billy Gibbons and Elwood Francis, and an announcement from band management that reassures fans of ZZ Top's continuity. Over several weeks, Beard had taken a step back from concert tours to address unspecified foot and ankle issues, leaving John Douglas, a longstanding drum tech, to fill in the gap during his absence.

The real reason behind Beard's leave of absence was initially shrouded in mystery, fueling speculation among fans and media alike. However, ZZ Top's management eventually disclosed that Beard's health concerns were related to his foot and ankle, which had now been resolved, paving the way for his return. Beard, the only member of ZZ Top without a substantial beard, is deeply missed not only for his unique look but for his rhythmic contributions that have been a key part of the band's sound for over five decades.

ZZ Top is synonymous with rock anthems like “Legs,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Gimme All Your Lovin',” and “Tush,” songs co-written by Beard that have cemented the band's place in the annals of rock history, selling over 50 million albums worldwide. Since 1969, Beard has been the backbone of the band's rhythm section, originally taking over from Dan Mitchell and playing on every studio album since then, including their latest, La Futura, released in 2012. Despite former bassist Dusty Hill's passing in 2021, which ended the band's 51-year-long line-up consistency, ZZ Top remains an energetic and celebrated act on the rock circuit.

Beard's health battles and subsequent recovery have set the stage for the continuation of the Elevation Tour, a North America spanning venture that sees the band play through to October, including major stops like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and New Jersey’s Sea.Hear.Now Festival. His return has been welcomed not just on stage but also in the spirit of camaraderie and brotherhood that binds the band members. Gibbons spoke with genuine warmth about the return, expressing delight in Beard's recovery and readiness to rock again, underscoring the resilient bond between the trio.

Beard expressed his excitement upon his return, succinctly capturing the thrill and excitement of being back with his bandmates and fans. His journey from recovery to resuming his place behind the drums has been an inspiring note for music lovers, highlighting the harmony within ZZ Top that transcends beyond just professional collaboration. This milestone in the band’s long history underlines their indomitable spirit and dedication to keeping rock alive for their dedicated audience.

Furthermore, while there is no new studio album since 2012, hints from Gibbons suggest that fresh material incorporating contributions from the late Dusty Hill could be on the horizon, hinting at a promising future for ZZ Top’s discography. For now, ZZ Top enthusiasts can relish the band's classic hits and the prospect of seeing their favorite band live on stage, turning up the amps and exuding the energy that has defined their rock journey for decades.

This joyous return of Frank Beard not only signifies a personal victory for the drummer but also rejuvenates the spirit of ZZ Top, reaffirming their status as stalwarts of rock music who continue to enchant with their distinctive sound and indelible legacy. As Beard, Gibbons, and Francis resume the tour, the infectious energy and camaraderie among them promise to deliver performances that are both a nostalgic tribute to their legacy and a vibrant rock spectacle.

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Brent Hinds: Remembering the Mastodon Co-Founder After His Tragic Death

Brent Hinds, the influential guitarist, singer, and co-founder of Mastodon, died following a motorcycle crash in Atlanta on August 20,…

Robert Plant 2025 Tour Expands With New Dates and Album Release

Robert Plant’s 2025 tour just got bigger—and it arrives hand-in-hand with a brand-new album, Saving Grace, due this fall. Below…

David Lee Roth’s “Eddie Van Halen” Dream — and Sammy Hagar’s Surprising Olive Branch

What David Lee Roth Said on Aug. 13 At the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in New Hampshire on August 13,…

Jason Bonham of Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience performs at Hard Rock Live held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood, Florida, USA - 12 Nov 2023 Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience in concert, Hard Rock Live held, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood, Florida, USA - 12 Nov 2023

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening: 2025 “Physical Graffiti” Tour Dates

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening (JBLZE) is touring in 2025 to mark the 50th anniversary of Physical Graffiti, performing the…

The Who kick off their North American farewell with grit, deep cuts, and a full-throated roar

The Who opened their final North American run, The Song Is Over: The North American Farewell Tour, with a career-spanning…

Robert Plant Plows Fresh Ground with “Gospel Plough”

Robert Plant has unveiled “Gospel Plough,” a brooding, rootsy new single with his acoustic ensemble Saving Grace. The track reframes…

KISS - Gene Simmons, Eric Singer, Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer KISS in concert, 'End of the Road World Tour' Final Performance at Madison Square Garden, New York, USA - 02 Dec 2023

KISS to Receive Kennedy Center Honors in 2025

Washington, D.C. — In a dramatic move that signals a new era for one of America’s premier arts institutions, President…

Hall & Oates quietly resolve their legal dispute — what changed, what didn’t

Daryl Hall and John Oates have ended their business fight in private arbitration, according to an August 11, 2025 court…

Bobby Whitlock with Derek and the Dominoes

Bobby Whitlock of Derek and the Dominoes Passes at 77

Legendary musician Bobby Whitlock, best known as the co-founder and keyboardist of Derek and the Dominos, has passed away at…