ZZ Top’s Frank Beard Sidelined by Serious Health Issues, Tour Continues Without Him
ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard is dealing with serious health issues that have disrupted the band’s current tour, according to TMZ. The report follows the band’s decision to cancel its August 5, 2026 concert at the Hollywood Bowl, which had been billed as the opening night of ZZ Top’s summer headlining run.
At the time of the cancellation, the band pointed to “unforeseen personnel matters” and “insurmountable obstacles” without naming Beard directly. TMZ has since reported that sources close to the situation confirm Beard’s health was the actual cause behind pulling the Hollywood Bowl show.
- ZZ Top canceled its August 5 Hollywood Bowl show, the planned kickoff of a summer tour with support acts including Cheap Trick and George Thorogood & the Destroyers.
- Michael Monahan has stepped in on drums since the cancellation and is expected to keep filling that role.
- The band played Saratoga, California over the weekend without Beard behind the kit.
- The tour resumes Tuesday, August 11, in Redmond, Washington, and is slated to run through October 9 in Port Wentworth, Georgia.
What Billy Gibbons Said About the Hollywood Bowl Cancellation
Frontman Billy Gibbons addressed the cancellation directly on social media. “Insurmountable obstacles require canceling our Hollywood Bowl performance,” he wrote, before adding a message to the band’s supporters: “Friends, fans and followers of ZZ Top are the best in the business and the band is counting on everyone to bear with us for this brief interruption.”
Frank Beard’s History With ZZ Top and Recent Health Setbacks
Beard has held the drum chair in ZZ Top since 1969. He stepped away from the band last year as well, that time to deal with foot and ankle problems, during which longtime drum tech John Douglas and Michael Monahan alternated as his replacement.
Beard rejoined ZZ Top in September 2025 and continued performing with the group until this latest health issue emerged. With Beard currently off the road, Gibbons stands as the only original member touring with the band, since bassist Dusty Hill died in 2021 and was succeeded on stage by his former guitar tech, Elwood Francis.
More Info
- ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard Battling Serious Health Issues: Report | Consequence
- ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard Suffering From Serious Health Issues | TMZ Music
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