ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard Dies at 77

Frank Beard, longtime drummer of ZZ Top, died at age 77 on August 17, 2026, at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, while in hospice care with family members at his side. His death leaves guitarist Billy Gibbons as the only surviving classic-era member of the band.

According to the Fort Bend County Medical Examiner, a cause of death had not been disclosed as of the report.

Billy F. Gibbons released a statement on Beard’s passing: “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. The band of which he was part for six decades is going to keep on keeping on as he had wished.”

• Beard joined ZZ Top in 1969, about a year after Billy Gibbons formed the band from the remnants of his previous group, the Moving Sidewalks.
• He helped recruit bassist Dusty Hill from his former band American Blues, completing the three-man lineup that stayed together for over five decades.
• He played on all 15 of ZZ Top’s studio albums, from 1971’s “ZZ Top’s First Album” to 2012’s “La Futura.”
• ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

Frank Beard’s Health Issues and Absence From Touring

In March 2025, it was announced that Beard was stepping away from ZZ Top’s North American tour to focus on unspecified health issues. He was temporarily replaced by longtime tech team member John Douglas.

Beard returned to the band in September 2025 but was reportedly absent from all of ZZ Top’s 2026 tour dates, with drummer Michael Monahan filling in behind the kit. Beard’s health issues had forced ZZ Top to cancel its August 5 concert at the Hollywood Bowl, with Gibbons citing “insurmountable obstacles” and asking fans to bear with the band during the interruption.

ZZ Top’s Tour Plans Following Beard’s Death

Following Beard’s death, ZZ Top canceled shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs. The band plans to resume touring that weekend with two dates at Austin City Limits, described as one of Frank’s favorite venues.

Frank Beard’s Legacy With ZZ Top

Beard helped power ZZ Top hits including “La Grange,” “Tush,” “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs” and “Heard It on the X.” Beard’s death follows the July 2021 death of bassist Dusty Hill, who had been replaced by longtime guitar tech Elwood Francis, leaving Gibbons as the band’s last remaining classic-era member.