ZZ Top Plays First Shows Since Drummer Frank Beard’s Death, Billy Gibbons Calls Austin Gigs “A Celebration”

ZZ Top played its first concerts since the death of longtime drummer Frank Beard, performing two nights at the Moody Theater in Austin, Texas, on August 22 and August 23, 2026. Frontman Billy Gibbons addressed the loss from the stage during the opening night and told the crowd the performance was meant as “a celebration.”

• Frank Beard died on Monday, August 17, 2026, at age 77 while under hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas.
• He had been ZZ Top’s drummer since joining the band in 1969.
• No cause of death has been made public.
• ZZ Top canceled shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs before resuming the tour in Austin.

What Billy Gibbons Said About Frank Beard

Billy Gibbons remembered his bandmate as “one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas.” He credited Beard’s playing style directly with the band’s staying power, saying “His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top.”

ZZ Top chose to still play its two booked dates at the Moody Theater rather than cancel the whole run, noting that the Austin venue held special meaning for Beard. The band described it as one of his favorite places to perform and called it “a second home for him.”

Inside the August 22 Show in Austin

Drummer Michael Monahan, who had already been sitting in for Beard before his death, took the kit for the August 22 performance. The band ran through a 17-song set that night, opening with “Got Me Under Pressure.”

Gibbons did not dwell on Beard’s passing at length on stage, but he called him “our dear drummer” while introducing Monahan to the crowd. He then shared a story about a phone call Beard had made asking Monahan to step in, recalling Beard’s own words: “My bass drum foot’s a little weak. Can you get my man to take over?”

“I guess some of you probably know there’s a new man in town,” Gibbons told the audience after the opening number. He went on to frame the night’s purpose plainly, saying, “So y’all have a good time!” before the band moved into 1973’s “Waitin’ For The Bus” and later closed the show with “La Grange.”

What’s Next for ZZ Top’s Tour

ZZ Top followed the August 22 show with a second performance at the Moody Theater on August 23, 2026. The band is scheduled to keep touring across North America through October.

More Info

• Watch ZZ Top return to stage for first gig since drummer Frank Beards death | NME