ZZ Top Vows to Continue as a Band After Frank Beard’s Death

Frank Beard, ZZ Top’s drummer for 56 years, has died at age 77. He passed away while in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with family members at his side. The band’s representative, Bob Merlis, confirmed the death alongside a ZZ Top press release.

Guitarist Billy Gibbons, now the band’s sole surviving original member, paid tribute to Beard and said ZZ Top will continue performing, resuming its tour this weekend in Austin, Texas, as Beard had wished.

• Beard died at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with family present.
• ZZ Top canceled shows scheduled for August 18 in Salt Lake City and August 19 in Colorado Springs.
• The band will resume “The Big One!” tour with two shows at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater on August 22 and 23.
• Beard joined ZZ Top in 1969, replacing original drummer Dan Mitchell, and was not a founding member.
• ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

What Did Billy Gibbons Say About Frank Beard?

Gibbons wrote in a statement, “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.”

Gibbons added that “the band of which he was part for six decades is going to keep on keeping on as he had wished.” He told Variety that he and bassist Elwood Francis will continue performing under the ZZ Top name with a fill-in drummer.

Frank Beard’s History With ZZ Top

Beard was not a founding member of ZZ Top but joined the group in 1969, replacing original drummer Dan Mitchell shortly after the band released its first single, “Salt Lick.” He went on to perform with guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill for more than five decades.

Beard helped recruit Hill to the band after the two had previously played together in local Dallas bands. Hill, ZZ Top’s bassist for over 50 years, died in July 2021 and was replaced, at his own request, by the band’s guitar tech, Elwood Francis. ZZ Top, including Beard, Gibbons, Francis and the late Hill, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

Frank Beard’s Recent Health Issues

Beard stopped touring with ZZ Top in March 2025 due to unspecified health issues and was replaced on the road by tech team member John Douglas. He returned to the band in September but was mostly absent again from ZZ Top’s 2026 performances, with Michael Monahan serving as his replacement drummer.

About a week before Beard’s death, ZZ Top canceled its scheduled performance at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, citing “insurmountable obstacles.” That cancellation was later attributed to Beard’s declining health.

ZZ Top 2026 Tour Dates

• August 22 to 23: Austin, TX, ACL Live at The Moody Theater
• August 29: Terre Haute, IN, The Mill
• August 30: Kettering, OH, Fraze Pavilion
• September 1: East Meadow, NY, Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre
• September 5: Gilford, NH, Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
• September 6: Bangor, ME, Maine Savings Amphitheater
• September 9: Lynne, MA, Lynne Memorial Auditorium
• September 11: Solomons, MD, PNC Waterside Pavilion
• September 12: Uncasville, CT, Mohegan Sun Arena
• September 13: Hyannis, MA, Cape Cod Melody Tent
• September 15: Lancaster, PA, American Music Theatre
• September 18: Wilmington, NC, Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre
• September 26: Nashville, TN, Ascend Amphitheater
• October 3: The Woodlands, TX, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
• October 4: Irving, TX, The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
• November 9: Guadalajara, Mexico, Telemex Auditorium
• November 11: Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico, Auditorio Nacional
• November 12: Monterrey, Mexico, Banamex Auditorium
• November 16: Santiago, Chile, Teatro Caupolican
• November 18: Porto Alegre, Brazil, Pepsi On Stage
• November 20: Curitiba, Brazil, Igloo Super Hall
• November 21: Sao Paulo, Brazil, Espaco Unimed
• November 24: Buenos Aires, Argentina, Movistar Arena