ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard Passes Away at 77

Frank Beard, the drummer for ZZ Top, has passed away at the age of 77, the band confirmed to CBS News. While the specific cause of death hasn’t been disclosed, the band’s publicist mentioned that Beard died in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by family members. His passing occurred on Monday.

Beard, along with guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill, was a founding member of ZZ Top, established in 1969. Dusty Hill died in 2021, and his position was filled by Elwood Francis, Hill’s long-term bass technician.

Following Beard’s death, Gibbons expressed his grief in a social media statement, saying, “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.”

ZZ Top has canceled two upcoming shows scheduled in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs. However, the tour will continue at Austin City Limits, a venue cherished by Beard and considered a second home to him.

This report is part of ongoing coverage and will receive updates as more information becomes available.