ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard Passes Away at 77

Frank Beard, the drummer known for his work with the Texas boogie-rock band ZZ Top, passed away at 77. He died under hospice care on Tuesday at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by family. Publicist Bob Merlis confirmed the news.

Tributes from Band Members

Billy Gibbons, guitarist and co-founder of ZZ Top, expressed his sorrow. On tour with bassist Elwood Francis, Gibbons praised Beard, calling him a natural innovator. “Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator,” Gibbons stated. “His signature backbeat kept ZZ Top thriving. The band, of which he was a part for six decades, will continue as he wished.”

Beard’s Impact on ZZ Top

ZZ Top achieved commercial success with over 50 million records sold. Their music includes hits like “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’.” The band had six singles reach No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Seven of their albums made it into the Top 10 of the Billboard 200. ZZ Top garnered three Grammy Award nominations.

In the 2019 documentary “ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas,” Beard expressed dedication to his bandmates. “I’ve found the people I was meant to play with,” he said. “I never wanted to quit, and never wanted to get fired.”