Frank Beard, the drummer who anchored the sound of American rock band ZZ Top for more than five decades, has died at the age of 77. The band confirmed his passing on their official website, stating that Beard died while receiving hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas. No cause of death was given.
Billy Gibbons, ZZ Top's guitarist and founding member, paid tribute to Beard, calling him “one of the most naturally innovative drummers.” In a statement, Gibbons said: “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.” He added that the band intends to continue performing in line with Beard's wishes.
ZZ Top have cancelled scheduled concerts in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs, but plan to play two shows at The Moody Theater in Austin this weekend. The band noted that the venue was one of Beard's favourites, in a city that had become something of a second home for him.
A Texas rhythm that spanned generations
Born in Frankston, Texas, in 1949, Beard took up the drums as a teenager. It was during those early years that he met Dusty Hill, who would later become ZZ Top's bassist. The two played together in various local groups before Beard joined forces with Gibbons in 1969. Beard then introduced Gibbons to Hill, completing the classic line-up that would define the band for the next half-century.
ZZ Top rose to prominence in the 1970s with a distinctive blend of blues and rock, but it was the 1984 album Eliminator that brought them global commercial success. The record featured hits such as 'Gimme All Your Lovin'', 'Sharp Dressed Man' and 'Legs', tracks that became staples of rock radio and MTV. The band's image—long beards, sunglasses, and hot rods—became as iconic as their music.
Despite the band's name, Beard was famously the only member without a lengthy beard, earning him the ironic nickname “The Man With No Beard.” His clean-shaven look stood in contrast to Gibbons and Hill, whose facial hair became a trademark of the group.
Over their career, ZZ Top sold more than 50 million records worldwide and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Hill passed away in July 2021 at the age of 72, leaving Gibbons and Beard as the remaining original members.
Beard's death marks the end of an era for a band that influenced countless musicians across genres and continents. His steady, driving rhythms were a cornerstone of the ZZ Top sound, and his legacy will be remembered by fans in Europe and around the world.
