Frank Beard, longtime ZZ Top drummer, dies at 77 in hospice care

Frank Beard, ZZ Top's Longtime Drummer, Dies at 77

Frank Beard, the drummer for the iconic Texas blues-rock trio ZZ Top, has died at the age of 77. According to a statement on the band's website, Beard passed away on Monday in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with family members by his side, as reported by bbc.co.uk and yahoo.com.

Beard's death marks the end of an era for ZZ Top, as he was the last remaining member of the band's original lineup, alongside singer-guitarist Billy Gibbons and the late bassist Dusty Hill. The trio had been together for over 50 years, with Beard serving as the band's drummer since 1969, as noted by uk.news.yahoo.com.

ZZ Top's music was a staple of the 1970s and 1980s, with hits like "La Grange," "Tush," and "Gimme All Your Lovin'" becoming classic rock anthems. Beard's drumming style, which blended a mix of blues, rock, and roll, and country, was a key element of the band's sound. As Gibbons noted, "His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top," as reported by nbcnews.com.

The band's success was not limited to their music, as they also became known for their iconic music videos, which often featured the band's bearded members - although Beard was the only member to go clean-shaven. ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and has sold over 50 million records worldwide, according to nbcnews.com.

Beard's death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians. Gibbons, who had been touring with bassist Elwood Francis, said 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," as reported by yahoo.com.

The band has announced that they will resume their current tour, The Big One!, this weekend with two dates at Austin City Limits, one of Beard's favorite venues, as reported by uk.news.yahoo.com. The shows will feature Francis on bass and Michael Monahan on drums.

As news of Beard's death spread, fans took to social media to share their memories of the drummer and the band. Many noted that ZZ Top's music had been a soundtrack to their lives, with songs like "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Legs" evoking memories of summers past and good times.

Beard's legacy will live on through ZZ Top's music, which continues to inspire new generations of fans. As he said in the 2019 documentary "ZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band from Texas," "I've found the people I was meant to play with. I never wanted to quit, and never wanted to get fired," as reported by nbcnews.com.

The band's upcoming shows will undoubtedly be a celebration of Beard's life and music, as well as a tribute to the enduring legacy of ZZ Top. As Gibbons said, "The band of which he was part for six decades is going to keep on keeping on as he had wished," as reported by yahoo.com.

ZZ Top's Tour Schedule

Despite Beard's passing, ZZ Top will continue their tour schedule, with upcoming dates in Austin, Texas, and other cities across the United States. The band has announced that they will perform with Elwood Francis on bass and Michael Monahan on drums, as reported by uk.news.yahoo.com.

The Big One! Tour will feature a mix of ZZ Top's classic hits, as well as some of their newer material. Fans can expect to hear songs like "La Grange," "Tush," and "Gimme All Your Lovin'," as well as some of the band's deeper cuts.

ZZ Top's music has been a staple of American rock for over 50 years, and their live shows continue to be proof of their enduring legacy. With Beard's passing, the band will undoubtedly be playing with a newfound sense of purpose and passion, as they celebrate the life and music of their beloved drummer.