Announcement and final days

Frank Beard, the longtime drummer of American blues-rock band ZZ Top, died on 17 August 2026 at the age of 77. Beard passed away in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by family members, according to an announcement issued by band spokesperson Bob Merlis. His cause of death was not disclosed. Beard had stepped away from live performances in recent months after his health deteriorated, prompting the band to cancel an appearance at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on 5 August. Frontman and guitarist Billy Gibbons confirmed the loss on behalf of the group.

“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.”

Formation and global success

Born in 1949 in Frankston, Texas, Beard played in several blues-rock groups throughout the 1960s before teaming up with guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill in Houston in 1969. The trio first performed together under the ZZ Top name in 1970, beginning a partnership that lasted over five decades. While Gibbons and Hill became known for their chest-length beards, dark sunglasses, and hats, Beard notably kept a clean-shaven face or wore only a moustache. The group achieved a commercial breakthrough in 1973 with their third album, Tres Hombres, and built an international audience through MTV video rotations in the 1980s. Songs such as "La Grange", "Tush", "Sharp Dressed Man", and "Legs" established their signature rhythm.

“His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top. The band of which he was part for six decades is going to keep on keeping on as he had wished.”

Medical hurdles and touring milestones

Over their career, the band sold more than 50 million records worldwide and secured six number-one hits on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Between 1976 and 1977, the trio staged their Worldwide Texas Tour, which spanned 98 arena and stadium concerts across the United States featuring live cattle, buffalo, and rattlesnakes. Beard also faced several medical hurdles during his decades on the road. A substance addiction pause sidelined the band for nearly three years in the late 1970s, while an emergency appendectomy in Paris in 2002 required a temporary substitute drummer. In March 2025, Beard underwent foot and ankle surgery during the Elevation Tour before health complications forced his final withdrawal from touring.

Legacy and tour continuation

ZZ Top entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, recognizing Beard's contributions alongside Gibbons and Hill.

“All I have to say is that most of my life has been a pleasant surprise, and so is this. Thank you.”

Following Dusty Hill's death in 2021 at age 72, longtime technician Elwood Francis joined on bass, leaving Gibbons as the sole surviving original member. The band cancelled scheduled tour dates in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, following the announcement of Beard's death. However, the group confirmed that The Big One! Tour, which includes more than 60 scheduled dates across North America and Europe, will resume with two concerts at the Moody Theater in Austin, Texas.