ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard dies at 77

Frank Beard, the drummer whose steady backbeat anchored the Texas rock band ZZ Top for more than five decades, died on Monday, August 17, 2026. He was 77. His publicist, Bob Merlis, confirmed that Beard died while in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by family. No cause of death was provided.

The band’s founder and guitarist, Billy Gibbons, released a statement mourning his longtime bandmate. "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," Gibbons said. "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."

Beard’s death followed a period of declining health that had forced him to miss several recent tour dates. Earlier this month, ZZ Top abruptly canceled a scheduled concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, citing "insurmountable obstacles." The band subsequently canceled shows in Salt Lake City on August 18 and Colorado Springs on August 19. The group’s current tour is set to resume this weekend with two performances at the Austin City Limits...