Photo Credit: Boston Lynn Schulz
Yesterday, ZZ Tops drummer Frank Beard died at 77 years old. Ultimateclassicrock reports that Beard “was in hospice care when he passed away at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with family members at his side” on Aug. 17″ … “Today, (bassist) Elwood (Francis) and I lost great friend and collaborator,” guitarist Billy Gibbons announced in a press release to the news. “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 (Ultimateclassicrock).
In March of last year Beard announced that he was stepping away from the band’s North American tour to focus on his health issues. Beard was replaced by John Douglas who filled in for a “ailing Beard on a 2002 European tour. Beard returned in September 2025 but has reportedly been absent from all of ZZ Top’s 2026 tours, this time replaced by Michael Monahan” (Ultimateclassicrock). Beard joined Gibbons in ZZ Top year after Gibbons created the group from his previous band the Moving Sidewalks. “I drove down to Houston, I hunted all over the place, found Billy Gibbons, made him go — I mean, just threatened him — made him go to the rehearsal studio,” Beard recalled in the band’s 2020 documentary That Little Ol’ Band From Texas. “I made him jam for about eight hours till his tongue just fell out” … “It didn’t take Gibbons long to be convinced. “It didn’t take 30 minutes, didn’t take 30 seconds,” the guitarist recalled in the same documentary. “I knew that Frank Beard had the kind of chops that I was looking for. He played fiercely, he played with determination” (Ultimateclassicrock). Beard helped recruit bassist Dusty Hill from the band American Blues shortly after, “solidifying the three-man lineup that would stick together for over five decades and become one of the most beloved bands in rock history” (Ultimateclassicrock).
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