In brief
Longtime ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard, 77, passed away in hospice care at his Texas ranch. The band announced the cancellation of shows in Utah and Colorado and will resume touring at Austin City Limits. Billy Gibbons praised Beard’s unique drumming and his influence on the band’s sound. Founder Billy Gibbons and bassist Elwood Francis honored Beard’s legacy as “The Man With No Beard.”
Longtime ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard died on Monday in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, at age 77. His cause of death was not disclosed.
Band officials announced that the death necessitated the cancellation of scheduled shows in Utah and Colorado for this week. The band plans to resume the “Big One! Tour” over the weekend, with two dates at Austin City Limits, a venue that was a favourite of Beard.
Founder Billy Gibbons and bassist Elwood Francis 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.” Gibbons highlighted Beard’s key role in keeping ZZ Top at the top with his signature backbeat.
Framed as “The Man With No Beard” despite his surname, Beard had been the only member of the Houston ensemble without the iconic facial hair. Since 1969, ZZ Top has released 15 studio albums and four live records, earning a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2004.
