ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard Dies at 77, Band Confirms

Frank Beard, the longtime drummer for the rock band ZZ Top, has died at age 77, the band confirmed to CBS News. He passed away on Monday at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with family members at his side, according to the band's publicist, who said Beard was in hospice care at the time. A cause of death was not immediately provided.

Beard formed ZZ Top in 1969 alongside guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill. Hill died in 2021 and, at his request, was replaced by his longtime bass tech, Elwood Francis. "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 in a statement posted on social media.

"His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top. The band has canceled its two upcoming shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs, but said the tour would continue this weekend at Austin City Limits, which Gibbons described as one of Frank's favorite venues and in a city that had been something of a second home for him.