The rock world is mourning the loss of Frank Beard, the longtime drummer of ZZ Top, who has died at the age of 77. According to TMZ, the musician died on August 17 at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by his family after a stay in hospice care. His cause of death has not been disclosed.

With Beard’s passing, ZZ Top loses the rhythmic backbone that helped define the band’s signature sound for more than five decades. His steady, distinctive drumming was an integral part of the group’s success and enduring place in rock history. His death is especially heartbreaking for fans, who had recently learned of his health struggles and his absence from the band’s tour.

Billy Gibbons Pays Tribute to Frank Beard with a Personal Statement

ZZ Top co-founder Billy F. Gibbons has paid an emotional tribute to his longtime bandmate and friend following Beard’s death.

“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. 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,” Gibbons said in a statement shared by the band.

Frank Beard Played with ZZ Top for More Than Five Decades

Frank Beard was part of ZZ Top’s legendary lineup for more than five decades. He joined the band in 1969, before the release of its 1971 debut album, and remained its drummer throughout the group’s entire recording career. On some early releases, he was credited as “Rube Beard.”

Before ZZ Top, Beard had already played alongside Dusty Hill in several bands, including American Blues. He also helped bring Hill and Billy Gibbons together, paving the way for the trio that would go on to become one of rock’s most recognizable acts.

Beard played on all 15 of ZZ Top’s studio albums and provided the distinctive rhythmic foundation behind classics including “La Grange,” “Tush,” “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs.”

Health Issues Had Recently Forced Him to Step Away from Touring

In the months before his death, Beard had been forced to step back from touring because of health problems. In early August, ZZ Top canceled its scheduled performance at the Hollywood Bowl after the band revealed that Beard was dealing with health issues. Michael Monahan subsequently stepped in as his replacement for the remaining tour dates.

Beard had also taken time away from the band in 2025 because of an unspecified health issue. Reports at the time linked the problem to his foot and ankle, although further details about his condition were not publicly disclosed.

Following Beard’s death, ZZ Top canceled additional performances before announcing plans to continue the tour in his honor.

From Texas to MTV and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Born in Frankston, Texas, Beard became an unlikely visual icon in a band famous for its beards. Despite his surname, he was the only member of ZZ Top’s classic trio who did not wear a long, signature beard. Instead, his curls and mustache became part of his unmistakable look.

Musically, Beard helped guide ZZ Top from its bluesy, boogie-rock roots in the 1970s into the MTV era of the 1980s. Albums such as Eliminator and Afterburner transformed the Texas trio into global stars, with their music videos and hits such as “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs” introducing them to a new generation of fans.

In 2004, ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, cementing the band’s place in rock history.

Following Dusty Hill’s death in 2021 and now Beard’s passing, Billy Gibbons is the sole surviving member of ZZ Top’s classic trio.