ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard dies at 77, according to multiple reports. The band posts a tribute from frontman Billy F. Gibbons calling Beard a “great friend and collaborator” and crediting him as an important part of the group’s success.
Several outlets describe Beard as ZZ Top’s long-serving drummer, anchoring the band for more than five decades and appearing on major hits such as “La Grange,” “Tush,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs.” Variety and Deadline both report that a representative confirms Beard died at his ranch in Richmond, Texas.
Consequence and Variety add that Beard was dealing with serious health issues and had stepped back from touring earlier this summer. Variety and Deadline also say he was in hospice care at the time of his death, with his family by his side. Some coverage notes that ZZ Top canceled a performance at the Hollywood Bowl last week amid his health-related absence, framing the timing around their late-summer schedule changes.
