Frank Beard, ZZ Top Drummer, Dies at 77

Frank Beard, the longtime drummer of ZZ Top, has died at the age of 77.

The musician reportedly died on Monday at his ranch after receiving hospice care. His fellow ZZ Top musician and band founder, Billy Gibbons – who was also the lead singer for the rock group – confirmed his death on Instagram.

“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,” Billy Gibbons, another founder and lead singer of the band, wrote on Instagram. “His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top.”

Beard drummed for the band for nearly 60 years and contributed to some of their biggest songs like “La Grange,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Tush,” “Bugs,” and “Velcro Fly.”

In the wake of Beard’s death, the band also announced it was canceling its upcoming shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs.

“The band will resume its current The Big One! Tour this weekend with two dates in at Austin City Limits, one of Frank’s favorite venues and in a city that had been something of a second home for him,” the Instagram statement added.

More to come…