ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard Dies Aged 77
Longtime ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard has passed away at the age of 77, the band has announced.
Frank Beard, the drummer for the legendary blues-rock band ZZ Top, has died at the age of 77. The news was confirmed by the band on their website, stating that Beard passed away on Monday in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by his family members.
The cause of death was not specified in the statement. As a result of Beard's passing, the band has been forced to cancel their upcoming tour dates in Utah and Colorado. The statement on the band's website read: "Beard's passing necessitates the cancellation of the band's tour dates this week in Utah and Colorado."
ZZ Top was formed in 1969 and has since become one of the most iconic rock bands in history. The group has released 15 studio and four live albums, with hit singles such as "Gimme All Your Lovin'", "Sleeping Bag", and "Viva Las Vegas". The band's members have included founder and lead vocalist Billy Gibbons and the late Dusty Hill.
When Hill passed away in 2021, the band continued to perform with Elwood Francis as their bassist. Gibbons has paid tribute to Beard, describing him as a "great friend and collaborator" and a "great and true son of Texas". Gibbons also praised Beard's signature backbeat, saying it was key to keeping ZZ Top on top.
The band has continued to tour throughout North America, Europe, and South America, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Despite Beard's passing, the band plans to resume their current tour over the weekend, with two dates at Austin City Limits, a venue that was one of Beard's favorites.
Beard joined the group after they released their first single "Salt Lick" and later brought on Hill as their bassist. He became known as "The Man With No Beard" due to his lack of facial hair, a trait that was in stark contrast to his bandmates. Beard's time with the band saw the release of several iconic albums, including "Eliminator", which sold over 10 million copies and earned a Grammy Award nomination.
The band's famous 1984 album "Eliminator" featured hits such as "Gimme All Your Lovin'", "Sharp Dressed Man", and "Legs". It was certified diamond by The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 1996 and also earned a Grammy Award nomination. In 1987, the group received another Grammy nod from the Recording Academy for their "Afterburner" album. In 2021, the group was also nominated for best music film for "That Little Ol' Band From Texas".
## ZZ Top's Discography
| Album | Release Year | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Salt Lick | 1969 | Single | | Eliminator | 1984 | Studio | | Afterburner | 1987 | Studio | | That Little Ol' Band From Texas | 2021 | Music Film |
## ZZ Top's Legacy
ZZ Top has left an indelible mark on the music industry. With a career spanning over six decades, the band has released numerous iconic albums and singles that continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world. Despite the passing of Frank Beard, the band remains committed to their music and will continue to tour and perform for their fans.
