ZZ Top’s Beat Stops: Drummer Frank Beard Dies at 77

Sun Sep 06 2026 07:13:20 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Longtime ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard dies after decades of iconic grooves. Band mourns and cancels upcoming shows, honoring his legacy.

Frank Beard, the backbone of blues‑rock trio ZZ Top, passed away at age 77 after a long and legendary career. His death in hospice at his Texas ranch caused the cancellation of the band’s tour dates in Utah and Colorado. ZZ Top, known for hits like “Gimme All Your Lovin” and “La Grange,” has been a seminal force in rock since 1969. Though the band will resume its The Big One tour, the loss of a true Texas drummer has left an echo across the music world.

ZZ Top’s beat stops: Drummer Frank Beard dies at 77

'Zz — Frank Beard behind the drum kit during a 2023 gig.

Frank Beard, the base‑drumming rock legend with no beard in the hair‑covered trio, has died at 77.

A statement from ZZ Top said the drummer passed away Monday in hospice at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by family. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

His death means the band’s planned shows in Utah and Colorado this week were cancelled.

Founded in 1969, ZZ Top has released 15 studio and 4 live albums, producing classic tracks such as Gimme All Your Lovin, La Grange and Viva Las Vegas. The trio was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

Billy Gibbons, lead singer, said: “Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a 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.”

Singer‑bass duo Dick Francis and Dusty Hill’s late co‑founder Hill passed in 2021, after which the band continued touring worldwide. The shows that were cut due to Beard’s passing were scheduled in Salt Lake City and in Colorado Springs, but the group plans to resume the current “The Big One” tour over the weekend, with two dates at Austin City Limits—one of Beard’s favourite venues.