Legendary ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard died on Monday, Aug. 17, at 77 following a five-decade run with the rock band.
Beard died while in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, “with family members at his side,” the band’s representative said in a statement to USA TODAY. No cause of death was reported, though he had left the band’s The Big One Tour earlier this month amid health issues.
ZZ Top announced it would cancel its Aug. 18-19 shows and resume touring Aug. 22-23 at ACL Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, Texas, “one of Frank’s favorite venues and in a city that had been something of a second home for him.” The rock band from Texas is known for hits like “La Grange,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’.”
Here’s what to know about Frank Beard.
When did Frank Beard die?
Frank Beard died Aug. 17 at age 77 in hospice care at his Richmond, Texas ranch, USA TODAY reported.
In early August, Beard dropped off ZZ Top’s The Big One Tour due to health issues, with replacement drummer Michael Monahan stepping in. In 2025, Beard also had to temporarily step away from the road for an undisclosed medical problem reportedly involving his foot and ankle.
Who was Frank Beard?
Born in Frankston, Texas, Frank Beard was an American drummer; a founding member and 56-year drummer of the rock band ZZ Top.
Beard was nominated for three Grammy Awards for his music with ZZ Top. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
Co-founder and singer-guitarist Billy Gibbons is the only surviving original member of ZZ Top, bassist-singer Dusty Hill having died in 2021.
USA TODAY contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Who was Frank Beard? Musician dead at 77
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi and Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY NETWORK / Detroit Free Press
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By Jenna Prestininzi and Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
