Frank Beard, beardless drummer for ZZ Top, dies aged 77
ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard has died at 77, prompting tributes from his bandmates and the cancellation of upcoming tour dates. The band plans to continue performing, honoring Beard's wishes and his legacy as an innovative musician.
Why it matters
The loss of a key member of a Hall of Fame band impacts the music industry and the band's ongoing touring schedule.
ZZ Top musician Frank Beard has been remembered as “one of the most naturally innovative drummers” following his death aged 77.
The rock band formed in Texas in 1969 with the classic trio consisting of drummer Beard, lead vocalist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill – who died in 2021 aged 72.
They became well known in Ireland in the 1980s when their videos appeared regularly on Vincent Hanley’s MT-USA music show.
The group shared a lengthy tribute to Instagram on Tuesday as they announced the death of their “great friend and collaborator” Beard.
The post included a carousel of photos of the veteran rocker, and was captioned with a quote from frontman Gibbons.
It said: “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.
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