Frank Beard, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummer of ZZ Top, dies hours before show in Sandy

Frank Beard, the long-time drummer for the rock band ZZ Top, has passed away at age 77 while in hospice care. Bandmates and fellow musicians have paid tribute to his innovative drumming style and his role in the band's five-decade history.
Why it matters
Beard was a foundational member of a legendary rock band, and his death marks the end of an era for classic rock fans.
Frank Beard, the drummer for the Texas boogie-rock trio ZZ Top who kept the tempo for the band's biggest hits like "Sharp Dressed Man," "Legs" and "Gimme All Your Lovin", has died. He was 77. Beard was in hospice care when he died Tuesday at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with family members at his side, according to publicist Bob Merlis. Band co-founder and guitarist Billy Gibbons, on tour with bassist Elwood Francis, hailed Beard in a statement. "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. 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," Gibbons said.
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