ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard dead at 77
Frank Beard, the longtime drummer for the legendary rock band ZZ Top, has died at 77 in hospice care at his Texas ranch. Bandmates Billy Gibbons and Elwood Francis issued a statement mourning his loss and acknowledging his crucial role in the band's six-decade success.
Why it matters
This marks the passing of a significant figure in rock music history, a member of an iconic band known for its longevity and unique sound. It's a notable event for fans of ZZ Top and classic rock.
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.
ZZ Top sold more than 50 million records and had six singles that reached No. 1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Seven of their albums have been in the Billboard 200's Top 10 and they earned three Grammy Award nominations.
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