ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard dies aged 77
Frank Beard, the longtime drummer for the blues-rock band ZZ Top, has passed away at the age of 77. The band has cancelled upcoming tour dates but intends to continue performing in accordance with his wishes.
Why it matters
The death of a founding member of a legendary rock band marks the end of an era for a group that has been active for six decades.
Image source, Getty Images By Nardine Saad Published 18 August 2026, 21:38 BST Updated 58 minutes ago Longtime ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard has died aged 77, the band said.
A statement on the blues-rock band's website said he died on Monday in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with family members at his side. His cause of death was not specified.
Beard's passing "necessitates the cancellation" of the band's tour dates this week in Utah and Colorado, the statement said.
ZZ Top was founded in 1969 and played their first live concert the following year. Together they released 15 studio and four live albums, with hit singles like Gimme All Your Lovin', Sleeping Bag, and Viva Las Vegas.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, ZZ top lead vocalist Billy Gibbons, bassist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard in 2009.
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