ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard dies aged 77
The band have confirmed
ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard has died aged 77, the Texan rock legends have confirmed.
In a statement, Billy F Gibbons 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. His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top.”
In the wake of Frank’s death, ZZ Top have cancelled their upcoming shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs.
However, the band have vowed to perform at Austin City Limits this weekend, explaining it was one of Frank’s “favourite venues and in a city that had been something of a second home for him.”
The band’s representative Bob Merlis confirmed that Frank died while in hospice care at his home in Richmond, Texas on Monday 17th August and he was surrounded by his family.
No cause of death has been revealed.
ZZ Top recently drafted in replacement drummer Michael Monahan for their current US tour due to Frank’s unspecified health issues.
Alongside frontman Billy F Gibbons, Frank Beard was a member of ZZ Top since their inception in 1969. He also introduced Gibbons to the late-great Dusty Hill.
RIP to the great Frank Beard.