Frank Beard, the longtime drummer for the legendary rock band ZZ Top, passed away on August 17, 2026, at the age of 77. The musician died at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, while receiving hospice care, with his family members by his side.
The Fort Bend County Medical Examiner confirmed Beard’s death was reported on Monday, August 17. His publicist, Bob Merlis, confirmed that Beard had been in hospice care at the time of his passing. While the exact cause of death has not been made public, the drummer had been facing health-related issues in recent years.
Health Problems in the Months Before His Death
Beard’s health had become a growing concern in the weeks leading up to his death. On August 5, 2026, ZZ Top canceled its concert at the Hollywood Bowl, citing Beard’s health issues. The band had been forced to make changes to their touring schedule as the drummer’s condition worsened.
The drummer had previously stepped away from the band during its 2025 Elevation tour to address a health problem. That issue was later reported to involve his foot and ankle. In March 2025, the band announced that Beard would temporarily leave the tour to focus on an unspecified health matter. He returned to the band in September 2025 but was reportedly absent from all of ZZ Top’s 2026 tour dates, with drummer Michael Monahan filling in for him.
Band Cancels Shows, Plans to Continue Tour
Following Beard’s death, ZZ Top canceled upcoming concerts in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs. However, the band announced it would continue its The Big One! tour, with performances scheduled that weekend at Austin City Limits. The band described Austin as one of “Frank’s favorite venues” and a city that had become “something of a second home” for the drummer.
Michael Monahan will continue to replace Beard for the remainder of the tour.
Billy Gibbons Leads Tributes to His Bandmate
ZZ Top frontman Billy Gibbons confirmed Beard’s death on Instagram. In a statement shared by the band, Gibbons expressed his grief alongside bassist Elwood Francis, who joined ZZ Top after Dusty Hill died in 2021.
“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.”
Gibbons also added that “the band of which he was part for six decades is going to keep on keeping on as he had wished”.
Beard had previously spoken about his dedication to the band in the 2019 documentary ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas, saying:
“I’ve found the people I was meant to play with. I never wanted to quit, and never wanted to get fired.”
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A Career Spanning More Than Five Decades
Beard joined ZZ Top in 1969, soon after the band formed, replacing founding drummer Dan Mitchell. He helped recruit bassist Dusty Hill from his former band American Blues, completing the trio that would stay together for over 50 years. He played on all 15 of ZZ Top’s studio albums, from ZZ Top’s First Album (1971) to La Futura (2012).
His drumming was featured prominently on some of the band’s biggest hits, including “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Legs,” “La Grange,” and “Tush”.
ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. The band sold more than 50 million records and had six singles that reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.
The Beardless Drummer of ZZ Top
Frank Beard was the only member of ZZ Top without a full beard. While Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill grew their iconic long beards, Beard chose to keep only a mustache. This became a running joke among fans and part of the band’s unique identity.
Born in Frankston, Texas, on June 11, 1949, Beard was raised in Irving. He played in several bands before joining ZZ Top, including the Cellar Dwellers, the Hustlers, the Warlocks, and the American Blues.
Beard’s death leaves Billy Gibbons as the only surviving classic-era member of ZZ Top. Bassist Dusty Hill passed away in July 2021.
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