ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard has died at the age of 77. Beard had held down the percussion duties in the band from 1969 up until recently, when health issues began to affect his touring ability. An official statement issued by the blues rock legends today, August 18th, read:
‘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.” – Billy F Gibbons
Following Frank’s passing, ZZ Top has canceled its upcoming shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs. The band will resume its current The Big One! Tour this weekend with two dates in at Austin City Limits, one of Frank’s favorite venues and in a city that had been something of a second home for him.’
Beard had stepped down from the band this past March for a medical procedure and was confirmed to have taken a leave of absence due to illness amid the band’s touring this year. While a cause of death was not revealed, a representative for Beard confirmed he was in hospice care when he passed away on his ranch in Richmond, TX with his family members by his side.
