The longtime ZZ Top drummer died at 77 while in hospice care at his Texas ranch, surrounded by family — but the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Beard had spent more than five decades behind the kit, performing on all 15 of ZZ Top’s studio albums and helping define the sound behind some of the band’s biggest hits. His recent health struggles had already forced him off the road in March and again earlier this month, leaving fans concerned about his condition. Now, Billy Gibbons is remembering the drummer as a “great friend and collaborator” whose unmistakable backbeat helped keep ZZ Top at the top

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ZZ TOP DRUMMER FRANK BEARD DIES AT 77 AFTER MORE THAN FIVE DECADES WITH THE ROCK LEGENDS

ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard performing at Abenberg Castle in Germany.

Frank Beard, a member of the band ZZ Top, has died at the age of 77

Drummer Frank Beard of ZZ Top.

Beard has been part of ZZ Top for more than five decades and played on all 15 of the band’s studio albums Credit: Getty

Frank Beard, the longtime drummer of ZZ Top, has died at 77, the band confirmed Tuesday — just weeks after health issues forced him to step away from the group’s latest tour.

Beard died Monday while receiving hospice care, according to a representative for the Texas-formed band. He was surrounded by family members at his ranch in Richmond.

The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

‘THE WORLD LOST ONE OF THE MOST NATURALLY INNOVATIVE DRUMMERS’

ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons paid tribute to his longtime bandmate, describing Beard as both a close friend and an important creative force behind the group.

“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,” Gibbons said.

“His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top.”

Black and white photo of drummer Frank Beard, music writer Jim Pettigrew, guitarist Billy Gibbons, and bassist Dusty Hill relaxing backstage.

The Texas rockers found major success in the 1970s before exploding into the MTV era with their 1983 album Eliminator Credit: Getty

Drummer Frank Beard, a guest, bassist Dusty Hill, guitarist Billy Gibbons, London Records promotion man Ted Vee, and music writer Jim Pettigrew backstage.

Beard joined Billy Gibbons in 1969 and helped create the group’s classic lineup by introducing the guitarist to his former American Blues bandmate Dusty Hill Credit: Getty

Beard had been part of ZZ Top for more than five decades and performed on all 15 of the band’s studio albums.

His death comes after a difficult period for the drummer. He withdrew from The Big One! Tour in early August because of health issues, having previously stepped away from touring in March while undergoing what the band described as a “health procedure.”

ZZ Top subsequently canceled upcoming shows in Colorado Springs and Salt Lake City.

The group plans to resume The Big One! this weekend with two performances at Austin City Limits festival at The Moody Theater. The band noted that the venue was “one of Frank’s favorite venues and in a city that had been something of a second home for him.”

THE BEGINNING OF ZZ TOP’S CLASSIC LINEUP

Born June 11, 1949, in Frankston, Texas, Beard began playing in bands while still in high school before becoming involved in the Dallas music scene.

It was there that he met Dusty Hill. The two played together in several groups during the 1960s, including the Warlocks and American Blues.

In 1969, Beard joined forces with Billy Gibbons and helped establish the lineup that would become synonymous with ZZ Top by introducing Gibbons to his former American Blues bandmate Hill.

The trio would remain together for more than 50 years, until Hill died in July 2021 at the age of 72.

Portrait of the American rock group ZZ Top, Dusty Hill, Frank Beard, and Billy Gibbons, posing with guitars.

Beard, Gibbons and Hill remained together for more than 50 years until Hill’s death in July 2021 at the age of 72 Credit: Getty

Formal portrait of ZZ Top.

Beard was famously the only member of the classic ZZ Top lineup who did not sport the huge beard that became part of the band’s signature look Credit: Getty

One unusual chapter in Beard and Hill’s early careers came when the pair performed in a fake version of British rock group The Zombies. The band toured the United States after the original group had broken up, according to Rolling Stone.

THE BEAT BEHIND ZZ TOP’S BIGGEST HITS

With Beard behind the drums, ZZ Top became one of the most recognizable acts in rock music.

His playing powered some of the group’s best-known songs, including “La Grange,” “Tush,” “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs.”

The band achieved major success during the 1970s before reaching an even wider audience during the MTV era with its 1983 album Eliminator. The record featured “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’.”

ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

ZZ Top members Dusty Hill, Frank Beard, and Billy Gibbons performing in 1973.

Bassist Dusty Hill, drummer Frank “Rube” Beard and guitarist Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top perform at Soldiers And Sailors Memorial Auditorium on October 23, 1973 in Chattanooga, Tennessee Credit: Getty

ZZ Top members Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard performing on stage.

Guitarist Billy Gibbons, bassist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank “Rube” Beard of ZZ Top perform at Boutwell Auditorium on September 28, 1973 in Birmingham, Alabama Credit: Getty

Beard was also famously distinctive within the group for a reason that had nothing to do with his drumming: he was the only member of the classic lineup who did not wear the enormous beard that became one of ZZ Top’s defining visual trademarks.

DUSTY HILL’S DEATH CHANGED THE BAND

The loss of Dusty Hill in 2021 marked the end of the original trio.

At the time, Gibbons and Beard announced that Hill had died in his sleep at his Houston home.

“We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX,” they said.

“You will be missed greatly, amigo.”

Hill’s longtime guitar technician, Elwood Francis, subsequently took over bass duties and continued touring with Gibbons and Beard.

Francis was also with Gibbons following Beard’s recent departure from the tour.

HEALTH ISSUES HAD FORCED BEARD OFF THE ROAD

Beard had experienced health setbacks before his final illness.

He battled pneumonia in 2019 and was forced off the road again in 2025 because of another unspecified health issue.

His most recent absence followed ZZ Top’s abrupt cancellation of its August 5 Hollywood Bowl performance, which the band attributed to “unforeseen personnel matters.”

With Beard unable to continue touring, Michael Monahan stepped in on drums while Gibbons and Francis carried on with the tour.

Now, after more than five decades at the heart of ZZ Top, Frank Beard is gone.

His signature rhythm helped define one of Texas rock’s most enduring bands — and the full impact of his loss is being felt by the group, his family and generations of fans.