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Frank Beard (77) dies, drummer for American rock band ZZ Top

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Frank Beard, the drummer for the iconic American rock band ZZ Top, has died at the age of 77.
  • Beard was a founding member of ZZ Top, forming the band in 1969 with guitarist Billy Gibbons.
  • ZZ Top achieved major success in the 1970s and 80s with hits like 'Sharp Dressed Man' and 'Legs'.

Frank Beard, the enduring drummer for the legendary American rock band ZZ Top, has passed away at the age of 77. Beard died in Texas, the state he called home and where his musical journey began.

I found the people I was destined to play with. I never wanted to stop, and I never wanted to be fired.

— Frank BeardReflecting on his long career with ZZ Top in the documentary 'ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas'.

Beard co-founded ZZ Top in 1969 with guitarist Billy Gibbons. Vocalist Dusty Hill, who had previously collaborated with Beard, joined them to complete the trio that would become synonymous with blues-infused boogie rock. The band rocketed to fame in the 1970s and 1980s, delivering a string of massive hits.

ZZ Top sold over 50 million records worldwide and produced enduring anthems such as 'Sharp Dressed Man,' 'Legs,' and 'Gimme All Your Lovin'.' Their music earned them six No. 1 singles on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart and seven albums that reached the top 10 of the Billboard 200. The band also received three Grammy Award nominations.

Today, Elwood and I have lost a great friend and collaborator. The world has lost one of its most naturally innovative drummers and a great son of Texas.

— Billy Gibbons and Elwood FrancisPaying tribute to Frank Beard on social media.

In a 2019 documentary, Beard reflected on his career, stating, "I found the people I was destined to play with." He expressed a desire never to stop or be fired. Following Hill's death in 2021, Elwood Francis stepped in to fill his role. Gibbons and Francis memorialized Beard, calling him a "great friend and collaborator" and acknowledging the loss of "one of the world's most naturally innovative drummers."

His signature rhythm was crucial to keeping ZZ Top at the top. The band he was a part of for 6 decades will carry on as he would have wanted.

— Billy Gibbons and Elwood FrancisDescribing Beard's musical contribution and the band's future.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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