ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard dies aged 77

Frank Beard, the enduring drummer for the legendary Texas boogie-rock trio ZZ Top, has died at age 77. His death was confirmed by bandmate Billy Gibbons, who paid tribute to Beard as "one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas."

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one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas.

Beard died Tuesday, local time, at his ranch in Texas. He had been in hospice care and was surrounded by family members at the time of his passing, according to his publicist, Bob Merlis.

Known for his distinctive backbeat, Beard was instrumental in ZZ Top's biggest hits, including "Sharp Dressed Man," "Legs," and "Gimme All Your Lovin'." The band, which sold over 50 million records, achieved significant chart success, with six singles reaching No. 1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart and seven albums landing in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200.

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His signature back beat was key to keeping ZZ on top.

Beard's commitment to the band was unwavering. In the 2019 documentary "ZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band from Texas," he expressed his deep satisfaction with his bandmates, stating, "I've found the people I was meant to play with." He added, "I never wanted to quit, and never wanted to get fired." Following Beard's death, ZZ Top has canceled upcoming shows, including dates in Austin, a city considered a second home for the late drummer.

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I've found the people I was meant to play with. I never wanted to quit, and never wanted to get fired.