ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard dies at 77

Frank Beard, the steady beat behind the legendary rock band ZZ Top for over five decades, has died at the age of 77. The band confirmed his passing on Tuesday, stating he died in hospice care at his Texas ranch with family by his side. His cause of death was not disclosed.

Beard was a constant presence in ZZ Top's most enduring lineup, performing alongside guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill from 1970 until Hill's death in 2021. For 56 years, his distinctive drumming provided the backbone for the band's string of hits, including "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Legs." He was known for his signature backbeat, which Gibbons credited with keeping ZZ Top "on top."

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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. The band of which he was a part for six decades is going to keep on keeping on as he had wished.

Following Beard's death, ZZ Top announced the cancellation of several upcoming performances, including shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs. The band plans to resume touring this weekend in Austin, Texas, as Beard had wished.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, ZZ Top rose to wider fame in the 1980s, becoming a staple on MTV during the music video era. While members Gibbons and Hill became known for their long beards, Beard was often seen clean-shaven, a subtle contrast to the band's iconic image. Reflecting on his career at the Hall of Fame induction, Beard described his life as "a pleasant surprise."

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All I have to say is that most of my life has been a pleasant surprise, and so is this. Thank you