ZZ Top musician Frank Beard has died at the age of 77. The Texas musician who was a founding member of the band, was remembered as “one of the most naturally innovative drummers” in a moving statement by his bandmates.
The group shared a tribute to Instagram as they announced the death of their “great friend and collaborator,” including a carousel of photos of the veteran rocker.
“Today, Elwood [Francis, the band’s bassist] 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,” wrote frontman and lead vocalist Billy Gibbons.
“His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top. The band of which he was part for six decades is going to keep on keeping on as he had wished.”
© RedfernsFrank died at his ranch in Richmond in Texas surrounded by his family on Monday August 17, 2026, his publicist Bob Merlis told the Associated Press: “He was in hospice care when he passed away at his ranch in Richmond, TX with family members at his side.”
The group confirmed that they have cancelled upcoming shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs following the death of Frank, although they will play two planned shows at Austin City Limits venue in Texas this weekend.
The statement shared that it was “one of Frank’s favorite venues and in a city that had been something of a second home for him.”
© Getty ImagesThe news comes two weeks after ZZ Top was forced to cancel its August 5 concert at the Hollywood Bowl because of Frank’s health.
After a brief line-up with others, ZZ Top was formed in 1969 by Billy, Frank, and bassist-vocalist Dusty Hill; Dusty died in 2021.
ZZ Top were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, and are known for their 1980s hits such as “Sharp Dressed Man”, “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin.”
© Getty ImagesThe band was famous for their matching appearances – they wore long beards, sunglasses, and hats to perform and in music videos – and their humorous lyrics, although ironically Frank became known for not having a beard.
ZZ Top released 15 studio albums and sold an estimated 50 million records, winning three MTV Video Music Awards.
Born in 1949, Frank struggled with addiction at the height of the band’s fame in the 1970s, once claiming he spent “every bit” of money he earned on drugs, including cocaine and heroin. He eventually entered a rehab program and the band took a three-year hiatus to support him.
© Redferns“I went to a 12-step program; I just wanted to get sober. I wanted to be like people I admired that could sit home and watch TV and go to bed, and that was okay [for them],” he said in a 2020 documentary about the band, ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band From Texas.
In 1978 Frank married long-time girlfriend Catherine Alexander but they divorced three years later.
He married Debbie Meredith in November 1982, and together they welcomed three children, raising their family in Texas where Frank enjoyed golf and was known locally for participation in tournaments and community events.
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