Frank Beard of ZZ Top passes away at 77
The music world is mourning the loss of a giant, and the news arrived yesterday confirming that Frank Beard, the legendary drummer for ZZ Top, has died at the age of 77.
The announcement came from the band itself, confirming that Beard passed away while receiving hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas. He was surrounded by his family, and no specific cause of death has been shared by the family.
For those who followed the trajectory of ZZ Top, the passing of Frank Beard marks the end of an era defined by the relentless rhythm he brought to the band. Billy Gibbons, the group’s founder, paid heartfelt tribute, describing Beard as one of the most naturally innovating drummers and a great and true son of Texas.
Gibbons emphasized Beard’s vital role, noting that his signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ Top on top. It is undeniable that the powerful, driving rhythm Beard provided was the heartbeat of the iconic sound that defined the band’s success.
Beard’s musical journey began long before the spotlight hit rock arenas. Born in Frankston, Texas, in 1949, he began playing drums as a teenager, quickly finding a kindred spirit in Dusty Hill. Together, they formed a formidable group, playing in acts such as The Cellar Dwellers, The Warlocks, and The Outlaws, honing a unique blend of rock and blues.
This foundational history led to his iconic collaboration with Billy Gibbons in 1969, forming the classic lineup of ZZ Top. The partnership between Beard and Gibbons established a sound synonymous with the ’70s, featuring early classics like ‘La Grange‘.
As the band progressed, their success exploded in the 1980s with the release of the ‘Eliminator‘ album, which featured smash hits like ‘Gimme All Your Lovin’ and ‘Sharp Dressed Man‘. Their collective impact on music is immense, with the group selling over 50 million records and earning induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
While Beard experienced a temporary break in his touring schedule to undergo surgery last year, he returned to the stage, continuing to influence the music scene. Even when he stepped away earlier this year, Michael Monahan filled the role, but the indelible rhythm he left behind remains etched into the history of rock and roll.
The band plans to continue honoring Beard’s memory by performing at The Moody Theater in Austin this weekend, a venue they considered a favorite of his and a true second home. Frank Beard’s legacy is not just in the hits they made, but in the foundational rhythm that keeps the music alive.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
