ZZ Top hits the stage since Frank Beard died
The rock world mourned the loss of a legend this past Monday when drummer Frank Beard passed away at the age of 77 while receiving hospice care in Richmond, Texas.
The passing marks the end of an era for ZZ Top, but as the band navigates this profound loss, their commitment to their music and their shared history shines through.
Billy Gibbons, the band’s founder, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late musician, who joined the group in 1969. Gibbons described Beard not just as a drummer, but as “one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas,” emphasizing that his signature backbeat was absolutely key to keeping ZZ Top on top.
The immediate aftermath saw the band cancel scheduled concerts in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs. However, ZZ Top refused to let the loss silence their plans, vowing to fulfill their planned two dates at the Moody Theater in Austin, a venue known to have been a favorite of Beard and a true second home for him.
Their return to the stage was a powerful gesture. On August 22, the band delivered a 17-song set at the Moody Theater, joined by drummer Michael Monahan, who had been stepping in for Beard recently. While the surviving members did not dwell on the loss onstage, Gibbons offered a knowing wink to the audience, introducing Monahan and joking, “I guess some of you probably know there’s a new man in town.”
Despite the absence, the energy remained high. The band launched into classics like “Waitin’ For The Bus” and closed the performance with the iconic “La Grange,” reminding everyone that the spirit of ZZ Top is anything but extinguished.
The outpouring of respect is clear in the band’s continued momentum. Following the performance, ZZ Top revisited the Austin venue on August 23, and they are now embarking on a North American tour through October, carrying the legacy of Frank Beard and the enduring magic of Texas rock with them.
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