Frank Beard, historic drummer for the famous Texan blues-rock trio ZZ Top, has died at age 77, the group announced Tuesday.
“He was in hospice care when he died at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by members of his family,” the group writes on its website.
The musician had recently stopped touring with his band, due to health problems which were not specified.
“The world has lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers ever, and a great, true son of Texas,” said Billy Gibbons, the trio’s guitarist and vocalist.
“His signature drum beat played a vital role in keeping ZZ at the top,” he adds.
Formed in 1969 in Houston, the group became, with hits like “La Grange”, “Gimme All Your Lovin’” and “Sharp Dressed Man”, an emblematic formation of American rock, visually recognizable by the long beards of Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill.
The latter died in 2021, replaced by Elwood Francis, a long-time technician of the group.
“The death of Frank Beard leads to the cancellation of ZZ Top concerts scheduled for tonight in Salt Lake City and Wednesday in Colorado Springs,” the group announced.
ZZ Top will resume their current tour, +The Big One! Tour+, this weekend with two concerts at Austin City Limits, one of Frank’s favorite venues and in a city that had ended up being like a second home for him.
