Frank Beard, the longtime drummer whose distinctive backbeat helped define ZZ Top for six decades, died at age 77 at his Texas ranch after a stay in hospice, prompting the band to cancel shows in Utah and Colorado.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Frank Beard, the longtime drummer for ZZ Top and a member of the Texas rock band for six decades, has died at age 77.
Beard died Aug. 17 at his Texas ranch with members of his family by his side following a stay in hospice, according to the Fort Bend County Medical Examiner, TMZ reported.
A cause of death had not been disclosed.
News of Beard’s death led ZZ Top to cancel its Tuesday night performance in Salt Lake City and its Wednesday show in Colorado Springs.
The band plans to resume performing this weekend with two dates at Austin City Limits, a venue TMZ reported was among Beard’s favorites.
ZZ Top founder Billy F. Gibbons paid tribute to Beard in a statement, remembering both his musicianship and their decades-long friendship.
“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 part for six decades is going to keep on keeping on as he had wished,” Gibbons said.
“Elwood” refers to Elwood Francis, who has performed with ZZ Top.
Beard’s health had already affected the band’s recent touring schedule before his death.
Last week, ZZ Top canceled a performance in Los Angeles after Beard was hospitalized.
TMZ had previously reported that his health also forced the group to cancel its Aug. 5 concert at the Hollywood Bowl.
The cancellations in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs now follow his death, while the group intends to continue performing in accordance with Beard’s wishes.
Gibbons repeated the tribute in a statement reported by Variety.
“Today, Elwood [Francis] 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 part for six decades is going to keep on keeping on as he had wished.”
Beard spent six decades as the rhythmic foundation of ZZ Top, with Gibbons crediting his “signature backbeat” as a central part of the band’s sound and longevity.
His death leaves the band moving forward without the drummer who helped anchor its music throughout most of its history.
Although the cause of death remains undisclosed, the medical examiner confirmed that Beard died at his ranch after receiving hospice care, surrounded by family.
ZZ Top is expected to return to the stage this weekend in Austin following the two canceled performances.
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