ZZ Top's Frank Beard, drummer and founding member, passes away at 77

Frank Beard, the steadfast drummer behind ZZ Top's

Frank Beard, the steadfast drummer behind ZZ Top's signature blues-rock sound, has died at the age of 77. The news was confirmed by the band's frontman, Billy Gibbons, who paid tribute to his longtime bandmate's skill and spirit.

In a statement, Gibbons reflected on Beard's legacy, noting that the world has lost "one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas." The guitarist's words underscored the deep bond the two shared over more than five decades of making music together.

Beard, who co-founded ZZ Top in Houston in 1969 alongside Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill, was known for his solid, groove-driven rhythms that anchored hits like "La Grange" and "Sharp Dressed Man." His playing style blended blues, rock, and a touch of boogie, becoming a defining element of the band's unmistakable sound.

The drummer's distinctive look—a clean-shaven face in co…

The drummer's distinctive look—a clean-shaven face in contrast to Gibbons and Hill's famous long beards—made him a visual standout, but it was his musical consistency that earned him respect from peers and fans alike. He remained with the band through its rise to global fame in the 1980s and continued performing until recent years.

Tributes have begun pouring in from musicians and fans, celebrating Beard's contributions to rock history. His passing marks the end of an era for ZZ Top, following Hill's death in 2021, leaving Gibbons as the only surviving original member.

Beard's influence extended far beyond the stage, inspiring generations of drummers with his understated yet powerful approach. As the music world mourns, his rhythms will continue to echo in the classic tracks that defined a generation.