ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and Elwood Francis mourn drummer Frank Beard

ZZ Top is mourning another great loss.

The rock band’s longtime drummer, Frank Beard, passed away on Monday, August 17, while in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond Texas “with family members at his side,” as confirmed by the band’s representative in a statement to USA TODAY.

Beard, who was 77 years old at the time of his death, is the second ZZ Top member to have passed away following the death of bassist-vocalist Dusty Hill in 2021.

The remaining band members, Billy Gibbons and Elwood Francis, paid tribute to Beard in a social media statement which read, “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.”

Beard was born in Frankston, Texas, on June 11, 1949, and began playing in bands while still in high school. He later became part of Dallas’ music scene, where he met Dusty Hill. The pair played together in several groups during the 1960s, including the Warlocks and American Blues.

Beard joined Gibbons in 1969 and helped complete ZZ Top’s iconic lineup by introducing him to Hill, his former American Blues bandmate.

Francis, who was the band’s longtime guitar tech, replaced Hill after his death in 2021, per Hill’s wishes.

How did Frank Beard Die?

Beard died in hospice care while surrounded by his loved ones. His death came just two weeks after he withdrew from ZZ Top’s The Big One! Tour set to begin on August 5 because of unspecified health problems. At the time, the band’s rep revealed that Beard is “ill,” but did not specify the health issues.

Due to Beard’s withdrawal, the band was forced to cancel their tour’s opening show, citing “unforeseen personnel matters.” Drummer Michael Monahan ultimately filled in for Beard.

Beard’s cause of death has not yet been confirmed.