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Longtime ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard Dies at Age 77
Just the facts
Beard co-founded ZZ Top in 1969 alongside guitarist Billy Gibbons and late bassist Dusty Hill, helping establish the group's signature sound for over five decades. Gibbons publicly praised Beard's foundational role in the trio's musical rhythm following the announcement of his death. In response to his passing, ZZ Top cancelled upcoming concert dates scheduled in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. The band announced plans to resume its performance schedule later in the week at the Austin City Limits music venue in Austin, Texas.
Why this is news
Rock musician Frank Beard, who served as the longtime drummer for the blues-rock band ZZ Top, died on August 17, 2026, at the age of 77. Publicists for the band confirmed that Beard passed away while in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by family members.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.