Frank Beard, drummer for the American rock band ZZ Top for about 56 years, died on August 17, 2026, at his ranch in Richmond, Texas. He was 77 years old and passed away in hospice care with family by his side [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The Fort Bend County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed his death but did not release a cause [5].
Beard was a founding member of ZZ Top, which formed in 1969. He played on many of the band’s hits including “La Grange,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” “Tush,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’” [1, 2, 3, 4, 6]. Despite the band’s famous long beards, Beard was known as “The Man With No Beard” as he was the only member without one [1].
Over the years, Beard faced health challenges including an emergency appendectomy in 2002 and stepped away from touring last year due to unspecified health issues [2, 6]. ZZ Top’s lead singer Billy Gibbons called Beard “one of the most naturally innovative drummers” and said his “signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top.” Gibbons added that Beard was “a great and true son of Texas” and a “great friend and collaborator” [1].
ZZ Top canceled their August 17 concert in Salt Lake City and their August 19 show in Colorado Springs following Beard’s death but plan to resume their Big One! Tour later this weekend in Austin, Texas, one of Beard’s favorite venues [1, 2, 3, 4, 6].
After the death of original bassist Dusty Hill in 2021, Elwood Francis joined the band[s1,s2,s3,4,s6]. Beard was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with ZZ Top in 2004, where he humbly reflected on his success [1, 2, 3, 4]. He once said, “All I have to say is that most of my life has been a pleasant surprise, and so is this. Thank you.” [3]
ZZ Top’s tour is scheduled to continue with shows in Austin during the weekend following August 18.
