Frank Beard, ZZ Top Drummer and Only Beardless Member, Dies at 77
Frank Beard, the original drummer of Texas blues-rock trio ZZ Top and the only member without a long beard, died Tuesday at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, at age 77. Billy Gibbons, the band's guitarist and vocalist, announced the death on social media, praising Beard's signature backbeat as crucial to ZZ Top's success. Beard co-founded the band in Houston in 1969 alongside Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill. Following Hill's death in 2021, Elwood Francis joined as bassist, though he was not an original member. Gibbons described Beard as one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a true son of Texas. ZZ Top, known for hits like 'La Grange' and 'Legs', continued to perform for over five decades.
Key facts
- Frank Beard died at age 77.
- He died on Tuesday at his ranch in Richmond, Texas.
- He was the only ZZ Top member without a long beard.
- He was an original member of ZZ Top, formed in 1969 in Houston.
- Billy Gibbons mourned his death on social media.
- Beard's backbeat was highlighted as key to ZZ Top's success.
- Elwood Francis joined as bassist in 2021 after Dusty Hill's death.
- ZZ Top had three original members: Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard.
Entities
Artists
- Frank Beard
- Billy Gibbons
- Dusty Hill
- Elwood Francis
Institutions
- ZZ Top
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Austin City Limits
Locations
- Richmond
- Texas
- Houston
- United States
- Richmond, United States
- Utah
- Colorado
- Salt Lake City, United States
- Colorado Springs, United States
- Austin, United States
- North America
- Europe
- South America