Frank Beard of ZZ Top Passes Away at 77

Frank Beard, drummer for the Texas rock trio ZZ Top, passed away at 77. Known for setting the rhythm for hits like “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” Beard died at his ranch in Richmond, Texas. He was with family and receiving palliative care when he died, stated publicist Bob Merlis.

Band co-founder and guitarist Billy Gibbons, currently on tour with bassist Elwood Francis, praised Beard in a statement. Gibbons remarked, “Today, Elwood and I lost a dear friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally creative drummers and a genuine Texan. His signature backbeat kept ZZ Top at the forefront. The band he helped shape for six decades will continue, as he wished.”

ZZ Top sold over 50 million records. They had six singles reach number one on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Seven of their albums made it to Billboard 200’s Top 10. The band earned three Grammy nominations.

Beard reflected on his journey in the 2019 documentary “ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas,” saying, “I found people I was meant to play with. I never wanted to quit and never wanted to be fired.”