Entertainment
Frank Beard, longtime drummer for rock trio ZZ Top, dies at 77
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musician passed away in hospice care surrounded by family at his Texas ranch.
The short version
- Frank Beard, drummer and founding member of ZZ Top, died at age 77 at his ranch in Richmond, Texas.
- Beard helped anchor the Texas rock group for more than five decades, selling over 50 million records.
- Guitarist Billy Gibbons stated that the band will continue touring and performing as Beard had wished.
Key facts
- Frank Beard died at the age of 77 while in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, according to his publicist Bob Merlis.[Associated Press]
- Beard co-founded ZZ Top in 1969 with Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill, maintaining the original lineup for over fifty years until Hill's death in 2021.[Associated Press]
- ZZ Top sold more than 50 million records, earned three Grammy nominations, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.[Associated Press]
- Billy Gibbons confirmed that ZZ Top will continue performing following Beard's passing, honoring his wishes.[Associated Press]
Sources
- Frank Beard, drummer of boogie-rock trio ZZ Top, dies at 77Associated Press