Frank Beard, the longtime drummer with rock legends ZZ Top, has died at the age of 77.
The news was announced earlier today (August 18) by the band, with their official website confirming that Beard died yesterday while receiving hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas.
He was surrounded by his family, and no cause of death has been shared.
ZZ Top founder Billy Gibbons has paid tribute to Beard, describing him as “one of the most naturally innovating drummers” and a “great and true son of Texas”.
He added that Beard’s “signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top”, while confirming that the band intend to continue performing in keeping with the drummer’s wishes.
Scheduled concerts in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs have been cancelled, but they plan to play two shows at The Moody Theater in Austin this weekend, a venue they said was one of Beard’s favourites and “a second home for him”.
Beard took a temporary break from touring in March last year to undergo surgery, but returned three months later. He then stepped away again earlier this year, with Michael Monahan stepping in behind the drumkit.
Born in Frankston, Texas in 1949, Beard began playing drums as a teenager, when he met his future bandmate Dusty Hill. They played together in groups including The Cellar Dwellers, The Warlocks and The Outlaws, before Beard joined Gibbons in ZZ Top in 1969.
He introduced Gibbons to Hill and the band’s classic line-up was formed.
They became synonymous with a blend of rock and blues in the ’70s, with early classic songs including ‘La Grange’, while they found greater commercial success in the ’80s with the ‘Eliminator’ album, which included ‘Gimme All Your Lovin’, ‘Sharp Dressed Man’ and ‘Legs’.
They sold more than 50million records across their career and they were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2004.
Dusty Hill passed away in July 2021 at the age of 72.
Fontaines D.C.‘s ‘Marianne’ sets a bold new cinematic scene in their search for escape.
Hayden Panettiere’s ‘Heroes’ character Claire Bennet is an underrated sci-fi icon.
Akriila throws open the doors to her gloriously messy musical multiverse.
Ariana Grande live in London: brilliant business-as-usual before the singer takes a break from the spotlight.
How ‘Diablo’ continues to provide the definitive dark-fantasy game soundtrack.
Watch Fontaines D.C. perform new single ‘Marianne’ from last ever BBC Maida Vale session as the band share how late manager Trevor Dietz saved.
Tupac murder trial begins, as witnesses share how “All hell broke loose” on night of rapper’s shooting.
Hayden Panettiere: further details about actor’s death released.
Gang Of Youths announce 2026 UK and European shows.
Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas goes viral for swinging mic stand into bandmate’s head, smashing his in-ears.
Ritchie Blackmore says Deep Purple reunion “could be the last time we see each other”.
Fontes
Informação baseada em material público de NME, reescrito pela redação ULTRA NOTÍCIAS.
