ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard Dies at 77

ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard died on 17 August at age 77 in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with his family by his side, a band spokesperson confirmed. Bandmate Billy Gibbons said he and Elwood Francis lost "a great friend and collaborator," calling Beard "one of the most naturally innovative drummers." Beard played with ZZ Top for 56 years.

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CBS Published 18 August 2026

Frank Beard, ZZ Top drummer, dies at age 77

"Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas," ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons said in a statement.

Guardian Published 18 August 2026

ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard dies aged 77

Tributes paid to ‘great friend and collaborator’ who played with band for 56 years and died in hospice care in Texas The ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard has died at the age of 77. A spokesperson for the band confirmed that Beard died on 17 August in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas. His family were by his side. Continue reading...

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