Frank Beard, the drummer for ZZ Top, the renowned Texas boogie-rock trio known for hits such as “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” has passed away at the age of 77. He died at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, while under hospice care, surrounded by his family, as confirmed by publicist Bob Merlis. Band co-founder and guitarist Billy Gibbons, currently touring with bassist Elwood Francis, paid tribute to Beard’s legacy.
Gibbons expressed his sorrow, stating, “Today, Elwood and I mourn the loss of a dear friend and collaborator, as the world bids farewell to one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a proud Texan. Frank’s distinctive backbeat was instrumental in ZZ Top’s success. The band, which he was an integral part of for over six decades, will continue as he had desired.”
ZZ Top, renowned for selling over 50 million records, achieving six No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, and receiving three Grammy Award nominations, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Beard, reflecting on his career in the 2019 documentary “ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas,” expressed his passion for the music and the band, stating, “I’ve found the people I was meant to play with. I never wanted to quit and never wanted to get fired.”
The trio, consisting of Beard, Billy Gibbons, and Dusty Hill, formed ZZ Top in 1969, drawing inspiration from blues artist Z.Z. Hill and influenced by bands like Cream and Jimmy Reed. Their iconic appearance, characterized by long beards on Gibbons and Hill, along with dark sunglasses, remained consistent throughout their over five-decade-long career.
ZZ Top’s music, known for its clever and amusing lyrics, gained popularity in Hollywood, featuring in various films such as “Happy Feet,” “Evan Almighty,” “Air,” “I, Tonya,” “Dazed and Confused,” “From Dusk Till Dawn,” and “Armageddon.” Gibbons described ZZ Top as interpreters of a quintessentially American art form, blending rock, blues, and funk into what he called a “steaming-hot Houston stew.”
The band’s breakthrough came with the release of “La Grange” in 1973, followed by hits like “Tush” and “Cheap Sunglasses.” Their 1983 album “Eliminator,” named after one of Gibbons’ custom cars, marked a shift in their sound, incorporating more production elements and yielding hits like “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Legs,” and “Sharp-Dressed Man.”
The band’s signature bearded look was a result of an unintended hiatus in the mid-70s, culminating in the trio’s return with long beards that became an iconic part of their image. Embracing their rock-chic style, ZZ Top’s music videos, featuring models and custom cars, resonated with the MTV audience and solidified their place in music history.
In 2012, producer Rick Rubin collaborated with ZZ Top on their comeback album “La Futura,” which achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard chart. Beard’s passing follows the death of Dusty Hill in 2021, marking another loss for the iconic band.
In March 2025, ZZ Top announced Beard’s temporary departure from their tour due to foot and ankle issues. Tragically, Beard succumbed to his health problems shortly after the band canceled their Hollywood Bowl concert scheduled for August 5, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Meredith, and three children.