Frank Beard, founding drummer of ZZ Top, dies at 77

Frank Beard, the founding drummer of the iconic Texas rock band ZZ Top, has died at the age of 77. He passed away on August 17, 2026, while in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by his family.

Beard was a cornerstone of the band’s classic lineup, which remained stable for over 50 years alongside guitarist Billy Gibbons and the late bassist Dusty Hill, who died in 2021. Known for his signature ‘Texas shuffle’—a rhythmic style characterized by precision and a swinging groove—Beard provided the backbone for the band’s global success and hits such as ‘La Grange’ and ‘Sharp Dressed Man.’

Despite his surname, Beard was famously the only member of the trio who did not sport the band’s trademark long beard. His health had been a concern since early 2025, leading to his absence from several recent tour dates. With his passing, Billy Gibbons remains the sole surviving member of the original trio.