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Death of ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard

Updated 5 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-25 17:22 UTC → 2026-08-31 22:19 UTC · added removed

Frank Beard, the founding drummer for the Texas rock band ZZ Top, died at age 77 while receiving hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas. He passed away on August 17, 2026, surrounded by his family. Beard was a core member of the group for over five decades, contributing to the band’s signature blues-rock sound and the ‘Texas shuffle’ rhythmic style. Despite the band’s iconic long facial hair, Beard was known as ‘The Man With No Beard.’ Following his death, the band resumed ‘The Big One! Tour’ with a performance on August 22 at Austin’s Moody Theater, a venue described as a favorite of the late drummer. During the show, frontman Billy Gibbons paid tribute to Beard, calling him a “great friend and collaborator.” Gibbons shared that Beard had personally requested that Michael Monahan take over drumming duties due to health concerns regarding his bass drum foot. Monahan, who had previously filled in for Beard during his recent health struggles, performed behind the kit during the Austin shows. While the band previously canceled dates in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs, the North American tour is scheduled to continue through October, with South American shows planned for November. With Billy Gibbons has since defended the passing decision to continue ZZ Top with a new lineup following the deaths of Beard and former bassist Dusty Hill, Hill in 2021 and Beard. Gibbons remains described the sole surviving member current iteration of the legendary Texas blues-rock trio. group as a ‘hybrid’ that maintains the band’s legacy. The new lineup features Elwood Francis on bass and Michael Monahan on drums. Gibbons noted that both Hill and Beard had been involved in selecting their replacements, intending for the changes to be temporary, though they became permanent after their passing. Gibbons stated he ‘couldn’t be happier’ about this new phase.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-31 22:19 UTC Death of ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard
  2. 2026-08-25 17:22 UTC Death of ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard
  3. 2026-08-23 22:03 UTC Death of ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard
  4. 2026-08-22 06:52 UTC Death of ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard
  5. 2026-08-21 22:52 UTC Death of ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard
  6. 2026-08-20 15:16 UTC Death of ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard

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