Frank Beard, ZZ Top’s Drummer for 57 Years, Dies at 77

August 19, 2026

ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard has died.

The iconic percussionist died in hospice care August 17 at 77, making him the first member of the trio to pass away.

The band’s lead guitarist and singer Billy Gibbons said in a statement:

“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. His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top.”

Beard joined the band immediately after it was founded in 1969 (after Dan Mitchell), along with Gibbons and Dusty Hill. Hill died in 2021.

He wound up staying with ZZ Top for 57 years.

The trio enjoyed tremendous success, especially through the ‘80s and ‘90s, and Beard was an integral part of all of it.

Among their 38 singles, “Tush” (1975), “I Thank You” (1980), “Gimme All Your Lovin” (1983), “Legs” (1984), “Sleeping Bag” (1985), “Stages” (1985), “Rough Boy” (1986) and “Velcro Fly” (1986) all hit the Top 40.

Beard is survived by his wife and three children.⚡️