Frank Beard, the drummer of the Texan boogie-rock trio ZZ Top, known for his rhythmic contributions to hit songs like “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” has passed away at the age of 77. Beard, who had been under hospice care, died at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by family members. Publicist Bob Merlis confirmed his death. Band co-founder and guitarist Billy Gibbons, currently on tour with bassist Elwood Francis, paid tribute to Beard, describing him as an innovative drummer and a proud Texan. Gibbons expressed the band’s commitment to continue as Beard had wished.
ZZ Top, renowned for their music, sold over 50 million records and achieved six No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Additionally, seven of their albums entered the Billboard 200’s Top 10, and they received three Grammy Award nominations.
Beard, hailing from Frankston, Texas, first connected with Gibbons in a band called The Moving Sidewalks. Later, he introduced bassist and vocalist Dusty Hill to complete the trio that formed ZZ Top in 1969. The band’s name was inspired in part by blues singer Z.Z. Hill and influenced by bands like Cream and Jimmy Reed.
Their music, characterized by witty and engaging lyrics, was featured in various Hollywood films, enhancing their popularity. ZZ Top’s sound, a fusion of rock, blues, and funk, was often likened to a “steaming-hot Houston stew.”
The band’s iconic appearance, with long beards on Gibbons and Hill and dark sunglasses for all members, became a staple of their image. Despite lineup changes in the music industry, ZZ Top maintained their original members for more than five decades, carving out a distinct identity for themselves.
The band’s breakthrough hit, “La Grange,” from the album “Tres Hombres,” propelled them to commercial success. Subsequent albums like “Eliminator,” named after one of Gibbons’ custom cars, brought more production elements to their music, resulting in hits like “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Legs,” and “Sharp-Dressed Man.”
ZZ Top’s music videos, known for their rock-chic appeal, were embraced by MTV audiences, further solidifying the band’s status. The trio’s humorous and engaging approach to their visuals resonated with fans and critics alike.
In 2012, producer Rick Rubin collaborated with the band on their album “La Futura,” marking a successful comeback for ZZ Top. The album’s chart performance was the band’s best since the early 1990s.
Frank Beard’s passing comes after the death of bassist Dusty Hill in 2021. In March 2025, ZZ Top announced Beard’s temporary departure from their tour due to health issues. Tragically, Beard passed away shortly after the band canceled a concert at the Hollywood Bowl on August 5, 2025, in light of his deteriorating health.
Frank Beard is survived by his wife, Debbie Meredith, and three children.
