Overview
- Frank Beard died on Monday, Aug. 17 on his ranch in Richmond, Texas while in hospice care and surrounded by family, and the band has not released a specific cause of death.
- Band spokesman Bob Merlis confirmed the timing and circumstances and Billy Gibbons paid tribute, saying Beard was an innovative drummer and that the band will continue as Beard wished.
- ZZ Top immediately canceled scheduled shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs after the announcement and said it intends to resume the current 'The Big One!' tour this weekend.
- Replacement drummer Michael Monahan and longtime collaborator Elwood Francis have already performed with the group on recent dates, allowing the band to continue shows while Beard was ill.
- Beard was a founding-era member from 1969 who played on all 15 ZZ Top studio albums and provided the backbeat for hits such as 'La Grange' and 'Sharp Dressed Man', and his death follows the 2021 loss of bassist Dusty Hill and has drawn wide tributes from peers and fans.