ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard Temporarily Steps Away from Tour for Health Procedure

Longtime collaborator John Douglas will step in as the band continues their Elevation tour across the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand.

Frank Beard, drummer for ZZ Top since 1969, is taking a leave of absence from the band's Elevation tour to undergo a medical procedure.
John Douglas, a longtime collaborator and percussionist, will temporarily replace Beard during the tour, which resumed on March 5, 2025.
The band confirmed Beard's absence via a statement from their management, noting his focus on recovery and expressing optimism for his return.
ZZ Top's Elevation tour will continue as planned, with upcoming performances scheduled in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
The band, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, has maintained its commitment to fans despite lineup changes, including the 2021 passing of bassist Dusty Hill.