Overview
- 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.