Frank Beard, the drummer of the renowned Texas boogie-rock band ZZ Top, known for his rhythmic contribution to hits such as “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” has passed away at the age of 77. According to publicist Bob Merlis, Beard died on Tuesday at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, while under hospice care, surrounded by his family.
Band co-founder and guitarist Billy Gibbons, currently on tour with bassist Elwood Francis, expressed his sorrow over Beard’s passing in a statement, highlighting Beard’s innovative drumming style and his significant role in ZZ Top’s success over the past six decades. Gibbons emphasized that ZZ Top will continue as Beard had wished.
With over 50 million records sold, ZZ Top achieved six No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart and had seven albums in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200. The band also received three Grammy Award nominations.
In the 2019 documentary “ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas,” Beard reflected on his musical journey, stating, “I’ve found the people I was meant to play with. I never wanted to quit and never wanted to get fired.”
Beard’s drumming prowess was a cornerstone of ZZ Top’s sound, accompanying bandmates Dusty Hill and Billy Gibbons for six decades, including performances like the one at the 2016 Glastonbury Festival in England.
[Image: Two men with long beards play guitar in front of a guy playing drums – Ian Gavan/Getty Images]