ZZ Top has announced how the band will move forward following the death of longtime drummer Frank Beard.
Billy Gibbons revealed the group’s plans in a statement shared on the band’s Instagram. The band has canceled its upcoming shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs. ZZ Top will resume “The Big One! Tour” this weekend with two dates at Austin City Limits, one of Beard’s favorite venues. “Following Frank’s passing, ZZ Top has canceled its upcoming shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs. The band will resume its current The Big One! Tour this weekend with two dates in at Austin City Limits, one of Frank’s favorite venues and in a city that had been something of a second home for him,” the full statement read.
ZZ Top’s Instagram post paid tribute to Beard before detailing the tour plans.
“Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas,” Billy F Gibbons said. “His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top.”
Beard died on Monday, August 17, at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, while receiving hospice care, surrounded by family. No cause of death has been disclosed.
His passing came just days after the band confirmed he would be stepping away from touring due to health issues. Earlier this month, on August 11, a representative confirmed Beard was ill and would be temporarily replaced by a fill-in drummer for the remainder of the tour dates. That decision now appears to have marked the beginning of his final health decline.
Austin City Limits was more than just a stop on the road for Beard. Over the course of his 56-year career with ZZ Top, Austin was second home for him, making it a fitting place for the band to honor his memory.
The upcoming Austin City Limits performances are expected to serve as a tribute to Beard’s legacy as the band continues “The Big One! Tour.” Further details on the shows may be announced in the coming days.
