ZZ Top’s longtime drummer Frank Beard has returned to the band after a health-related hiatus. MusicRadar broke the news of his comeback.
The band’s management released an update on Beard’s condition. They confirmed his previous health concerns have been resolved.
‘The band’s management revealed that the foot and ankle issues that [Beard] had been dealing with have been resolved,’ the statement read.
Frontman Billy Gibbons shared his excitement about his bandmate’s return.
‘We’re happy that Frank is back with (bassist) Elwood (Francis) and yours truly, BFG,’ Gibbons said. ‘We missed him and are looking forward to turning it up and rocking out with him as has been the case for the last few hundred or so decades. His complete recovery is cause for celebration and that’s just what we intend to do on an open-ended basis. Welcome back, pardner!’
The drummer has now completed his two-month break from performing with the legendary rock band.
The health-related absence started earlier this spring. People magazine revealed the band’s March 15, 2025 announcement of Beard’s temporary departure for a foot and ankle procedure.
John Douglas, a longtime tech member and fellow Texan, kept the band’s momentum going during Beard’s recovery. Consequence noted that Douglas had previously substituted for Beard during a 2002 appendectomy. He stepped in once again to handle drumming duties during this interim period.
Beard’s return aligns with ZZ Top’s upcoming tour schedule. DRGNews confirmed his return to the drum kit for their 2025 North American Elevation Tour. The tour launches June 1 in Victoria, British Columbia.
The band has scheduled performances through October 9, 2025. Their final show will take place in Northfield, Ohio. This tour represents another milestone in ZZ Top’s enduring legacy. The band continues to evolve following original bassist Dusty Hill’s passing in 2021.
