The rock world is mourning the loss of ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard, who has died at the age of 77. News of his passing was confirmed by a statement shared by bandmate Billy F Gibbons, who led a wave of tributes from fellow musicians including Michael Anthony, Slash, Gary Holt, and Jack Blades.
Gibbons shared a heartfelt statement on decades of friendship and collaboration with Beard.
“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,” Gibbons said. “His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top.”
Other musicians quickly followed with their own tributes, honoring Beard’s musicianship and his impact on their careers. Slash offered a brief message of condolence, writing, “May Frank RIP. Condolences to his family & friends…” Michael Anthony of Van Halen recalled how ZZ Top’s music shaped his own musical journey, saying, “Frank was the king of the groove shuffle!!! I was totally on board after listening to Rio Grande mud, the first ZZ album I was turned onto!! When Van Halen played the clubs in the early days, your songs were always on our list!! Your band was one of the soundtracks to my musical life, and I will never forget the musical influence you, Dusty, and Frank had on me…”
Exodus guitarist Gary Holt wrote on Beard’s influence on his own performances, posting, “Rest in peace Frank Beard of ZZ Top, there’s a lot of sad beer drinkers and hell raisers around the world today. I play ‘Tush’ my first time ever stepping on a stage, and Exodus continued to play it many a backyard kegger. Sad loss for rock n roll.”
Night Ranger’s Jack Blades spoke of a friendship that spanned more than four decades, beginning when the two bands toured together. “I am absolutely crushed,” he posted. “Frank Beard and I were great friends for over 40 years. We first met when Night Ranger opened for ZZ on the Eliminator Tour and stayed fast friends ever since. That dry sense of humor, those sometimes cranky, funnier than hell comments and stories…all in that most spectacular Tejas drawl…that’s what I’ll miss the most. There is so much I want to say, but I just don’t have the words right now. I will say this: You will never be forgotten, your music lives on, you made the world a better place. I love you, brother. Vaya Con Dios Mi Amigo.”
Lynyrd Skynyrd also paid their respects, calling Beard “one of a kind” and extending condolences to Gibbons and the ZZ Top family. “Frank was one of a kind. A hell of a drummer, a true original, and most importantly to us, a great friend. Our hearts are with Frank’s family, Billy, and the entire ZZ Top family. We’re gonna miss you, brother. Give Dusty and all our brothers & sisters hugs for us. Rest easy, Frank. Until we meet again.”
Drummer Matt Sorum praised Beard’s technical skill, describing him as “The backbone of ZZ Top for 57 years with the best shuffle known to man.” He also admitted, “It might sound easy, but possibly one of the hardest things I’ve ever tried to learn and still trying. That being said, he was born with it in his blood with that Lil Ol Band from Texas. They had a name for it… The Texas shuffle! Maybe most folks wouldn’t appreciate it as much as us drummers. A very special and unique man behind the kit. Condolences to his family, bandmates, and crew who have been out there for over half a century.”
Jane’s Addiction’s Stephen Perkins, Jeff Scott Soto, and Rage Against the Machine’s Brad Wilk each shared personal memories of Beard’s influence on their own careers and love of music.
Beard died in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with family members at his side. No cause of death has been disclosed. His passing follows a period of declining health that already affected the band’s touring schedule. Beard stepped away from a ZZ Top tour in 2025 to address ongoing health issues.
Beard’s tenure with ZZ Top stretched back 56 years. Born in Frankston, Texas, in 1949, he cut his teeth in a series of local bands throughout the 1960s before joining forces with Billy Gibbons in 1969 to form ZZ Top. Beard himself suggested bringing in bassist Dusty Hill.
Tributes from across the rock community continue to pour in as fans and fellow musicians reflect on his lasting legacy.
