Frank Beard, the drummer of the Texan boogie-rock band ZZ Top known for maintaining the rhythm in the group’s hit songs like “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” has passed away at the age of 77. He was under hospice care and died at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with his family by his side, as confirmed by publicist Bob Merlis. Band co-founder and guitarist Billy Gibbons, currently on tour with bassist Elwood Francis, paid tribute to Beard in a statement.
Gibbons praised Beard as a great friend, collaborator, and an innovative drummer who was a true son of Texas. He emphasized Beard’s crucial role in maintaining ZZ Top’s success. The band, which Beard was a part of for over six decades, will continue as he had envisioned.
ZZ Top, renowned for selling over 50 million records and achieving six No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, has had seven albums in the Billboard 200’s Top 10 and received three Grammy Award nominations.
In a 2019 documentary titled “ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas,” Beard expressed his passion for playing music with the people he was destined to perform with, stating his dedication to never quitting or being fired.
Beard, originally from Frankston, Texas, first met Gibbons in a band called The Moving Sidewalks and later introduced bassist and vocalist Dusty Hill, with whom he had previously collaborated in various bands. The trio formed ZZ Top in 1969, drawing inspiration from blues singer Z.Z. Hill and influenced by British power trio Cream and Jimmy Reed. They retained their original lineup for over five decades, maintaining their distinctive appearance characterized by long beards for Gibbons and Hill, and all members wearing dark sunglasses.
ZZ Top’s songs, known for their witty and humorous lyrics, featured in Hollywood movies, including “Gimme All Your Lovin'” in “Happy Feet,” “Sharp Dressed Man” in “Evan Almighty,” “Legs” in “Air,” and more. Describing ZZ Top as interpreters of a significant American art form, Gibbons highlighted their unique sound, blending rock, blues, and funk elements into a vibrant musical blend.
The band’s breakthrough came with the release of “La Grange” in 1973, a bluesy track on the album “Tres Hombres,” paying homage to the Chicken Ranch, a historical brothel in La Grange, Texas. Their 1983 album “Eliminator,” named after one of Gibbons’ custom cars, saw the incorporation of more production elements, synthesizers, and drum machines, leading to hits like “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Legs,” and “Sharp-Dressed Man.”
ZZ Top’s iconic look, including their long beards, was unintentional, with Gibbons revealing that the signature beards emerged after a long break when the band members returned with a new appearance that stuck with them over the years.
The band’s music videos, featuring models and custom cars, resonated with the MTV audience, enhancing their rock-chic appeal. Their music video trilogy for “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs,” directed by Tim Newman, showcased their humor and style, solidifying their unique presence in the music industry.
In 2012, producer Rick Rubin collaborated with the band on their comeback album, “La Futura,” which achieved significant success on the Billboard chart. Beard’s passing follows the death of Dusty Hill in 2021, and his temporary departure from the band’s tour in March 2025 due to health issues, leading to the cancellation of a scheduled concert at the Hollywood Bowl.
Frank Beard is survived by his wife, Debbie Meredith, and three children.