Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Who Powered ZZ Top’s Signature Backbeat Dies at 77: RIP Frank Beard

Frank Beard has died. The longtime ZZ Top drummer died while in hospice care at his Texas ranch, his rep told Variety. He was 77.

The musician had his family by his side at the time of his death, the rep added. The news comes just days after ZZ Top canceled their performance at the Hollywood Bowl due to Beard’s health issues.

In a statement to the outlet, ZZ Top founder Billy Gibbons spoke out about Beard’s death.

“Today, Elwood [Francis] 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,” he said. “His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top. The band of which he was part for six decades is going to keep on keeping on as he had wished.”

Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images

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