ZZ Top drummer, Frank Beard, dies aged 77, mourned by musicians including Slash, bandmates
The musician died at the age of 77.
The music world is mourning the loss of beloved ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard.
He was aged 77 when he died on Tuesday in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas.
Publicist Bob Merlis said the musician had family members by his side at the time of his passing.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Band co-founder and guitarist Billy Gibbons, on tour with bassist Elwood Francis, paid tribute to Beard in an Instagram post.
“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,” he wrote.
“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.”
He shared two images of the drummer with his 373,000 followers.
In the comments, Slash wrote, “May Frank RIP. Condolences to his family & friends. & band mates.”
The post was re-shared on ZZ Top’s Instagram page, with an added note.
“Following Frank’s passing, ZZ Top has cancelled 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 favourite venues and in a city that had been something of a second home for him.”
The Texan boogie-rock trio sold more than 50 million records and were best known for hits like Sharp Dressed Man, Legs, and Gimme All Your Lovin.
ZZ Top received three Grammy Award nominations and had seven albums in Billboard 200’s top 10.
Six of their singles reached number one on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.
Beard’s cause of death has not yet been revealed.
- With AP
