The Loss Marks A Heartbreaking Goodbye To The Man Whose Relentless Rhythm Helped Power More Than Five Decades Of Rock History.

Frank Beard, the longtime drummer whose distinctive backbeat helped define ZZ Top’s sound for more than half a century, has died at the age of 77.

Beard died on August 17 following a stay in hospice, the Fort Bend County Medical Examiner’s Office in Rosenberg, Texas, confirmed to The Post.

His cause of death has not been determined, and the medical examiner said an autopsy will not be performed. TMZ was first to report the news.

Billy F Gibbons Pays Tribute to His Longtime Bandmate

Following Beard’s death, ZZ Top guitarist and co-founder Billy F Gibbons paid tribute to the musician he had worked alongside for decades.

“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.

He also highlighted the importance of Beard’s playing to the band’s unmistakable sound, adding: “His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top.”

Beard’s death marks another major loss for the group following the death of bassist Dusty Hill in 2021 at the age of 72.

ZZ Top Cancels Shows but Plans Austin Return

In the wake of Beard’s death, ZZ Top has canceled upcoming performances in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs.

However, the band currently plans to resume its The Big One! tour this weekend with two performances at Austin City Limits.

According to a statement, the venue held particular significance for Beard. It was one of his favorites, while Austin was a city he considered his second home.

The cancellations follow another unexpected disruption earlier this month.

ZZ Top had been scheduled to perform at the Hollywood Bowl on August 5, but the appearance was canceled just hours before the concert was due to begin.

At the time, the band attributed the decision to unexpected personnel issues.

“The ZZ Top tour has unforeseen personnel matters that have forced the band to cancel its appearance at the Los Angeles landmark,” the group said in a statement.

Gibbons also addressed disappointed fans following the last-minute decision.

“Insurmountable obstacles require canceling our Hollywood Bowl performance,” he said. “Friends, fans and followers of ZZ Top are the best in the business and the band is counting on everyone to bear with us for this brief interruption.”

The Trio That Lasted More Than Five Decades

ZZ Top’s story began in 1969, when Gibbons formed the band before Beard joined the lineup.

Beard would prove crucial not only behind the drums but also in completing what became the group’s legendary trio. It was Beard who introduced Gibbons to bassist Dusty Hill.

Together, Gibbons, Beard and Hill formed the classic ZZ Top lineup that remained intact for more than 50 years.

Hill’s death in 2021 brought that extraordinary run to an end. Now, four years later, the band has lost another member of the trio whose music became synonymous with Texas rock.

Beard leaves behind more than five decades of recordings and performances with ZZ Top, with Gibbons remembering his longtime friend as both a naturally gifted drummer and “a great and true son of Texas.”