Frank Beard, the drummer of ZZ Top, the iconic Texas boogie-rock band known for hits like “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” has passed away at the age of 77. He died at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, while under hospice care, surrounded by his family.
Band co-founder and guitarist Billy Gibbons, currently on tour with bassist Elwood Francis, expressed his condolences, calling Beard a talented drummer and a true Texan. ZZ Top, which sold over 50 million records and had multiple chart-topping singles and albums, will continue in honor of Beard’s legacy.
Beard, originally from Frankston, Texas, first met Gibbons in a band called The Moving Sidewalks. Alongside bassist and vocalist Dusty Hill, the trio formed ZZ Top in 1969, drawing inspiration from blues music and British rock bands like Cream and Jimmy Reed. Their unique style, characterized by long beards and sunglasses, remained unchanged throughout their more than five-decade career.
ZZ Top’s music, featuring clever and humorous lyrics, gained popularity in Hollywood and was featured in various films. The band’s debut album, “ZZ Top’s First Album,” marked the beginning of their fusion of rock, blues, and funk, described as a “steaming-hot Houston stew.”
One of their breakthrough hits, “La Grange,” paid homage to a historic Texas brothel and showcased their signature sound. The band’s success continued with albums like “Eliminator,” which introduced more production elements and yielded hits like “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Legs,” and “Sharp-Dressed Man.”
ZZ Top’s distinctive look, including their long beards, became a trademark after a fortuitous incident during a break in the mid-1970s. The band’s music videos, often featuring models and custom cars, became a staple on MTV, appealing to a new generation of fans.
Despite the passing of Dusty Hill in 2021, ZZ Top continued to make music and entertain audiences. Frank Beard’s temporary departure from the band in 2025 due to health issues preceded his unfortunate demise. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Meredith, and three children.
