R.I.P. Frank Beard (ZZ Top), Dead at 77

[Danja]

Frank Beard Dead: ZZ Top's Longtime Drummer Was 77

Frank Beard, who joined ZZ Top in 1969 and was its drummer for 57 years, playing on classics “La Grange,” “Tush” and “Sharp Dressed Man,” died August 17 at 77.

deadline.com

Ironically, he was the only member of ZZ Top who didn't have a beard.

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[StarCruiser]

Okay Billy - hold on a little longer... We can't take loosing the last of "Zed Zed Top" too soon...

 

[the G-man]

Okay Billy - hold on a little longer... We can't take loosing the last of "Zed Zed Top" too soon...

Supposedly Billy is going to hire a replacement and keep touring.

 

[DarrenTR1970]

Supposedly Billy is going to hire a replacement and keep touring.

I said this in the Notiable Individuals Death thread that ZZ Top played in the Seattle area a couple of weekends ago and it was reported in the news that right before the show Billy came out and said Frank had taken ill and the roadie was filling in that night.
Now, I'm reading reports that Frank hasn't played/toured with Top since Nov-Dec 2025.
So, who's telling the truth.

 

[Captaindemotion]

Supposedly Billy is going to hire a replacement and keep touring.

I think that’s a shame and a mistake. They were almost unique in keeping the same lineup until Dusty died. Once they’d completed any touring obligations, I think Frank and he should probably have retired the name then. And now they’ve gone from the original line up to 1/3 plus hired hands within a matter of a few years. Billy has his own acclaimed solo career and band and I’d rather he focus on that. But I get that ZZ probably sells more tickets.

Anyway, RIP Frank, the one who had no beard but was called Beard. Like the compadres, an essential component in one of the finest boogie combos ever put on this earth.

 

[bdub76]

Makes you feel less immortal when folks die young. We're told we're going to live to 95, but it rarely happens. Don't waste time.

 

[the G-man]

Billy has his own acclaimed solo career and band and I’d rather he focus on that. But I get that ZZ probably sells more tickets.

Yeah, Billy might not sell stadiums on his own but I'd definitely pay to see him and he'd be a great addition to any festival iineup or those "big" tours with bands like Government Mule, Tedeschi Trucks, etc.

 

[Rowdy Roddy McDowall]

He briefly but memorably worked for Luther during a ST. ELSEWHERE dream sequence. It's got legs.

RIP