Frank Beard Died in Hospice After Leaving ZZ Top Tour: Will the Band Continue Without Him?

Frank Beard, ZZ Top’s drummer for 56 years, died in hospice care after leaving the band’s tour. ZZ Top says it will continue performing in accordance with his wishes. (Credit: Alberto Cabello/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 2.0)

Frank Beard, the drummer whose unmistakable backbeat powered ZZ Top for more than five decades, has died aged 77 after receiving hospice care.

Beard died on 17 August at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with members of his family beside him. His cause of death has not been disclosed.