Frank Beard, the steady-handed drummer who anchored ZZ Top for more than 50 years, has died aged 77 at his ranch in Richmond, Texas. Beard died on Monday in hospice care, surrounded by family, according to a publicist for the band. No cause of death has been disclosed.
His death follows a run of cancelled shows, including a Hollywood Bowl date earlier this month and concerts in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs, which the band pulled citing Beard's health. ZZ Top said the tour would resume this weekend with two dates in Austin, one of Beard's favourite venues.
