Frank Beard, the drummer of the renowned Texas boogie-rock band ZZ Top, known for his rhythmic contributions to hits like “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” has passed away at the age of 77. The sad news was confirmed by publicist Bob Merlis, stating that Beard died on Tuesday at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, while surrounded by his family. ZZ Top’s co-founder and guitarist Billy Gibbons, currently on tour with bassist Elwood Francis, paid tribute to Beard, highlighting his innovative drumming style and his significant role in the band’s success.
Over their illustrious career, ZZ Top sold more than 50 million records, achieved six No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, and received three Grammy Award nominations. The band’s enduring popularity was underscored by their consistent presence in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 with seven albums.
Beard, a native of Frankston, Texas, initially met Gibbons in a band called The Moving Sidewalks before forming ZZ Top in 1969 alongside bassist and vocalist Dusty Hill. Inspired by blues singer Z.Z. Hill and influenced by bands like Cream and Jimmy Reed, the trio maintained their original lineup for over five decades, sporting their distinctive look of long beards and sunglasses.
ZZ Top’s unique blend of rock, blues, and funk, dubbed as a “steaming-hot Houston stew,” captivated audiences and critics alike. Hits such as “La Grange,” “Tush,” and “Cheap Sunglasses” solidified their status in the music industry. The band’s 1983 album “Eliminator,” featuring hits like “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Legs,” and “Sharp-Dressed Man,” marked a shift towards a more polished sound with added production elements.
The band’s iconic bearded appearance was a serendipitous development, as Gibbons recounted how their signature look originated during a break in the mid-1970s when they all unintentionally let their beards grow. The trio’s rock-chic persona resonated with MTV audiences, and their music videos, directed by Tim Newman, became cultural touchstones.
In 2012, producer Rick Rubin helped rejuvenate ZZ Top’s sound with the album “La Futura,” which achieved commercial success. Following the passing of Dusty Hill in 2021, the band faced further challenges when Beard temporarily stepped away from their tour due to health issues, leading to the cancellation of a scheduled concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Beard, survived by his wife and three children, leaves behind a lasting legacy in the music world.