Frank Beard, ZZ Top’s founding drummer, dies at 77

Frank Beard, the founding drummer of rock band ZZ Top, died Monday at the age of 77, the band’s longtime representative said. Bob Merlis confirmed the death to Rolling Stone, and Deadline reported on the confirmation. Beard died at his ranch in Richmond, Texas.

Beard co-founded ZZ Top and remained the group’s drummer for nearly six decades, according to coverage of his role in the band’s formation and ongoing performances. Across that long tenure, he helped define the band’s sound, which became closely associated with the late 20th century blues-rock revival and its mainstream radio presence.

As ZZ Top’s lineup solidified, Beard performed on songs that became staples of the band’s catalog, including “La Grange,” “Tush,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs,” according to the account of his work. Those tracks, frequently performed and replayed in subsequent decades, helped anchor ZZ Top’s visibility in popular music and contributed to the group’s cross-generational audience.

ZZ Top has not issued its own detailed statement in the provided reporting packet, but the death confirmation was attributed to Merlis, who has long served as the band’s representative. In that capacity, Merlis relayed the circumstances of Beard’s death, including that Beard was 77 and that he died Monday at his ranch in Richmond.

Beard’s passing marks the end of an era for ZZ Top, whose history has been closely tied to its founding members. With Beard’s death, the band’s future will be defined by how remaining members and management handle upcoming engagements, catalog-based publicity, and any commemorations planned for a figure described as central to the group since its start.

The circumstances described in the reporting do not include additional information about a cause of death or a timeline beyond Monday’s confirmation. Further details, if released by the family, the band, or representatives, could clarify medical or other contributing factors and inform how fans and industry partners are expected to respond.