World · World News Bureau
ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard dies at 77
Frank Beard, the longtime drummer of legendary blues-rock band ZZ Top, has died at age 77. The musician passed away on Monday in hospice care, according to a statement released by the band.
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Beard had been the backbone of ZZ Top's rhythm section for decades, helping define the Texas trio's distinctive sound that blended hard rock with blues influences. His steady, powerful drumming became inseparable from the band's iconic hits and relentless touring schedule.
The drummer joined ZZ Top in 1968 and remained with the group through its meteoric rise in the 1970s and beyond. His contributions to albums including "Tres Hombres" and "Eliminator" helped establish the band as one of rock music's most enduring acts.
ZZ Top, which also features guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill, became known for their blues-rock authenticity and longevity. The band continued performing regularly even as decades passed, maintaining a loyal fanbase across generations of music listeners.
Beard's death marks a significant loss for the rock music community. The drummer's influence extended far beyond his work with ZZ Top, as he helped shape the sound of blues-rock during a transformative period in the genre's history.