Frank Beard, the drummer of the Texas boogie-rock band ZZ Top known for setting the beat on hit songs like “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” has passed away at the age of 77. Beard, who was in hospice care, died at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by his family.
Band co-founder and guitarist Billy Gibbons, currently on tour with bassist Elwood Francis, paid tribute to Beard, highlighting his innovative drumming style and describing him as a true son of Texas. ZZ Top, which sold over 50 million records and had numerous chart-topping singles and albums, will continue as Beard had wished.
Beard, originally from Frankston, Texas, first met Gibbons in a band called The Moving Sidewalks. He later introduced bassist and vocalist Dusty Hill, and the trio formed ZZ Top in 1969. The band’s distinctive appearance, characterized by long beards and dark sunglasses, remained unchanged throughout their five-decade career.
ZZ Top’s music, marked by witty and catchy lyrics, gained popularity in Hollywood and featured in various films. The band’s sound, described as a fusion of rock, blues, and funk, earned them the nickname “Little Ol’ Band From Texas.” Their breakthrough hit, “La Grange,” from the album “Tres Hombres,” paid homage to a historic Texas brothel.
Over the years, ZZ Top continued to produce hits such as “Tush” and “Cheap Sunglasses.” Their 1983 album “Eliminator” introduced a more produced sound, incorporating synthesizers and drum machines, and spawned hits like “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Legs,” and “Sharp-Dressed Man.”
The band’s iconic bearded look was a result of a happenstance during a break in the mid-’70s, which led to the members growing their beards and adopting a distinct image that became synonymous with their brand. ZZ Top’s videos, featuring models and custom cars, resonated with the MTV generation and solidified their rock-chic persona.
Superstar producer Rick Rubin collaborated with ZZ Top on their comeback album “La Futura” in 2012, which revitalized their sound and charted impressively. Unfortunately, Dusty Hill passed away in 2021, and Beard’s recent health issues led to his temporary departure from the band before his untimely death.
Frank Beard is survived by his wife, Debbie Meredith, and three children. His legacy as a pioneering drummer and integral member of ZZ Top will be remembered by fans and the music industry alike.