Frank Beard, the drummer of the Texas boogie-rock band ZZ Top, known for his role in hits like “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” has passed away at the age of 77. He died at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, while under hospice care, surrounded by his family, as confirmed by publicist Bob Merlis. Band co-founder and guitarist Billy Gibbons, currently on tour with bassist Elwood Francis, paid tribute to Beard, highlighting his innovative drumming style and emphasizing his importance in ZZ Top’s success.
ZZ Top, with over 50 million records sold, achieved six No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart and received three Grammy Award nominations. The band’s legacy and music were described in the 2019 documentary “ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas,” where Beard expressed his lifelong dedication to music and never wanting to stop performing.
Beard, originally from Frankston, Texas, joined forces with Gibbons in The Moving Sidewalks before forming ZZ Top in 1969, alongside bassist and vocalist Dusty Hill. The band drew inspiration from blues artists like Z.Z. Hill and bands such as Cream and Jimmy Reed. Their iconic appearance, characterized by long beards and sunglasses, remained consistent throughout their five-decade career.
ZZ Top’s music, known for its witty and humorous lyrics, found popularity in Hollywood and featured in various films, including “Happy Feet,” “Evan Almighty,” “Air,” “I, Tonya,” “Dazed and Confused,” “From Dusk Till Dawn,” and “Armageddon.” The band’s sound, described as a blend of rock, blues, and funk, captured the essence of their Texas roots and earned them a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
The band’s commercial breakthrough came with the release of “La Grange” in 1973, followed by hits like “Tush” and “Cheap Sunglasses.” Their 1983 album “Eliminator,” marked a shift towards a more produced sound, incorporating synthesizers and drum machines, leading to chart-topping tracks such as “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Legs,” and “Sharp-Dressed Man.” ZZ Top’s live performances were known for their elaborate staging, featuring a Texas-shaped stage, live rattlesnakes, and a longhorn steer.
The band’s distinctive bearded look evolved unintentionally during a hiatus in 1976 when the members returned with unkempt beards, unknowingly establishing their trademark appearance. Their music videos, featuring models and custom cars, resonated with the MTV audience, solidifying their place in popular culture. The band’s collaboration with director Tim Newman on the video trilogy of “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs” showcased their humor and style.
In 2012, producer Rick Rubin revitalized ZZ Top’s sound with the album “La Futura,” marking a successful comeback for the band. Beard’s temporary departure from the band in 2025 due to health issues preceded his passing, following the death of Dusty Hill in 2021. Frank Beard is survived by his wife, Debbie Meredith, and three children.