Frank Beard, the longtime drummer of rock legends ZZ Top, has died at the age of 77.

Beard died on August 17, 2026, after spending time in hospice care, according to the Fort Bend County Medical Examiner’s Office in Rosenberg, Texas. His cause of death has not been disclosed, and officials said an autopsy will not be conducted.

Beard spent more than five decades behind the drums for ZZ Top, becoming an essential part of the Texas rock band’s unmistakable sound alongside guitarist Billy F Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill.

Following news of his death, Gibbons paid tribute to his longtime bandmate and friend, remembering Beard as an innovative drummer whose distinctive playing helped define ZZ Top’s music.

“Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator,” Gibbons said, describing Beard as a remarkable drummer and a true Texan.

The news comes just weeks after ZZ Top abruptly canceled its scheduled performance at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on August 5. The band announced the cancellation only hours before the concert, citing unspecified “personnel matters.”

At the time, the sudden cancellation sparked questions among fans because no detailed explanation was immediately provided.

ZZ Top has since canceled additional upcoming performances in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs following Beard’s death. The band, however, has indicated that its The Big One! tour is expected to continue, with performances scheduled at Austin City Limits this weekend.

Austin held special significance for Beard, who considered the Texas city something of a second home and regarded Austin City Limits as one of his favorite venues.

Beard joined ZZ Top during the band’s early years after Gibbons formed the group in 1969. He later introduced Gibbons to Dusty Hill, helping establish the trio that would go on to become one of the most recognizable acts in American rock history.

The group became famous not only for its blues-infused rock sound but also for its distinctive visual identity, with Gibbons and Hill’s enormous beards becoming synonymous with the band’s image. Despite the nickname, Frank Beard famously remained the clean-shaven member.

Over the decades, ZZ Top produced a string of major hits and became a fixture of rock music, while Beard remained behind the kit throughout the band’s remarkable run.

His death marks another profound loss for the group and its longtime fans.

For more than 50 years, Beard’s steady rhythm helped provide the foundation for ZZ Top’s music. Now, after decades on stages around the world, one of rock’s most enduring drummers has played his final beat.