Frank Beard, the iconic drummer of the Texas boogie-rock trio ZZ Top, has passed away at the age of 77. Beard's family was by his side when he died on Tuesday at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, where he had been receiving hospice care. Bob Merlis, Beard's publicist, confirmed the news. Guitarist Billy Gibbons, who co-founded the band, paid tribute to Beard, calling him a "great friend and collaborator" and highlighting his crucial role in the band's success over the past six decades.

ZZ Top, known for hits like "Sharp Dressed Man," "Legs," and "Gimme All Your Lovin'," sold more than 50 million records throughout their career. The band achieved significant commercial success, with six singles reaching No. 1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, and seven of their albums appearing in the Billboard 200's Top 10. The trio received three Grammy Award nominations during their prolific career.

In a 2019 documentary titled "ZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band from Texas," Beard remarked, "I've found the people I was meant to play with. I never wanted to quit, and never wanted to get fired." Beard was originally from Frankston, Texas, and met Gibbons while playing in a band called The Moving Sidewalks. Beard was instrumental in introducing Gibbons to bassist Dusty Hill, and together they formed ZZ Top in 1969. The band's name was partly inspired by the blues singer Z.Z. Hill, along with their influence from the British power trio Cream and the blues artist Jimmy Reed.

ZZ Top maintained its original lineup for over 50 years, a remarkable feat in the music industry. Their signature look, characterized by long, bushy beards on Gibbons and Hill, along with dark sunglasses, became iconic. When the Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards inducted ZZ Top into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, he humorously commented on their unique appearance, likening it to a disguise.

The band's clever and humorous lyrics resonated with audiences and found a place in Hollywood, with songs like "Gimme All Your Lovin'" appearing in "Happy Feet," "Sharp Dressed Man" in "Evan Almighty," and "Legs" in other major films. Gibbons summarized ZZ Top's essence by stating that they were "interpreters of a great American art form."

ZZ Top released their debut album, "ZZ Top's First Album," in 1970, showcasing a sound that blended rock, blues, and funk. They achieved significant commercial success in 1973 with "La Grange," a funky blues tribute to a Texas brothel, known for its simple yet powerful musical composition.

Their 1983 album, "Eliminator," marked a turning point in their career, incorporating synthesizers and drum machines alongside their traditional sound, leading to massive hits such as "Gimme All Your Lovin'," "Legs," and "Sharp-Dressed Man." During this period, they famously toured with a Texas-shaped stage and even featured live rattlesnakes in their performances.

Interestingly, the band's distinctive long beards were not always part of their identity. Gibbons revealed that the long absence of grooming occurred during a three-year break in 1976, resulting in an unexpectedly unique appearance upon their reunion.

ZZ Top also gained tremendous popularity during the rise of MTV in the '80s, with their music videos becoming a staple, showcasing a humorous aesthetic and clever visual storytelling that resonated with viewers. Their music videos for "Gimme All Your Lovin'," "Sharp Dressed Man," and "Legs," directed by Tim Newman, epitomized their playful yet engaging style.

In 2012, producer Rick Rubin helped ZZ Top to revitalize their sound with the album "La Futura," which marked a successful comeback, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard chart – their highest position since 1990.

Dusty Hill, Beard's longtime bandmate, passed away in 2021. Recently, in March 2025, it was announced that Beard would temporarily step back from touring to address foot and ankle health issues. His passing came shortly after the band canceled a concert at the Hollywood Bowl due to these ongoing health challenges.

Frank Beard is survived by his wife, Debbie Meredith, and three children, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering drummer and a beloved figure in the music world.