Frank Beard, the drummer who anchored ZZ Top for the entirety of the band's 56-year existence, died Monday at age 77 in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by family, according to multiple outlets.

A cause of death has not been disclosed. Beard co-founded ZZ Top in 1969 alongside guitarist Billy Gibbons, growing the band out of their earlier group, The Moving Sidewalks, and bassist Dusty Hill, who died in 2021. With Beard's death, Gibbons is now the sole surviving original member of the trio, according to CBS News' obituary.

"His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top"

Gibbons paid tribute in a statement carried by ABC News: "Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas. His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top."

"THE WORLD LOST ONE OF THE MOST NATURALLY INNOVATIVE DRUMMERS."

Beard played on every ZZ Top studio album, including 1973's "Tres Hombres," home to the hit "La Grange," and 1983's "Eliminator," which sold more than 10 million copies in the U.S. and produced staples "Gimme All Your Lovin'," "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Legs." The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Beard briefly stepped away from touring in March 2025 for an undisclosed health issue, and the band had already canceled an August 5 show at the Hollywood Bowl this year.

Following his death, ZZ Top canceled scheduled shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs this week, though some reporting indicates the band intends to press on to a previously booked Austin City Limits appearance later this month. No official statement on the band's longer-term touring plans has been issued.

Beard is survived by his wife, Debbie Meredith, whom he married in 1982, and their three children. Tributes poured in from fellow musicians and fans throughout Tuesday, with many recalling Beard's understated stage presence — he rarely spoke during shows, letting Gibbons and Hill handle the banter — and his steady, blues-rooted playing that anchored the band's sound for more than five decades.

Beard's death leaves ZZ Top's future uncertain for the first time in the band's history. Gibbons has not said whether the band will continue to perform, record or tour without its two founding rhythm-section members, though representatives have indicated more details will follow once the family's arrangements are complete.