ZZ Top's longtime drummer, Frank Beard, dies at 77

LOS ANGELES (REUTERS) -- Frank Beard, the longtime drummer for the rock group ZZ Top, has died at the age of 77, ​the band said on Tuesday.

Beard died in hospice care at ‌his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with family members at his side, according to the group’s statement.

His cause of death was not disclosed.

Beard was the drummer of ​the band known for hits such as “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs” for ​56 years. The trio of Beard, guitarist Billy Gibbons ⁠and bassist Dusty Hill were among the most-enduring lineups in music history. ​

They first played together in 1970 and continued until Hill died in ​2021, when Elwood Francis joined the group.

“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,“ Gibbons said in ​a statement. “His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top. The band of ‌which ⁠he was part for six decades is going to keep on keeping on as he had wished.”

The band said it would cancel Tuesday’s show in Salt Lake City and Wednesday’s performance in Colorado Springs but return ​to the stage ​in Austin, Texas, ⁠this weekend.

ZZ Top gained fans in the 1980s as one of the bands showcased on MTV during ​the heyday of music videos. The group became known ​for the ⁠flowing beards of its members, though drummer Beard was seen mostly clean shaven.

The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ⁠in 2004.

“All ​I have to say is that most ​of my life has been a pleasant surprise, and so is this. Thank you,” Beard ​said at the induction ceremony.