ZZ Top star Frank Beard hailed as ‘innovative drummer’ after death aged 77

ZZ Top musician Frank Beard has been remembered as “one of the most naturally innovative drummers” following his death aged 77.

The rock band formed in Texas in 1969 with the classic trio consisting of drummer Beard, lead vocalist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill – who died in 2021 aged 72.

The group shared a lengthy tribute to Instagram on Tuesday as they announced the death of their “great friend and collaborator” Beard.

The post included a carousel of photos of the veteran rocker, and was captioned with a quote from frontman Gibbons.

It said: “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.”

Beneath the tribute, the group confirmed that they have cancelled upcoming shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs following the death of Beard.

The post stated that the band will resume their ongoing The Big One! tour this weekend, with two shows at Austin City Limits venue in Texas.

They described the site as “one of Frank’s favourite venues and in a city that had been something of a second home for him”.

Beard died at his ranch in Richmond in Texas surrounded by his family, his publicist Bob Merlis told the Associated Press.

Boogie rock trio ZZ Top were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, and are known for hits such as Sharp Dressed Man and Legs.

Throughout their decades of music, the group achieved two top 10 hits in the UK with Gimme All Your Lovin and Viva Las Vegas, and received three Grammy nominations.

While Beard rose to fame with ZZ Top, he previously performed with US rock band American Blues alongside Hill.

Bassist Elwood Francis replaced Hill after his death, joining Beard and Gibbons in the three-piece line-up.

Despite his name, the musician was famous for being the only member of the group without a beard.