Frank Beard, the drummer for the legendary Texas band ZZ Top known for hits like “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” has passed away at the age of 77. He died at his ranch in Richmond, Texas while under hospice care, surrounded by his family. Billy Gibbons, ZZ Top’s guitarist and co-founder, paid tribute to Beard, highlighting his innovative drumming style and his integral role in the band’s success over six decades.
ZZ Top, renowned for selling over 50 million records and achieving six No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, has had a significant impact on the music industry. The band received three Grammy Award nominations and placed seven albums in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart.
Originating from Frankston, Texas, Beard met Gibbons during their time in a band called The Moving Sidewalks. Together with bassist and vocalist Dusty Hill, they formed ZZ Top in 1969, drawing inspiration from blues artists like Z.Z. Hill and bands such as Cream and Jimmy Reed. Maintaining their original lineup for over fifty years, ZZ Top became known for their distinctive appearance, characterized by long beards, dark sunglasses, and a unique sense of style.
Their music, featuring clever and humorous lyrics, gained popularity in Hollywood and was featured in various films, including “Happy Feet,” “Evan Almighty,” and “Dazed and Confused.” Gibbons described ZZ Top as interpreters of American musical traditions, blending elements of rock, blues, and funk into what they termed a “steaming-hot Houston stew.”
One of ZZ Top’s breakthrough hits was “La Grange,” which paid homage to a historic brothel in Texas. The band continued to achieve commercial success with hits like “Tush” and “Cheap Sunglasses.” Their 1983 album “Eliminator” introduced a more polished sound, incorporating synthesizers and drum machines, leading to the success of tracks like “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Legs,” and “Sharp-Dressed Man.”
The band’s iconic bearded look emerged by chance during a hiatus in the mid-1970s when the members returned with long beards, unknowingly adopting a distinctive image that would become synonymous with ZZ Top’s brand. Their music videos, featuring sleek cars and models, became popular on MTV, further solidifying their image and appeal to a wider audience.
In 2012, producer Rick Rubin collaborated with ZZ Top on their album “La Futura,” marking a successful return to the music scene. Beard’s passing follows the death of Dusty Hill in 2021 and comes after his temporary departure from the band’s tour due to health issues.
Frank Beard is survived by his wife, Debbie Meredith, and three children, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the music industry.