The rock world is in mourning following the passing of legendary ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard at the age of 77. Beard died on August 17, 2026, while in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with family members at his side; no cause of death was disclosed. His bandmate Billy F. Gibbons led a massive wave of heartfelt tributes and reactions from iconic musicians, as shared on Instagram.
Beard was one of ZZ Top’s core members for more than five decades, serving as the band’s drummer for 56 years and helping define the group’s signature sound. ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 in recognition of the band’s enduring influence on rock music.
The tributes honor Beard’s unmatched “Texas shuffle,” his enduring friendship, and his massive influence on rock music.
“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,” Billy Gibbons said. “His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top.”
Other prominent musicians also shared their condolences and memories of the legendary drummer.
“May Frank RIP,” Slash commented. “Condolences to his family & friends…”
Former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony recalled the profound musical influence Beard and ZZ Top had on his own career.
“Brother, Frank was the king of the groove shuffle!!! I was totally on board after listening to Rio Grande mud, the first ZZ album I was turned onto!! When Van Halen played the clubs in the early days, your songs were always on our list!! Your band was one of the soundtracks to my musical life, and I will never forget the musical influence you, Dusty, and Frank had on me…”
Exodus guitarist Gary Holt also paid tribute, remembering how ZZ Top’s music played a role in his early days on stage.
“Rest in peace Frank Beard of ZZ Top, there’s a lot of sad beer drinkers and hell raisers around the world today,” Holt posted. “I play ‘Tush’ my first time ever stepping on a stage and Exodus continued to play it many a back yard kegger. Sad loss for rock n roll.”
Jack Blades of Night Ranger expressed his deep sadness, reflecting on a friendship that spanned over four decades.
“I am absolutely crushed,” Blades said. “Frank Beard and I were great friends for over 40 years. We first met when Night Ranger opened for ZZ on the Eliminator Tour and stayed fast friends ever since. That dry sense of humor, those sometimes cranky, funnier that hell comments and stories….all in that most spectacular Tejas drawl…..that’s what I’ll miss the most. There is so much I want to say but I just don’t have the words right now. I will say this: You will never be forgotten, your music lives on, you made the world a better place. I love you brother. Vaya Con Dios Mi Amigo.”
Lynyrd Skynyrd also shared a heartfelt message, remembering Beard as a true original and a great friend.
“Frank was one of a kind,” the band posted. “A hell of a drummer, a true original, and most importantly to us, a great friend. Our hearts are with Frank’s family, Billy, and the entire ZZ Top family. We’re gonna miss you, brother. Give Dusty and all our brothers & sisters hugs for us. Rest easy, Frank. Until we meet again.”
Former Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum highlighted Beard’s unique drumming style and the difficulty of mastering his signature shuffle.
“RIP Frank Beard … The backbone of ZZ Top for 57 years with the best shuffle known to man,” Sorum said. “It might sound easy but possibly one of the hardest things I’ve ever try to learn and still trying… that being said he was born with it in his blood with that Lil Ol Band from Texas they had a name for it … The Texas shuffle !! Maybe most folks wouldn’t appreciate it as much as us drummers . A very special and unique man behind the kit. Condolences to his family and Bandmates and crew that have been out there for over a half a century.”
Stephen Perkins of Jane’s Addiction and singer Jeff Scott Soto also paid their respects.
“Sad to hear the great Frank Beard is gone,” Perkins said. “Such great feel and style on the trap kit.”
“RIP to the man responsible for the killer beats of ZZ Top’s biggest era, Frank Beard!” Soto added. “The 80’s were very kind to ZZ Top who looked, sounded and did things THEIR way all the way up the charts, I love it all old and new!”
Rage Against the Machine drummer Brad Wilk recalled seeing ZZ Top live during his high school years.
“R.I.P. Frank Beard,” Wilk said. “I first experienced ZZ Top at the LA forum in high school for the eliminator tour. My mind was BLOWN! Watching his two hand shuffle live was immense. I love that Franks last name was Beard… he was the only one in the band without one. Godspeed.”
Further updates and tributes from the music community continue to pour in.
