ZZ Top’s Frank Beard Rejoins Bandmates Following Second Health-related Absence

ZZ Top, the iconic Texas blues-rock trio, has been a staple of American music since their formation in Houston back in 1969. Founded by guitarist and vocalist Billy Gibbons, the band initially drew inspiration from blues roots, blending gritty riffs with humorous lyrics and a signature image of long beards and sunglasses.

Their breakthrough came with albums like Tres Hombres (1973), featuring hits such as “La Grange,” which showcased the group’s raw energy.

Over the decades, ZZ Top evolved, incorporating synthesizers and MTV-friendly visuals during the 1980s with Eliminator (1983), which sold over 10 million copies and spawned classics like “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs.” Part of the group’s enduring appeal lies in their consistent lineup that endured for 51 years until bassist Dusty Hill’s death in 2021.

Delivering high-energy tours and a catalog of over 15 studio albums. With sales exceeding 50 million worldwide, ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, cementing their status as rock legends.

At the heart of ZZ Top’s rhythmic foundation is drummer Frank Beard, born Frank Lee Beard on June 11, 1949, in Frankston, Texas. Ironically, Beard is the only member without the band’s trademark facial hair, a fact often noted in interviews. Growing up in a small town, Beard developed an early passion for music, influenced by blues and rock pioneers. He began his career in local bands during the 1960s, including The Cellar Dwellers, The Hustlers, The Warlocks, and American Blues, where he honed his straightforward, groove-oriented drumming style.

In May 1969, Beard joined The Moving Sidewalks, a psychedelic outfit led by Gibbons, which soon morphed into ZZ Top by July of that year. Alongside Hill, whom Beard had previously played with in American Blues, the trio solidified their sound, releasing their debut album ZZ Top’s First Album in 1971.

Beard’s contributions extend beyond the kit; his steady, no-frills approach provided the backbone for ZZ Top’s boogie-driven tracks, allowing Gibbons’ guitar pyrotechnics and Hill’s bass lines to shine.

Offstage, Beard’s life has included personal struggles, including a well-documented battle with drug addiction in the 1970s and 1980s. He entered rehab in 1984 and has maintained sobriety since, often crediting it for his longevity in the band. Beard is also an avid golfer and has pursued business ventures, including a line of hot sauces. Married multiple times, he has three children and resides in Texas, keeping a relatively low profile compared to his bandmates.

In recent years, health issues have twice sidelined Beard from ZZ Top’s ongoing tours, highlighting the physical toll of a half-century on the road. A particularly challenging task for a drummer since it usually demands more from the body.

The first absence occurred in March 2025, when the band announced that Beard would step away for a “health procedure.” Longtime tech John Douglas filled in on drums for shows, including dates on the band’s “Elevation Tour.” Details emerged later, revealing Beard was dealing with “foot and ankle issues,” a common problem for aging musicians enduring rigorous performance schedules.

At 76 years old, such ailments are not unexpected, especially given the demands of touring that includes long hours on buses, repetitive motions, and the physical strain of drumming. Beard rejoined the band in June 2025 after recovery, resuming his role without further interruption at that time.

A second health setback struck in August 2025, forcing Beard to miss nearly all of the month’s performances. The band cited an “undisclosed medical issue,” with management stating it had been resolved and that Beard’s medical team cleared him to return. Douglas again stepped in, maintaining the tour’s momentum.

Speculation among fans on social media pointed to possible recurring issues or something more serious, but no official details were released beyond assurances of a full recovery. This second absence lasted over two months, underscoring the challenges of sustaining a high-energy act into later years.

Beard’s returns reflect his dedication to ZZ Top, a band that has persevered through losses, including Hill’s passing in 2021, after which Elwood Francis took over bass duties.

Beard has recently returned and is back on the road, contributing to the group’s “Elevation Tour,” which continues to draw crowds with their timeless hits. At 76, Beard’s resilience mirrors ZZ Top’s ethos—keeping the music alive, one beat at a time.