ZZ Prime drummer Frank Beard has died at 77 after dealing with well being issues in recent times. The longtime musician died Monday, August 17, at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, after a keep in hospice care, with relations by his facet. The precise reason for loss of life has not been made public. ZZ Prime confirmed his loss of life on Tuesday, August 18, and canceled upcoming reveals in Salt Lake Metropolis and Colorado Springs. The band stated it would proceed its tour this weekend in Austin, the place Beard had robust ties.
What was Frank Beard’s reason for loss of life?
The precise reason for Frank Beard’s loss of life has not been revealed. The Fort Bend County Medical Examiner confirmed that his loss of life was reported Monday, whereas his band’s publicist stated he was in hospice care at his Texas ranch when he died.
Beard’s well being had grow to be a priority within the weeks earlier than his loss of life. ZZ Prime canceled its August 5 live performance on the Hollywood Bowl due to his well being points. The drummer had additionally stepped away from the band throughout its 2025 Elevation tour due to one other well being downside, which was later reported to contain his foot and ankle.
The band had continued performing with a brief substitute throughout Beard’s current absence. His loss of life now means ZZ Prime will transfer ahead with out the drummer who had been a part of the group for greater than 5 a long time.
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What did Billy Gibbons say about Frank Beard?
ZZ Prime guitarist Billy Gibbons confirmed the loss alongside bassist Elwood Francis, who joined the band after Dusty Hill died in 2021.
In an announcement shared by the band, Gibbons stated: “At present, Elwood and I misplaced an amazing pal and collaborator, and the world misplaced one of the crucial naturally progressive drummers and an amazing and true son of Texas. His signature backbeat was key to retaining ZZ on high.”
The tribute additionally mirrored how necessary Beard was to the band’s sound. He joined ZZ Prime in 1969, quickly after the group was fashioned, and remained its drummer by way of a long time of albums and excursions.
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Why did ZZ Prime cancel its upcoming reveals?
Following Beard’s loss of life, ZZ Prime canceled its scheduled live shows in Salt Lake Metropolis and Colorado Springs. The band stated it might nonetheless proceed its tour this weekend at Austin Metropolis Limits.
The group described Austin as one in all “Frank’s favourite venues and in a metropolis that had been one thing of a second house” for him.
Beard was born in Frankston, Texas, on June 11, 1949, and was raised in Irving. He performed with Billy Gibbons earlier than becoming a member of ZZ Prime and helped deliver Dusty Hill into the group’s lineup.
The trio turned one in all rock music’s best-known acts, with Beard’s drumming forming a key a part of the band’s sound. ZZ Prime’s greatest songs included “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Legs” and “La Grange.”
Beard’s loss of life leaves Billy Gibbons and Elwood Francis carrying on ZZ Prime’s dwell performances after the lack of two main members of the band.