ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard steps back amid health issues
Developing story first seen 3 hours ago
ZZ Top's longtime drummer Frank Beard is dealing with unspecified health issues that forced the cancellation of the band's Hollywood Bowl concert last week. A band spokesperson confirmed to Rolling Stone that guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Elwood Francis will continue touring, with drummer Michael Monahan stepping in to cover Beard's dates for now.
This is not the first time Beard has had to step back: around eighteen months ago he temporarily left the tour for an unspecified health issue, with longtime tech and percussionist John Douglas filling in, a role Douglas had previously taken in 2002 when Beard needed an emergency appendectomy. Beard has drummed for ZZ Top since 1970, appearing on every album since their 1971 debut, and is the only band member without a beard. Bassist Dusty Hill, ZZ Top's other founding member alongside Gibbons, died in 2021 aged 72.
- Frank Beard's health issues forced ZZ Top to cancel a Hollywood Bowl show
- Michael Monahan is filling in on drums for now
- Beard, 76, has drummed for ZZ Top since 1970
New here? Start with this
ZZ Top are a Texas blues-rock trio known for their long beards, sharp suits and hits like "Sharp Dressed Man" and "La Grange", formed in 1970 and one of the longest-running acts in rock still touring with an original member. Frank Beard has been the band's drummer since the start, playing on every album since their 1971 debut, and is notable as the only member of the group who does not have a beard.
The band's other founding member, bassist Dusty Hill, died in 2021 aged 72, leaving guitarist Billy Gibbons and Beard as the remaining original pair; Elwood Francis, previously the band's guitar technician, took over on bass. Beard's health has been a recurring concern in recent years, with stand-ins covering for him before, including during a 2002 emergency appendectomy and a temporary absence around eighteen months ago.
This context matters because it shows a pattern rather than an isolated incident, and raises questions about the future of a band whose identity has long rested on having its three well-known members on stage together.
More coverage
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Blabbermouth as “ZZ TOP Drummer FRANK BEARD Is Facing ‘Health Issues’”.