H-Town Spotlight — August 18, 2026
Houston music lost a rock original in August 2026 with the death of longtime ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard at age 77. Houston Public Media reported that the Houston-based band announced Beard had died at his ranch in Richmond after receiving hospice care at home.
Beard joined ZZ Top when the band formed in Houston in 1969 alongside guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill. Over decades, the trio built a signature sound and image that carried Houston rock to an international audience. Their 1984 album Eliminator, featuring “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs,” sold more than 10 million copies and received Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America, according to the report.
Beard’s passing marked the loss of the band’s second original member, following Hill’s death in 2021. The story is a moment to remember the musician whose steady drumming was central to ZZ Top’s longevity and to celebrate the band’s enduring place in Houston’s music history.
Retrospective note: This obituary summary is based on the band’s announcement and local reporting, and is written with respect for Beard’s family, colleagues and fans.