What was Frank Beard's cause of death? ZZ Top drummer dies at 77 after hospice care

ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard died aged 77 on Monday, August 17, at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, after receiving hospice care, with family members by his side.

The exact cause of death has not been made public.

The Fort Bend County Medical Examiner confirmed that Beard’s death was reported on Monday, while the band’s publicist confirmed that he had been in hospice care.

His health had also raised concerns in the weeks before his death.

ZZ Top cancelled its August 5 concert at the Hollywood Bowl because of Beard’s health issues.

He had previously stepped away from the band during its 2025 Elevation tour because of another health problem involving his foot and ankle.

ZZ Top confirmed Beard’s death on August 18 and cancelled upcoming shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs.

However, the band said it would continue its tour in Austin, a city Beard considered a second home.

Billy Gibbons paid tribute to his longtime bandmate, saying, “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. His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top.”

Beard joined ZZ Top in 1969 and remained with the group for more than five decades.

His drumming featured prominently on songs including “Sharp Dressed Man”, “Gimme All Your Lovin’”, “Legs” and “La Grange”.