The band confirmed Beard’s death on August 18th, revealing that he had passed away the previous day while receiving hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas.
For more than five decades, Beard was central to the unmistakable ZZ Top sound, providing the groove beneath Billy Gibbons’ guitar work and Dusty Hill’s bass. Gibbons has now paid tribute to his longtime bandmate, calling him “one of the most naturally innovating drummers” and a “great and true son of Texas”.
He also said Beard’s “signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top”, while confirming the band will continue playing live, honouring Beard’s wishes (per NME).
Two scheduled concerts in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs have been cancelled following his death. ZZ Top are nevertheless expected to return to the stage at Austin’s Moody Theater this weekend, a venue particularly close to Beard.
Beard’s health had already forced him away from touring
He temporarily stepped back in 2025 for surgery before returning to the road several months later, earlier this year, he again took time away, with Michael Monahan filling in on drums.
Born in Frankston, Texas, in 1949, Beard began playing drums as a teenager and crossed paths with Dusty Hill during his early musical career. The pair performed together in several groups before Beard joined Gibbons in ZZ Top in 1969. Beard was instrumental in bringing Hill into the fold, helping establish the classic lineup that would dominate rock for decades.
ZZ Top developed their trademark combination of blues, boogie and hard rock through the 1970s, with tracks such as ‘La Grange’ becoming staples. Their worldwide breakthrough came in the 1980s, particularly through the blockbuster Eliminator, which delivered ‘Gimme All Your Lovin’, ‘Sharp Dressed Man’ and ‘Legs’.
The band ultimately sold more than 50 million records and was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2004.
Beard’s death comes five years after fellow ZZ Top member Dusty Hill died aged 72 in July 2021.
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