Frank Beard, longtime drummer and co-founder of ZZ Top, has stepped away from the band’s Elevation Tour due to a health issue, according to a statement from the band. A core member of the Texas trio since 1969, Beard has played on all 15 of ZZ Top’s studio albums. He played a key role in their rise as one of rock’s most enduring bands.
Here are the key details surrounding Frank Beard’s absence from the tour.
Why is ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard exiting upcoming tour?
ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard has temporarily left the band’s Elevation Tour to focus on a health issue.
A statement from the band’s representatives on March 16, 2024, confirmed that Beard had “temporarily stepped away from the current tour to attend a health issue requiring his focus in the near term” and is “looking forward to a speedy recovery.” The specific nature of the health issue was not disclosed (via Deadline).
John Douglas, a longtime drum technician and musician, has stepped in as Beard’s replacement. Douglas previously played with ZZ Top in 2002, when Beard had an emergency appendectomy in Paris. The band launched its Elevation Tour on March 5, 2024, in Alabama and plans to continue performing until April 12, 2024, in Arkansas.
Billy Gibbons (guitar, vocals), Dusty Hill (bass, vocals), and Frank Beard formed ZZ Top in 1969 in Houston, Texas. The band gained recognition for its blues-rock sound and signature image, with Gibbons and Hill sporting long beards and sunglasses. Their popularity surged in the 1980s as MTV frequently aired their music videos.
After Dusty Hill died in 2021 at age 72, ZZ Top continued touring with Elwood Francis on bass. The band has released 15 studio albums, including the half-live, half-studio Fandango!. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) reports that ZZ Top has sold over 25 million records in the U.S. Seven albums have earned platinum or multi-platinum status, while four hold gold certification.
ZZ Top’s most famous songs include “La Grange,” “Tush,” “Cheap Sunglasses,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs.” The 2019 documentary ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas detailed their journey to stardom.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on Comingsoon.
