Frank Beard (drummer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank Beard
|
|
|---|---|
Beard in 2008
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Frank Lee Beard |
| Born | June 11, 1949 Frankston, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | August 17, 2026 (aged 77) Richmond, Texas, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Drummer |
| Years active | 1957–2026 |
Frank Lee Beard (born June 11, 1949 – died August 17, 2026) was a talented American musician. He was most famous as the drummer for the legendary rock band ZZ Top for many years.
Contents
Frank Beard's Early Life
Frank Lee Beard was born in Frankston, Texas, on June 11, 1949. He grew up in Irving. He went to Irving High School. As a teenager, he met Dusty Hill at a music show in Fort Worth. Dusty later invited Frank to join his band, the Warlocks.
Frank Beard's Music Career
Before joining ZZ Top, Frank Beard played in several bands. He was even part of a group that pretended to be the British band the Zombies for a tour in the U.S. He also played with Dusty Hill in a band called Outlaws. Other bands they played in together included the Cellar Dwellers, the Warlocks, and American Blues.
In 1969, Frank Beard joined ZZ Top as the drummer. He replaced Dan Mitchell. Frank then introduced Billy Gibbons, who started the band Moving Sidewalks, to Dusty Hill. Together, they created their unique "Texas boogie-blues-rock" sound. Their first album, ZZ Top's First Album, came out in January 1971.
Frank was first called "Rube Beard" on their early albums, like ZZ Top's First Album and Tres Hombres. But from Rio Grande Mud onwards, he used his real name. For a long time, Frank Beard was famous for being the only member of ZZ Top without a long beard. However, he did grow a short beard in 2013.
Frank Beard's Life Outside Music
After becoming very successful with ZZ Top, Frank Beard faced some personal challenges. He took a break from the band to focus on his health and well-being. He worked hard to overcome these difficulties and get back to a healthy life. ZZ Top paused their music for three years while he focused on himself.
Frank Beard had many interests beyond music. In the early 1990s, he started sports car racing. He competed in famous races like the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.
He also loved collecting classic Ferrari cars. He collected both real Ferraris and detailed model cars.
In 2002, Frank had an emergency surgery called an appendectomy. This meant he had to miss some ZZ Top shows.
His Final Years
In March 2025, Frank Beard temporarily left ZZ Top's Elevation tour because he was unwell. He later rejoined the band and continued to perform. However, in August 2026, he had to step away from the tour again due to illness.
Frank Beard passed away peacefully at his ranch in Richmond on August 17, 2026. He was 77 years old. He was the second member of the original ZZ Top lineup to pass away. Dusty Hill, the bassist, passed away in 2021. Billy Gibbons is now the only original member left. Elwood Francis became the new bassist in 2021, taking Dusty Hill's place.
See also
In Spanish: Frank Beard para niños
