Frank Beard (musician)
American drummer (1949–2026)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Frank Lee Beard (June 11, 1949 – August 17, 2026)[1] was an American drummer best known as the long-time drummer of the rock band ZZ Top.
June 11, 1949
Frank Beard | |
|---|---|
Beard in 2008 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Frank Lee Beard June 11, 1949 Frankston, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | August 17, 2026 (aged 77) |
| Genres | |
| Occupation | Drummer |
| Instrument | Drums |
| Years active | 1969–2025 |
| Member of | ZZ Top |
| Formerly of | |
Early life
Beard was born in Frankston, Texas, and attended Irving High School in Irving, Texas.
Career
Before joining ZZ Top, Beard was a member of a fake version of the British band the Zombies, which toured in the US without authorization from the original band members, and also was part of the Outlaws with later ZZ Top member Dusty Hill.[2] Other bands Beard and Hill played with early in their careers included the Cellar Dwellers, the Hustlers, the Warlocks, and American Blues.[3]
In May 1969, Beard joined The Moving Sidewalks, a band that would become ZZ Top in July 1969. Beard also introduced Billy Gibbons, the founder of The Moving Sidewalks, to Hill. After honing their trademark "Texas boogie-blues-rock" style, the three released ZZ Top's First Album on London Records in January 1971. Initially, Beard was credited under the nickname "Rube Beard" on ZZ Top's First Album and on Tres Hombres (the band's third album), but was credited under his actual name on Rio Grande Mud (the band's second album) and has regularly been credited as such on every ZZ Top album since 1975's Fandango!
Personal life
Beard married long-time girlfriend Catherine Alexander in April 1978 and divorced in July 1981.[4]
After achieving success with ZZ Top in the late 1970s, Beard began spending much money on drugs, including LSD, cocaine, and heroin. He later regretted spending the money and said it damaged his relationships. He joined a rehabilitation program. He recalled: "I just wanted to get sober. I wanted to be like people I admired who could sit home and watch TV and go to bed and that was okay [for them]."[5] ZZ Top went on hiatus for three years while Beard dealt with his addictions.[6]
He married Debbie Meredith in November 1982. They remain married and have three children.[4] Beard resides in Richmond, Texas, where he owns and operates the Top 40 Ranch. He golfs and is known locally for participation in tournaments and community events.[citation needed] Beard was long known as, ironically, the only member of ZZ Top not to have a beard, but he grew a short one in 2013.[7]
Endorsements
Beard plays Tama drums, Paiste cymbals, Promark drumsticks, and Remo drumheads.[citation needed]
