Frank Beard, the longtime drummer for Texas rock band ZZ Top, is temporarily stepping back from the group’s ongoing tour, citing an unspecified “health issue.”
John Douglas, fellow Texan and longtime drummer, percussionist and tech member, was named as Beard’s interim replacement, after previously filling in for the drummer when he underwent an emergency appendectomy in Paris, in 2002.
“Mr. Douglas has maintained a close relationship with Beard and the bandmates, having served with the group in the past,” continued the post. “He [Beard] is looking forward to a speedy recovery.”
They will return to North America to perform a handful of shows throughout Canada through late August.
Beard has served as the group’s top drummer since 1969 when he replaced co-founder Dan Mitchell, performing alongside singer/guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill, until Hill’s death in 2021.
The band became known for its signature blues sound and distinctive look, with Gibbons and Hill sporting sunglasses and hats along with long flowing hair and beards. Ironically, Beard was the member of the band without flowing facial hair.
Best known for their hits “Sharp Dressed Man,” “La Grange,” “Gimme All Your Lovin' ” and “Legs,” the band received three Grammy award nominations.
It released 15 studio albums and sold an estimated 50 million records, but have not released any new music since “La Futura” in 2012.
In 2004, ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The group “had a reverence for their roots, but never took themselves too seriously,” the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website says.
Beard’s health news comes on the heels of announcements from other musicians who have been vocal with their health scares and diagnoses.
