Aerosmith founding member Tom Hamilton has shared his sadness following the death of ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard, calling attention to the rare talent the rock legend brought to the stage for more than five decades.
Hamilton, the longtime Aerosmith bassist and a founding member of the iconic 1970s rock band, posted a short but heartfelt message on X after news of Beard’s death became public.
“Sad to hear about Frank Beard’s passing. They’ll have to look far and wide to find somebody who can do what he did.”
Beard died at 77 while in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with his family by his side. His death came after years of health concerns that had already forced him to step away from ZZ Top’s touring schedule.
Drummer Frank Beard of ZZ Top performs onstage during Day 1 of the 2023 Stagecoach Festival on April 28, 2023 in Indio, California.Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Stagecoach
For Hamilton, Beard’s death marks the loss of another major figure from the classic rock era. Both musicians came from bands that helped define American rock and built careers that lasted for decades.
Sad to hear about FrankBeard’s passing. They’ll have to look far and wide to find somebody who can do what he did.
— Tom Hamilton (@THaerosmith) August 19, 2026Beard spent more than 50 years with ZZ Top and became one of the most recognizable drummers in rock music. Although he was not a founding member of the group, he joined ZZ Top in 1969 and helped form the classic lineup with guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill.
That lineup remained together for more than five decades.
Beard was born June 11, 1949, in Frankston, Texas, and was raised in Irving. Before joining ZZ Top, he played in several groups, including American Blues, the Warlocks, Hustlers and Cellar Dwellers. He also performed with Hill before both musicians became part of ZZ Top.
The band released its debut album, First Album, in 1971. It went on to become one of the most enduring rock groups in American music.
ZZ Top found major success with albums such as Tres Hombres in 1973 and Fandango! in 1975. Songs including “La Grange” and “Tush” helped establish the group’s blues-rock sound.
According to Variety, the band reached an even larger audience in the 1980s with Eliminator. Released in 1983, the album featured major hits such as “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs.”
ZZ Top has decided to continue its The Big One! Tour despite Beard’s death. The group canceled upcoming shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs before planning to return to the stage in Austin.
The band is scheduled to perform two shows at ACL Live at the Moody Theater. Austin held a special place for Beard, who considered the city a second home and regarded Austin City Limits as one of his favorite venues.
The group is expected to continue with Gibbons on guitar and vocals, Elwood Francis on bass and Michael Monahan on drums.
Beard had already been absent from much of ZZ Top’s recent touring. He stopped touring in March 2025 because of unspecified health issues. John Douglas initially filled in behind the drum kit, while Monahan later became the group’s substitute drummer.
His health problems also affected the band’s plans shortly before his death. ZZ Top canceled its Hollywood Bowl performance just one week before Beard died.
Beard’s passing also leaves Gibbons as the only surviving member of ZZ Top’s classic lineup. Hill died in July 2021 after decades with the group. Before his death, Hill had asked that Francis take over his bass duties, allowing ZZ Top to continue performing.
Hamilton’s tribute adds another voice from the classic rock community to the growing number of musicians recognizing Beard’s impact.
Related: Beloved Rock Band ZZ Top Announces Tour Update After Frank Beard’s Death
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