ZZ Top’s drummer, Frank Beard, will not be participating in the band’s forthcoming tour engagements, as he has cited a “health issue” as the reason for his recent announcement of a temporary leave.
The Texas-based trio shared this information on Saturday, March 15, indicating that Beard would be stepping away from the ongoing Elevation tour to undergo an undisclosed medical procedure.
In a statement released on social media post, Shelter Music Group, the management for ZZ Top, confirmed, “Mr. Frank Beard has temporarily withdrawn from the current tour to focus on a health matter that requires his immediate attention.”
Beard, alongside fellow band members Billy F. Gibbons and Elwood Francis, has been performing on the Elevation tour since its commencement on March 5. To fill in during Beard’s absence, the band has enlisted John Douglas, a seasoned percussionist and longtime technician for ZZ Top, who has a longstanding rapport with Beard and the other members. Douglas previously substituted for Beard during a performance in Paris back in October 2002 when Beard had to undergo an emergency appendectomy.
The announcement concluded with a note expressing hope for Beard’s swift recovery.
ZZ Top initiated their Elevation tour in October 2024, performing across the United States until November. The tour resumed on March 5 and is set to continue across the country until April, after which the band will travel to Australia and New Zealand. Additional North American dates are planned upon their return; however, it remains uncertain when Beard will be able to rejoin the group.
Frank Beard has been with ZZ Top since 1969, succeeding co-founder Dan Mitchell. The band was originally formed that same year by Mitchell, vocalist and guitarist Billy Gibbons, and bassist Lanier Greig.
Despite not having released a studio album since 2012’s *La Futura*, Gibbons has indicated that a new record featuring contributions from the late Dusty Hill is currently in progress.
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