Frank Beard, the longtime drummer of ZZ Top, has been contending with health challenges that necessitated the cancellation of the band’s recent concert at the Hollywood Bowl. According to Rolling Stone, Beard’s issues prompted the band to take immediate action regarding their schedule.
Band Moves Forward with Replacement
A spokesperson for ZZ Top has confirmed that while Beard is unable to perform, band members Billy Gibbons and Elwood Francis will continue the tour with drummer Michael Monahan stepping in for Beard. This decision comes just days after the abrupt cancelation of their Los Angeles performance, which Gibbons described in a statement on social media as being due to “insurmountable obstacles.” He expressed gratitude towards fans, stating, “Friends, fans and followers of ZZ Top are the best in the business and the band is counting on everyone to bear with us for this brief interruption.”
Beard’s Health Journey
Frank Beard has a history of health issues that have affected his ability to tour. Last year, ZZ Top announced that Beard would be taking a “temporary” break to recover. Additionally, in 2002, he had to rely on drum tech John Douglas to substitute while he underwent an emergency appendectomy.
A Legacy of Drumming
Although Beard is not the founding drummer for ZZ Top—the position originally belonged to Dan Mitchell, who played on the band’s first single, “Salt Lick”—he has been an integral part of the band for over 55 years, contributing to every album from their 1971 debut, First Album, to 2012’s La Futura.
Upcoming Tour Plans
ZZ Top’s The Big One tour is set to continue with numerous stops across North America, including shows in Washington, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Texas, and other states. Earlier this year, the band expanded their 2026 tour with almost two dozen new summer dates.
Gibbons enthusiastically shared, “It’s true that we’ve been spending a lot of time on the road, and the more we’re out there, the better it feels.” He acknowledged the value of their long-standing connection with fans by adding, “We’ve been at it for quite a while — something like five decades — and it seems we’re getting good at it, so there’s no reason to slow things down. Let’s rock!”
