70s rock icon suddenly pulls out of tour to undergo ‘health procedure’
ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard is pulling out of the band’s tour to undergo a ‘health procedure’ (Picture: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Stagecoach) The iconic drummer for ZZ Top, Frank Beard, is taking a break from touring with the band to undergo a ‘health procedure.’ The band issued a statement yesterday to say that Beard would not be joining the band on the sting of tour dates they have scheduled, which kicked off on March 5, so he can ‘attend to a health issue requiring his focus in the near term.’ While Beard recovers, ‘fellow Texan and longtime tech member, percussionist and drummer’ John Douglas will step in as drummer for the Sharp Dressed Man hitmakers. The statement says Douglas has a ‘close relationship’ with the group and previously filled in when Beard underwent an emergency appendectomy in Paris in 2002. ‘He is looking forward to a speedy recovery,’ the statement concluded. ZZ Top – which was formed in 1969 – was originally comprised of Dan Mitchell on drums, vocalist-guitarist Billy Gibbons,and bassist-vocalist Dusty Hill who died in 2021. https://www.instagram.com/p/DHOrG_JzBwE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== But the band only recorded one single – Salt Lick – before Frank Beard took over on drums, and he’s now been with the band for over 55 years. Since then, Beard helmed their debut album in 1971 through to 2012’s La Futura, and has co-written hit songs such as Legs, Sharp Dressed Man, Gimme All Your Lovin’, and Tush. Fans were quick to share their support for Beard in the comments of the post, with user @thewhiskytrainer writing: ‘Ugh this makes me so sad. Wishing Frank the best.’ The band has been comprised of Elwood Francis, Frank Beard and Billy Gibbons since Dusty Hill’s death (Picture: Corine Solberg/Getty Images) @Tracygirl703 commented: ‘Prayers for a successful surgery and a full recovery.’ @collinfitz9 chimed in: ‘Get well soon legend!’ Fans are still in mourning for the late Dusty Hill, who died in 2021 at 72-years-old. Frank Beard, guitarist and lead vocalist Billy Gibbons, bassist and co-lead vocalist Dusty Hill, comprised ZZ Top for the majority of the band’s long career (Picture: Leonard M. DeLessio/Corbis via Getty Images) In a post on the group’s official page, the other members of the band wrote at the time: ‘We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX. ‘We, along with legions of ZZ Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the Top. ‘We will forever be connected to that “Blues Shuffle in C.” You will be missed greatly, amigo. Frank & Billy.’ Got a story? If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
The iconic drummer for ZZ Top, Frank Beard, is taking a break from touring with the band to undergo a ‘health procedure.’
The band issued a statement yesterday to say that Beard would not be joining the band on the sting of tour dates they have scheduled, which kicked off on March 5, so he can ‘attend to a health issue requiring his focus in the near term.’
While Beard recovers, ‘fellow Texan and longtime tech member, percussionist and drummer’ John Douglas will step in as drummer for the Sharp Dressed Man hitmakers.
The statement says Douglas has a ‘close relationship’ with the group and previously filled in when Beard underwent an emergency appendectomy in Paris in 2002.
‘He is looking forward to a speedy recovery,’ the statement concluded.
ZZ Top – which was formed in 1969 – was originally comprised of Dan Mitchell on drums, vocalist-guitarist Billy Gibbons,and bassist-vocalist Dusty Hill who died in 2021.
But the band only recorded one single – Salt Lick – before Frank Beard took over on drums, and he’s now been with the band for over 55 years.
Since then, Beard helmed their debut album in 1971 through to 2012’s La Futura, and has co-written hit songs such as Legs, Sharp Dressed Man, Gimme All Your Lovin’, and Tush.
Fans were quick to share their support for Beard in the comments of the post, with user @thewhiskytrainer writing: ‘Ugh this makes me so sad. Wishing Frank the best.’
The band has been comprised of Elwood Francis, Frank Beard and Billy Gibbons since Dusty Hill’s death (Picture: Corine Solberg/Getty Images)@Tracygirl703 commented: ‘Prayers for a successful surgery and a full recovery.’
@collinfitz9 chimed in: ‘Get well soon legend!’
Fans are still in mourning for the late Dusty Hill, who died in 2021 at 72-years-old.
Frank Beard, guitarist and lead vocalist Billy Gibbons, bassist and co-lead vocalist Dusty Hill, comprised ZZ Top for the majority of the band’s long career (Picture: Leonard M. DeLessio/Corbis via Getty Images)In a post on the group’s official page, the other members of the band wrote at the time: ‘We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX.
‘We, along with legions of ZZ Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the Top.
‘We will forever be connected to that “Blues Shuffle in C.” You will be missed greatly, amigo. Frank & Billy.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
