ZZ Top has returned to the stage just days after the death of Frank Beard.
The Gimme All Your Lovin’ rock and roll legends were rocked by the news their longtime drummer has passed away on August 17, and they cancelled shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs over the next couple of days.
As previously announced, they resumed The Big One! Tour over the weekend with back-to-back gigs at Austin City Limits.
On Saturday (22.08.26), they played their first show since Beard’s death.
Founding member Billy Gibbons took to the stage with Elwood Francis, who replaced late bassist Dusty Hill following his death in 2021.
They were joined by drummer Michael Monahan who – along with drum tech John Douglas – has filled in for Beard over the years amid his health struggles.
During the gig, while introducing the lineup after opening with Got Me Under Pressure, Billy said: “I guess some of you probably know there’s a new man in town.
“In fact, it all started a little while back. [Bassist Elwood Francis] and I got an unexpected call from our dear Frank Beard, our dear drummer for 50 years.
“I’ve never heard him admit, he said, ‘My bass drum foot’s a little weak. Can you get my man [Monahan] to take over?’
“I said, ‘Oh yeah, yeah, he’s been doing pretty good.’ Frank said, ‘Yeah, that’s what worries me.’ “
Billy told the audience that everyone was gathered there today “for a celebration”.
He added: “You know what’s going on. So we’re gonna have a good time.”
The main set ended with Sharp Dressed Man and Legs, before an encore where the band played Brown Sugar, Tube Snake Boogie, Thunderbird and La Grange.
Last week, the band’s representative, Bob Merlis, confirmed Beard had died at the age of 77, surrounded by his family at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, while in hospice care.
An exact cause of death has not been given.
Frank first connected with singer-and-guitarist Billy Gibbons after ZZ Top released their debut single Salt Lick, which featured Dan Mitchell on the drums, and was responsible for bringing in bassist Dusty Hill.
Back in 2019, the sticksman recalled the first time he and Billy played together.
Speaking in 2019 documentary, ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas, he joked: “I was jacked up on speed, so I made him jam for about eight hours ’til his tongue just fell out.”
Billy added: “It didn’t take 30 minutes, it didn’t take 30 seconds — I knew that Frank Beard had the kind of chops that I was looking for. He played fiercely. He played with determination.”