According to a recent statement from ZZ Top, longtime drummer Frank Beard will leave the band’s current tour due to a health issue. Beard’s replacement has also been announced.
ZZ Top’s Statement
Yesterday (March 15), the legendary blues/boogie/Southern rock band posted the following statement on social media:
FRANK BREAD TAKING TIME OFF ZZ TOP’S ELEVATION TOUR FOR HEALTH PROCEDURE
Shelter Music Group, ZZ Top’s management, has announced the band’s drummer, Mr. Frank Beard, has temporarily stepped away from the current tour to attend to a health issue requiring his focus in the near term.
Beard, along with fellow ZZ Top members Billy F Gibbons and Elwood Francis, presently on the Elevation tour since March 5, have engaged fellow Texan and longtime tech member, percussionist and drummer, John Douglas, for the interim.
Mr. Douglas has maintained a close relationship with Beard and the bandmates, having served with the group in the past.
[Douglas actually filled in when Frank underwent an emergency appendectomy in Paris, back in 2002].
He is looking forward to a speedy recovery.
You can see the band’s post below, too:
Fans were disappointed and critical of the news (due to ZZ Top continuing the tour without Beard). Nonetheless, most people demonstrate widespread understanding and support.
For example, someone on Instagram responded, “We love ZZ Top no matter what, and get well, Frank!” A user on X commented, “I’m sure the drum tech is an amazing drummer. Being a professional drummer’s technician requires a love of the instrument.
To that last person’s point, Douglas has over 30 years of experience in the industry, having “painted, customized, and modified drums and guitars for some of the world’s biggest bands.” Featuring Aerosmith, Mana, Pantera, Damageplan, Creed, Alter Bridge, Slash, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kid Rock, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, and ZZ Top.”
Interestingly, he admitted in 2023 that when he first started filling in for Aerosmith’s Joey Kramer in 2019 (due to Kramer’s shoulder injury), he was “not prepared at all.” Fortunately, he “made it through” and did an excellent job.
Of course, everyone at Loudwire wishes Beard a speedy and healthy recovery (and best wishes for Douglas’ upcoming endeavor).
ZZ Top’s Elevation Tour
ZZ Top’s Elevation Tour is currently underway in the United States and Canada, and it will run until the end of August. Depending on the date, The Sedonas, McKinley James, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, and/or The Wallflowers will accompany them on their journey.
You can get more information, including all upcoming dates, and buy tickets here.