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zz Top

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zz Top

rock band · blues-rock group

5 stories · latest Aug 23, 2026 · Music

About zz Top

ZZ Top is an iconic Texas blues-rock band and power trio recognized for its decades-long career and hit songs such as La Grange and Tush. The group established itself as one of the most enduring and recognizable acts in classic rock history.

For more than five decades, the band performed high-energy live shows and massive stadium tours across the globe. On July 18, 2021, the veteran trio performed a show in Louisville, Kentucky, which marked the final concert featuring the group's iconic original lineup together on stage.

In August 2026, the group suffered a major loss when longtime drummer Frank Beard died at age 77 following a stay in hospice care. After initially canceling tour commitments and backing out of a show at the Hollywood Bowl, ZZ Top returned to the stage in Austin, Texas, with frontman Billy Gibbons leading a high-energy performance framed as a tribute to their fallen bandmate.

  • Coverage of ZZ Top focuses heavily on the loss of longtime drummer Frank Beard and the legacy of the band's multi-decade original lineup.
  • Media attention centers on key historical performances alongside the surviving members' decision to honor their late rhythm provider by returning to live shows.

The zz Top shelf

Films and shows to own

Nashville coverWATCH · 2012NashvilleJuliette Barnes, and the country songs she actually sang.

Latest on zz Top

zz Top timeline

  1. Rock Legend Frank Beard Dies at 77 After ZZ Top Pulls Out of Hollywood Bowl Show

    Aug 18, 2026

    ZZ Top withdrew from a scheduled concert performance at the Hollywood Bowl.

    Rock Legend Frank Beard Dies at 77 After ZZ Top Pulls Out of Hollywood Bowl Show
  2. ZZ Top’s Final Concert With Original Lineup Featured Legendary 'Tush' Performance

    Aug 18, 2026

    ZZ Top performed its final concert with its original lineup in Louisville, Kentucky.

    ZZ Top’s Final Concert With Original Lineup Featured Legendary 'Tush' Performance
  3. ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard Dies at 77 Following Hospice Stay

    Aug 18, 2026

    Longtime drummer Frank Beard died at the age of 77 following hospice care.

    ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard Dies at 77 Following Hospice Stay
  4. ZZ Top Returns To Stage For Emotional First Concert Following Loss Of Drummer Frank Beard

    Aug 23, 2026

    ZZ Top returned to the stage in Austin, Texas, for a tribute show honoring Frank Beard.

    ZZ Top Returns To Stage For Emotional First Concert Following Loss Of Drummer Frank Beard

The photos · 9

ZZ Top Returns To Stage For Emotional First Concert Following Loss Of Drummer Frank Beard
ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard Dies at 77 Following Hospice Stay
The November 2, 2025 show featured many of the band’s greatest hits.
ZZ Top performing live on stage.
“It’s good to be back. See you out there,” Beard said.
ZZ Top’s Final Concert With Original Lineup Featured Legendary 'Tush' Performance
Rock Legend Frank Beard Dies at 77 After ZZ Top Pulls Out of Hollywood Bowl Show
ZZ Top Portrait Session, Dallas Texas, 1983.
ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard Dead at 77 After Five-Decade Rock Career

zz Top: your questions

Who is the frontman of ZZ Top?

Billy Gibbons is the frontman and guitar player for ZZ Top.

When was ZZ Top's last concert with its original lineup?

The band played its final concert with the original lineup on July 18, 2021, in Louisville, Kentucky.

What happened to ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard?

Frank Beard passed away at age 77 after receiving end-of-life care in hospice.

Did ZZ Top continue performing after Frank Beard passed away?

Yes, ZZ Top returned to the stage in Austin, Texas, shortly after Beard's passing to perform a tribute concert.

Often in the same story

Frank BeardBilly Gibbons