Like any band, ZZ Top found itself going through a few lineup changes over the years. While once welcoming Dan Mitchell on the drums, the co-founder was eventually replaced by Frank Beard in the late 1960s. And since that moment, Beard remained part of the legendary rock band, helping them release albums like Eliminator, Recycler, and Antenna. Although the band hasn’t released new music since La Futura in 2012, ZZ Top continues to tour. And recently, news broke that Beard was stepping away due to “Health Issues.”
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On Sunday, ZZ Top decided to share the recent lineup change on Instagram after Beard needed to take a break for his health. “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 a health issue requiring his focus in the near term.”
ZZ Top Calls On Seasoned Drummer John Douglas To Replace Frank Beard
Having to replace Beard for right now, ZZ Top revealed the band called on John Douglas. “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.”
Sharing the connection Douglas had with ZZ Top, the band explained how the drummer nurtured a close relationship with the group over the years. He even performed with the group back in October 2002. Knowing the band and how they handle the stage, ZZ Top returned their focus on Beard, concluding, “He is looking forward to a speedy recovery.”
Back in 2024, ZZ Top decided to hit the road with the Elevation tour. Kicking off in October, the band traveled the country and even the world. Expected to run through 2025, the band will visit both New Zealand and Australia.
While unknown how long Beard needed to be away from the stage, fans showered him with support, wishing him a quick recovery. “Ugh this makes me so sad. Wishing Frank the best.” One person continued, “Keep rockin, Frank. And keep rockin, ZZ Top.”
(Photo by Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty Images)
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