The Drummer of ZZ Top's Number One Album: Frank Beard

When ZZ Top released their Eliminator, an album that propelled them to the top of the charts, the focus was not solely on the guitar riffs and catchy basslines that the band is known for, but also on the steady, impeccable beats provided by the band's drummer Frank Beard.

Frank Beard's Role in Eliminator

During the production of Eliminator, much of the drum work was programmed rather than performed live. This decision led to Frank Beard being relegated primarily to tom fills and cymbal crashes, a stark contrast to his usual role in the band.

A Legacy of Consistency

Frank Beard has been a constant presence in ZZ Top since the band's inception. Born in Texas, Beard has been the drummer for the band since 1970, the only member to remain with the group without interruption. His dedication to the band is evident in his near-perfect timekeeping and his versatile playing style, which has been featured on all of their albums.

A Snapshot of ZZ Top's Founding Members

A photograph from 1970 captures the founding members of ZZ Top: guitarist and vocalist Billy Gibbons (without the characteristic beard) and drummer Frank Beard (on the left). Despite personal challenges, Billy Gibbons pursued innovative sounds for the Eliminator, including electronically triggered and generated drum sounds. However, despite his technological savvy, the drum programming was supervised by Frank who was in a difficult personal period.

The Evolution of Beard's Bearded Image

Interestingly, Frank Beard, unlike his bandmates Dusty Hill and Billy Gibbons, never adopted the bearded look. He briefly wore a goatee and sported a mustache when both bandmates were clean-shaven. This makes Beard unique among the members of ZZ Top, adding an interesting dynamic to the band's visual identity.

Continuing the Legacy

Though Hill passed away in 2021, Frank Beard, along with bass tech Elwood Francis, continues to carry on the tradition. The connection to the band's history is seared into the studio and live recordings, with Beard playing a central role every time.

Frank Beard: The Drummer and More

Frank Lee Beard, the drummer of ZZ Top, is more than just a musical partner. He introduced Billy Gibbons to Dusty Hill, and their collaboration led to what is now considered a legendary rock group. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping ZZ Top's sound and legacy for over five decades.