Frank Beard, the drummer for the renowned Texas band ZZ Top, has died at the age of 77. He passed away on Tuesday at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, while in hospice care. Family members were by his side. Publicist Bob Merlis confirmed the news.

Guitarist Billy Gibbons, a co-founder of ZZ Top, shared a heartfelt tribute alongside bassist Elwood Francis. Gibbons praised Beard’s drumming skills and the unique backbeat that contributed to the band’s success. “Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas,” Gibbons stated. He also mentioned that the band will continue to perform as Beard had wished.

ZZ Top, known for hits like “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” sold over 50 million records. They achieved six No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart and seven albums reached the Billboard 200’s Top 10. Additionally, they received three Grammy Award nominations.

Beard expressed his passion for music in the 2019 documentary “ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas,” stating, “I’ve found the people I was meant to play with. I never wanted to quit, and never wanted to get fired.”