ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard is suffering from serious health issues, reports TMZ. The news comes after the band canceled its August 5th concert at the Hollywood Bowl, citing “unforeseen personnel matters” and “insurmountable obstacles.”
Impact on Tour Schedule
The Los Angeles date was supposed to be the kickoff of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band’s headlining summer tour featuring varying support from Cheap Trick, George Thorogood & the Destroyers, and other acts. In Beard’s place, Michael Monahan has been filling in behind the kit for the shows since then, and apparently will continue to do so moving forward.
Beard, who has been a member of ZZ Top since 1969, also took time away from the band last year to deal with foot and ankle issues, with both his longtime drum tech John Douglas and the aforementioned Monahan stepping in to replace him. Beard had returned to the band in September 2025, and had been playing with them ever since this latest setback.
Current Touring Lineup
The drummer’s absence from the band means singer-guitarist Billy Gibbons is the only classic member currently part of ZZ Top’s touring lineup. Longtime bassist Dusty Hill passed away in 2021, and was replaced by his guitar tech Elwood Francis.
ZZ Top’s tour continues Tuesday, August 11th, in Redmond, Washington, and runs through an October 9th show in Port Wentworth, Georgia. Tickets to the band’s upcoming concerts are available here.
In conclusion, ZZ Top is moving forward with their tour schedule, with Michael Monahan filling in for Frank Beard on drums. Despite the health issues and lineup changes, the band remains committed to delivering their signature sound to fans across the country. With a summer tour that promises to be an exciting experience for fans of Rock & Roll music, ZZ Top is sure to continue their legacy as one of the most iconic bands in the genre.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte, widely regarded as the “Shakespeare of Sh*tposts,” is a video game expert with a unique knack for turning pixels into punchlines.
Born in the small town of Respawn, Pennsylvania, Pixel grew up mashing buttons on an ancient NES controller, firmly believing that “blowing into the cartridge” was a sacred ritual passed down through generations.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte: proving that life, much like a buggy open-world game, is better with a little lag-induced chaos.
