ZZ Top star Frank Beard hailed as ‘innovative drummer’ after death aged 77

ZZ Top musician Frank Beard has been remembered as “one of the most naturally innovative drummers” following his death aged 77.The rock band formed in Texas in 1969 with the classic trio consisting of drummer Beard, lead vocalist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill – who died in 2021 aged 72.The group shared a lengthy tribute to Instagram on Tuesday as they announced the death of their “great friend and collaborator” Beard.The post included a carousel of photos of the veteran rocker, and was captioned with a quote from frontman Gibbons.It said: “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.“His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top.”Beneath the tribute, the group confi