Longtime ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard is temporarily stepping away from the band’s current tour due to a pressing health issue, as stated in a recent announcement from the group. The band has also revealed who will be stepping in to fill Beard’s role during this time.

Official Announcement from ZZ Top Regarding Frank Beard’s Health

On March 15, the iconic blues, boogie, and Southern rock band shared an important update on their social media channels:

FRANK BEARD TAKING TIME OFF ZZ TOP’S ELEVATION TOUR FOR HEALTH PROCEDURE

Shelter Music Group, the management team for ZZ Top, has confirmed that esteemed drummer Mr. Frank Beard has decided to take a break from the ongoing tour to address a health concern that requires his immediate attention.

Beard, alongside fellow band members Billy F Gibbons and Elwood Francis, has been actively performing on the Elevation tour since its kickoff on March 5. To ensure the show goes on, they have brought in fellow Texan and longtime technician, percussionist, and drummer, John Douglas, to take over during Beard’s absence.

Douglas has a strong rapport with Beard and the rest of the band, having worked with them extensively in the past.

[Douglas previously filled in for Frank during an emergency appendectomy in Paris back in 2002].

Everyone is hoping for a swift recovery for Mr. Beard.

You can check out the band’s post below:

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The announcement sparked a mix of disappointment and some criticism among fans, particularly concerning ZZ Top’s decision to continue touring without Beard. However, the overwhelming majority of fans have expressed their understanding and support during this challenging time.

For example, one fan on Instagram commented: “We love ZZ Top no matter what! Get well soon, Frank!” Meanwhile, another user on X remarked: “I’m sure the drum tech is an incredible drummer. You don’t achieve such success without a profound passion for the instrument.”

Echoing that sentiment, Douglas has amassed over 30 years of experience in the industry, having “painted, customized, and modified drums and guitars for some of the biggest bands worldwide, including Aerosmith, Mana, Pantera, Damageplan, Creed, Alter Bridge, Slash, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kid Rock, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, and of course, ZZ Top.”

Interestingly, he mentioned in 2023 that when he first filled in for Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer back in 2019, due to Kramer’s shoulder injury, he was “not prepared at all.” Thankfully, he “made it through” and performed admirably.

All of us at Loudwire sincerely wish Beard a quick and healthy recovery while also wishing Douglas the best of luck in his upcoming role on tour.