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.”
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.
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.
