Watch ZZ Top return to stage for first gig since drummer Frank Beard’s death

ZZ Top have returned to the stage following the death of their longtime drummer Frank Beard. See the footage below. Beard died last Monday (August 17), aged 77, while receiving hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas. A cause of death has not yet been disclosed. The band’s founder, Billy Gibbons, paid tribute to the late musician, who joined the group’s line-up in 1969. He described him as “one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas”, adding: “His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top.” ZZ Top subsequently cancelled their scheduled concerts in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs. However, they vowed to fulfil their planned two dates at The Moody Theater in Austin – a venue they said was one of Beard’s favourites and “a second home for him”. The first show took place last Saturday (August 22), with ZZ Top delivering a 17-song set (via Setlist.FM). They were joined on stage by drummer Michael Monahan, who had been filling in for Beard recently. According to Loudwire, Beard’s surviving bandmates did not explicitly address his death on stage – but Gibbons did refer to him as “our dear drummer” while introducing Monahan. “I guess some ...