ZZ Top Announces Replacement Drummer as Frank Beard Steps Away
By Website Content Manager
The band recently called off a concert just one day before they were scheduled to perform in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Aug. 5.
ZZ Top has announced a new drummer who will join the band for the remainder of its summer U.S. tour, The Big One.
A representative for the legendary rock group confirmed that founding guitarist and vocalist Billy Gibbons and Elwood Francis will continue performing with the band. Francis, who previously worked as longtime bassist Dusty Hill’s guitar technician, became a touring member after Hill died at age 72 in 2021.
Meanwhile, longtime drummer Frank Beard will temporarily step away from the group because of an illness. Michael Monahan has been selected to fill in for Beard during the tour. The band has not provided additional details regarding Beard’s condition or how long he is expected to remain away from the road.
The announcement follows ZZ Top’s sudden cancellation of its Hollywood Bowl concert in Los Angeles. The group had been scheduled to perform on Wednesday, Aug. 5, but canceled the show the previous evening, citing unexpected personnel-related circumstances.
In a statement released Aug. 4, the band said circumstances affecting its personnel made it impossible to proceed with the Los Angeles performance. Concertgoers were told they would receive refunds for their tickets, along with eligible transportation and parking expenses.
Gibbons, 76, later addressed fans on social media, acknowledging the cancellation and asking supporters to remain patient while the band dealt with the unexpected interruption.
Beard, 77, has experienced health-related setbacks in the past. In March 2025, ZZ Top announced that the drummer would temporarily leave its Elevation Tour to undergo an unspecified health procedure. At the time, the band did not disclose further details about his condition.