ZZ Top original drummer Frank Beard, age 77.
He was in hospice care reportedly, while the group has continued touring with a substitute. We have tickets for this Sunday night’s show in Austin.
We got to meet the group about twelve years ago when they were intact. They were very cool and down to earth. RIP to the greatest shuffle player ever.
I only discovered today that there was briefly a 4-piece line-up of ZZ Top before Frank and Dusty joined. They cut a couple of tracks which were released as a single. The songs are available on the Goin' 50 boxed set.
But very sad to hear of Frank's passing. I first saw them at the Donington Festival back in 1985 and more recently at the Manchester Apollo. Must admit I still mainly listen to the pre-Eliminator albums. I've put together a tribute mix to go out on the radio next week.
