You don’t have to be a ZZ Top fan to appreciate the skills of their drummer, Frank Beard.
He’s one of the most highly respected and experienced drummers in the music industry. His techniques are unconventional and always interesting to watch.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of his notable performances with ZZ To. We’ll also discuss how he became one of the most respected drummers in rock ‘n’ roll. So, if you’re into music or just curious about Frank Beard, stick around! You won’t regret it.
Who was the first drummer for ZZ Top?
ZZ top had only two drummers, Dan Mitchell, who played only for around a year when Frank joined the band and spent five decades with ZZ.
Dan played on the first album called “Flash.” The short period band consisted of Billy Gibbons on guitar and vocals, Tom Moore on keyboards, Don Summers on the bass, and Dan Mitchell on the drums.
The 1982 version of the album was reissued under its original title, “99th Floor”. It came with some additional recordings and was released as a single on CD/vinyl this time around.
Is Frank Beard still the drummer for ZZ Top?
Yes, ZZ Top announced a tour scheduled for 2022 with Gibbons on guitars and vocals, Beard on drums, and Elwood Francis, who will replace deceased Dusty Hill on the bass.
Ok, it is time to take some time to talk about Frank.
ZZ Top drummer – Frank Beard
Before joining ZZ top, Frank played in several bands. The British tribute version of Zombies, American Blues, the Warlocks, the Cellar Dwellers, and the band called The Movin Sidewalks that later evolved into ZZ Top.
The Movin Sidewalks played psychedelic blues-rock. They released several singles and an album, but soon band went on hiatus since two members, Tom Moore and Don Summers, went to serve the army.
There was nothing left for Dan Mitchell and Billy Gibbons’s two remaining members than to start another band later known as ZZ Top.
In 1969 Frank joined the band along with Dusty Hill, the bass player. Frank and Dusty had a history together, playing in several different bands.
ZZ Top popularity exploded in the late 70s, so Frank started doing drugs like cocaine, heroin, and LSD, and soon he went on rehab. In the meantime, the band took a three-year break while Frank dealt with his addiction.
After a pause, they come back with a new image and musical direction.
Their unique style with long beards and sunglasses was created then. Band’s new experimental music can be heard on the album “El Loco.”
In the following period, they continue to succeed with the albums “Eliminator” and “Afterburn.”
After releasing “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs,” there was no way back.
They have recorded 15 studio albums and created a unique sound and musical style.
Frank Beard Drum set
Frank plays Tama Starclassic Maple with a custom-made finish. This finish is made by his drum tech John Douglas. John Douglas is a drum tech who has been with Frank for years. He helped him stay focused lately, doing artwork on Beard’s famous drumsets and then getting involved with sounds.
Cymbals
He plays Paiste 2002 series cymbals. This series is used worldwide in the old school.
The 2002 cymbals were first introduced in the late 1960s and have been a mainstay for drummers ever since.
They are made of CuSn8 Bronze, also known as “2002 Bronze”.
How old is Frank Beard?
Frank Beard was born on June 11th, 1949, in Frankston, Texas. He is 72 years old. (in 2021).
Is Frank Beard his real name?
Yes, his full and real name is Frank Lee Beard.
Is Frank Beard still married?
Yes, he has been married to Debbie Meredith since 1982 and has three children with her. Before Debbie, he was married to Catherine Alexander from 1978 to 1981.
Frank Beard net worth
His net worth is estimated to be $50 million.
Where is the ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard?
Beard lives in the south of Texas, where he operates and owns the TOP 40 Ranch.
Who from ZZ Top died?
Dusty Hill, the bassist, has died at the age of 72.
Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard announced the news on Facebook, saying that he passed away peacefully while sleeping last, not providing any additional details about how long ago this happened.
What does ZZ Top stand for?
The name of the band was Gibbons’ idea. The small apartment covered with concert posters inspired him to create an acronym from initials, which he noticed many performers used in their names like BB King and ZZ Hill. He combined these two into ‘ZZ King,’ but thought this could be too similar, so then decided on “the king is going at the top” as opposed, leading them towards going for ZZ top.
What song made ZZ Top famous?
The band’s third album, Tres Hombres, was released in 1973 and included the hit song “La Grange.” The song is about a brothel in La Grange, Texas.
One of the most successful songs by ZZ Top, this hit single was released on vinyl in 1973 and received extensive radio play. It rose to No. 41 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart within six months! In March 2020, the song re-entered Billboard charts after their induction into the Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame and other successes such as the “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas” documentary.
What is ZZ Top’s best-selling album?
The band’s best-selling album is their sixth album, Eliminator, released in 1983. The album sold over 10 million copies in the United States alone and was certified diamond by the RIAA.
What were some of the hits from the Eliminator album?
Gimme All Your Lovin
When the band’s 1983 release failed to make an impact in the UK, it was promptly re-released, and this time around, they found success with a top 10 single. The song tied for their highest-charting hit on British charts, coming off Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas.”
Sharp Dressed Man
For many guitarists, the solo is an essential part of their song. The list compiled by Guitar World ranked this particular performance at number 43 out of fifty great ones!
Legs
The song reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, and its dance mix version peaked at 13th place for five weeks in a row!