Drumming News :
ZZ Top will continue its The Big One Tour without longtime drummer Frank Beard, who is dealing with health issues.
The news follows the band’s abrupt cancellation of its Aug. 5 performance at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Frontman Billy Gibbons initially cited “insurmountable obstacles” behind the cancellation, with the band later confirming that Beard’s health was the reason for the interruption.
Beard, 77, will be replaced on the road by Michael Monahan, who has previously filled in for the drummer. Gibbons and bassist Elwood Francis will continue the tour, which is scheduled to run through Oct. 9 in Port Wentworth, Georgia, before ZZ Top heads to Mexico and South America for additional November dates.
The band has not announced plans to reschedule the Hollywood Bowl concert. According to the venue, tickets and associated transportation and parking passes are being automatically refunded.
Beard has been ZZ Top’s drummer since 1969 and has dealt with health issues before. In 2025, he temporarily stepped away from the band’s Elevation Tour because of foot and ankle problems. Longtime drum tech John Douglas filled in at the time. Douglas also previously replaced Beard in 2002 after the drummer underwent an emergency appendectomy.
Although Beard was not the band’s founding drummer—Dan Mitchell held that position—he has been a central part of ZZ Top’s classic lineup for more than five decades.
Formed in Houston, ZZ Top remains one of rock’s most enduring blues-rock acts, known for hits including “La Grange” and “Tush.” While the band has not provided further details about Beard’s current condition, the tour will continue with Monahan behind the kit.
