ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard Set to Return to Band After Second Medical Absence in 2025
via Legends Rewind / YouTube
ZZ Top fans will soon see the band’s original drummer, Frank Beard, back in action after a second unexpected medical absence in 2025. The announcement came with excitement as Beard confirmed he’ll rejoin the group at their September 5 performance in Tulsa. His return marks another chapter in the band’s ongoing resilience, even as health issues have briefly sidelined him this year.
Though ZZ Top has weathered lineup changes in the past, Beard’s absence was particularly noticeable given his long-standing role in anchoring the group’s groove. Known for keeping a lower profile than his bandmates Billy Gibbons and the late Dusty Hill, Beard rarely makes headlines outside of his work with the band. This time, though, fans have been eager for updates on his condition and return.
With Beard stepping back behind the kit, the group is signaling to fans that they are once again ready to carry on their Elevation tour with full force. His reappearance ensures that longtime supporters will experience the band with its core lineup intact, preserving the energy and chemistry that has carried ZZ Top for over five decades.
Frank Beard’s Medical Challenges in 2025
This year has been a particularly difficult one for the drummer. Beard missed much of the band’s August tour dates due to an undisclosed medical issue, prompting speculation and concern among followers. His absence was first noticed after the August 8 show in Arcadia, Wisconsin, when Michael Monahan stepped in as a temporary replacement.
Fan-recorded footage, including Monahan’s performance of “Just Got Paid” in Auburn, Washington, circulated widely online, fueling conversations about Beard’s health. While Monahan and other substitutes managed to keep the shows running, the chemistry of the original lineup was sorely missed. ZZ Top’s sound has always depended on Beard’s steady drumming style, which underpins the band’s blues-rock swagger.
This was actually the second time Beard had been forced to step away from touring in 2025. Earlier in the year, he spent two months off the road due to unspecified foot and ankle issues. At that time, the band’s longtime drum tech, John Douglas, filled in, helping ensure the tour continued uninterrupted despite Beard’s health concerns.
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The Elevation Tour Carries On
Despite these interruptions, ZZ Top has kept its Elevation tour rolling across the United States. The run, which is scheduled to continue through November, showcases the trio’s enduring commitment to performing live. Even during Beard’s absences, the group maintained its schedule, showing the band’s determination to keep their legacy alive on stage.
The lineup has undergone some changes in recent years, most notably after the death of bassist Dusty Hill in 2021. His passing was a major turning point for the band, leading to the inclusion of Elwood Francis, who stepped into the role seamlessly. With Francis now firmly part of the lineup, ZZ Top has managed to continue honoring its classic sound while adapting to the realities of aging and change.
For fans, Beard’s return feels like a welcome reassurance. While health setbacks are inevitable for veteran musicians, the consistency of having the original drummer back provides both stability and authenticity to the group’s live shows. The Elevation tour is not just a showcase of the band’s hits but also a reminder of their perseverance.
