ZZ Top have confirmed that the band will continue performing following the recent passing of their legendary drummer, Frank Beard, on Monday.
Announcement of Tour Cancellations
A press release revealed that “Frank Beard’s passing necessitates the cancellation of ZZ Top tour dates that had been scheduled for tonight in Salt Lake City and Wednesday’s show in Colorado Springs.”
Resuming The Big One! Tour
The iconic band will resume their ongoing The Big One! Tour this weekend with two performances at Austin City Limits, a venue that was particularly cherished by Beard and a city he considered a second home.
Remembering Frank Beard
Beard’s death, announced on Tuesday, confirmed that “ZZ Top’s drummer for the past 56 years has died.” He passed away in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by family.
Beard had stepped back from touring in March 2025 due to unspecified health issues and was replaced by John Douglas, a member of the tech team who had previously filled in for him during a 2002 European tour. After Beard’s return in September, he has mostly been absent from ZZ Top’s performances in 2026, with Michael Monahan taking over drumming duties since then.
Upcoming Performances
ZZ Top will perform next at Austin City Limits on August 22 and 23, followed by a show in Terre Haute, Indiana, on August 29. The band’s tour will continue with stops in Nashville, Guadalajara, and São Paulo, concluding on November 24 in Buenos Aires.
Tributes from Band Members
Billy Gibbons, the only original member still in ZZ Top after the passing of bassist Dusty Hill in July 2021, expressed his sorrow in a statement. He remarked, “Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas. His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top. The band of which he was part for six decades is going to keep on keeping on as he had wished.”
ZZ Top 2026 Tour Schedule
- 8/22-23 – Austin, TX @ ACL Live at The Moody Theater
- 8/29 – Terre Haute, IN @ The Mill
- 8/30 – Kettering, OH @ Fraze Pavilion
- 9/1 – East Meadow, NY @ Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre
- 9/5 – Gilford, NH @ Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
- 9/6 – Bangor, ME @ Maine Savings Amphitheater
- 9/9 – Lynne, MA @ Lynne Memorial Auditorium
- 9/11 – Solomons, MD @ PNC Waterside Pavilion
- 9/12 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena
- 9/13 – Hyannis, MA @ Cape Cod Melody Tent
- 9/15 – Lancaster, PA @ American Music Theatre
- 9/18 – Wilmington, NC @ Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre
- 9/26 – Nashville, TN @ Ascend Amphitheater
- 10/3 – The Woodlands, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
- 10/4 – Irving, TX @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
- 11/9 – Guadalajara, Mexico @ Telemex Auditorium
- 11/11 – Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico @ Auditorio Nacional
- 11/12 – Monterrey, Mexico @ Banamex Auditorium
- 11/16 – Santiago, Chile @ Teatro Caupolican
- 11/18 – Porto Alegre, Brazil @ Pepsi On Stage
- 11/20 – Curitiba, Brazil @ Igloo Super Hall
- 11/21 – São Paulo, Brazil @ Espaço Unimed
- 11/24 – Buenos Aires, Argentina @ Movistar Arena
Conclusion
As ZZ Top navigates this difficult time, the legacy of Frank Beard will undoubtedly continue to resonate through their music. The band’s determination to honor his memory by continuing their tour underscores the enduring spirit of rock and roll.
FAQs
What caused the cancellation of ZZ Top’s upcoming shows?
The cancellation of the shows was due to the passing of drummer Frank Beard.
Who will be replacing Frank Beard on tour?
Michael Monahan has been filling in as the drummer for ZZ Top since Beard’s absence in 2026.
When does ZZ Top’s tour resume?
ZZ Top’s tour will resume on August 22, 2026, at Austin City Limits.
What is the future of ZZ Top after Frank Beard’s passing?
ZZ Top intends to continue performing and touring, honoring Frank Beard’s memory and contributions to the band.
