Drummer Frank Beard has left ZZ Top’s ongoing tour because of health issues. The 77-year-old’s condition, which hasn’t been disclosed, was behind last week’s sudden cancellation of a show at the Hollywood Bowl.
This marks the third time in around 17 months that Beard has been forced off the road. He was absent for a number of shows last year over two separate stints. His first absence was due to “foot and ankle issues,” which were later fully resolved, while the second wasn’t explained.
ZZ Top provided refund information for the Hollywood Bowl appearance, meaning the Los Angeles date will not be rescheduled. Cheap Trick was also set to perform, but instead arranged an alternate show for the same night at the Troubadour.
ZZ Top Promises Only a ‘Brief Interruption’
In a statement, ZZ Top frontman Billy Gibbons said “insurmountable obstacles require canceling our Hollywood Bowl performance. Friends, fans and followers of ZZ Top are the best in the business and the band is counting on everyone to bear with us for this brief interruption.”
A spokesperson for ZZ Top later confirmed to Rolling Stone that Gibbons and bassist Elwood Francis will continue the tour with stand-in Michael Monahan.
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Beard replaced original drummer Dan Mitchell early in ZZ Top’s career, after previously working in several other groups with late bassist Dusty Hill – including a fake touring edition of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Zombies of “She’s Not There” and “Time of the Season” fame.
ZZ Top’s current tour across the Americas is scheduled to end on Nov. 24 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Gallery Credit: Nick DeRiso
