Frank Beard, the drummer for iconic rock band ZZ Top, has announced that he will be temporarily stepping away from the band’s current Elevation tour due to a health-related issue. The news was shared on March 15, following the band’s recent performances.

Replacement During Health Leave

In his absence, ZZ Top will be joined by seasoned percussionist and drummer John Douglas. Beard’s management, Shelter Music Group, specified that the drummer needs to focus on an unspecified health procedure, prompting this change.

The band stated, “Mr. Frank Beard has temporarily stepped away from the current tour to attend to a health issue requiring his focus in the near term.” Douglas is no stranger to the band, having performed with them previously—most notably filling in during Beard’s emergency appendectomy in 2002.

Current Tour Details

ZZ Top’s Elevation tour commenced back in October 2024, with a series of performances across the U.S. that extended into November. The tour resumed on March 5, 2025, and is set to continue through April, including dates in Australia and New Zealand. While other North American dates are scheduled after their international leg, it remains uncertain when Beard will rejoin the band on stage.

Beard’s Role in ZZ Top

Joining ZZ Top in 1969, Beard has been a crucial part of the band’s identity. He took over drumming duties from co-founder Dan Mitchell, locking in a lineup that would see minimal changes for over 50 years.

The original trio consisted of Beard, vocalist and guitarist Billy Gibbons, and bassist Lanier Greig. Following Greig’s departure, Dusty Hill joined the band in 1970, and the lineup remained stable until Hill’s passing in 2021. Elwood Francis has since taken on the role of bassist.

Future Projects

Despite not having released a studio album since La Futura in 2012, Gibbons has indicated that new music featuring contributions from the late Hill is in progress, sparking anticipation among fans.