ZZ Top's signature sound had as much to do with the drumming of Frank Beard, who died at 77, as their Texas-blues guitar.

Frank Beard, the longtime drummer of ZZ Top, has died at the age of 77. He played for more than five decades with the legendary rock band. TMZ was the first to report Beard’s death, with the outlet citing the Fort Bend County Medical Examiner,

ZZ top drummer Frank Beard went through a very dark period in his life during the 1970s.

Frank Beard, drummer for the legendary blues rock band ZZ Top, died last week. He provided the groove for many of the genre's best-loved songs.

ZZ Top has paid tribute to its late drummer Frank Beard. In a lengthy statement shared to X on Tuesday, the band’s lead vocalist, guitarist and primary songwriter, Billy F. Gibbons, described Beard as an “innovative drummer” and “true son of Texas.