Here are five tunes to blast this weekend in honor of late ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard

Frank Beard, the drummer and founding member of the legendary blues rock band ZZ Top, passed away at the age of 77. The news, reported by foxnews.com, marks a significant moment for the storied Texas trio, as Beard's death leaves guitarist and vocalist Billy Gibbons as the sole original member currently active with the band.

ZZ Top, known for their fusion of gritty blues and rock with a distinctive Texas flair, has been a mainstay in the music scene since the early 1970s. Beard’s steady and inventive drumming was a key element in shaping the band’s sound, which melded traditional blues rhythms with forward-looking experimentation. His passing comes after the death of bassist Dusty Hill in 2021, further closing a defining chapter for the group.

Beard’s contributions are particularly evident on the band’s influential 1973 album "Tres Hombres." Opening with the track "Waitin’ for the Bus," the album sets a mood of raw, infectious blues rock that became emblematic of ZZ Top’s style. Beard’s drumming on this record underpins the band’s tight grooves and complements the sharp guitar work and harmonica solos, delivering an unmistakable rhythmic foundation.

The album also includes "Jesus Just Left Chicago," which showcases the group’s seamless transition between blues and rock elements, a dynamic that Beard’s percussion helped to anchor. These songs highlight how Beard's timing and feel were integral in bringing ZZ Top’s sound to life.

In the 1980s, ZZ Top took a bold step by incorporating synthesizers into their music, an infusion of modern technology that could have diluted their blues roots but instead enhanced their appeal. Their 1983 album "Eliminator" exemplifies this successful blend. Frank Beard’s opening drum patterns on hits like "Gimme All Your Lovin’" set an energetic tone that became instantly recognizable and contributed to the band’s MTV-era popularity.

The restrained yet effective use of electronic elements alongside Beard’s live drumming showcased a balance rarely achieved by rock bands of the time. Tracks such as "TV Dinners" further demonstrate this synergy, where the rhythm section and synths create a compelling groove without overshadowing the band’s core blues-rock identity.

Beyond the more commercial successes, Beard's versatile drumming shines on deeper cuts like "Manic Mechanic" from the 1980 album "Deguello." This track features an unconventional, motor-like guitar riff that Beard complements with a distinct backbeat and rhythmic complexity, illustrating his ability to merge the band's signature blues sound with innovative musical ideas.

Beard’s musicality was marked by a thoughtful approach to rhythm and dynamics, always serving the song’s mood and structure. His contributions helped ZZ Top maintain their authenticity while evolving across decades, bridging traditional blues with contemporary rock and pop influences.

As ZZ Top continues to tour with Billy Gibbons as the last original member, the legacy of Frank Beard’s drumming remains a cornerstone of their enduring appeal. Fans and musicians alike celebrate his impact by revisiting the band’s classic records, which capture the essence of his groove-driven style and the spirit of a band that defined a genre.

While details surrounding Beard’s cause of death have not been disclosed, his influence on rock and blues music is unmistakable. His rhythmic precision and innovative spirit secured his place in music history, ensuring that ZZ Top’s iconic sound will continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.