ZZ Top Play First Show Since Frank Beard's Death: Setlist + Video

ZZ Top marked a poignant yet forward-looking moment as they performed their first concert since the passing of longtime drummer Frank Beard. The event took place at ACL Live at the Moody Theater in Austin, Texas, a city intimately tied to the band's legacy.

Frank Beard, who had been the rhythmic backbone of ZZ Top for 50 years, passed away earlier in the week. His absence was felt profoundly, yet the band chose to honor his memory with a show focused on celebration rather than mourning. Billy Gibbons, the band's singer and guitarist and the last surviving original member, acknowledged Beard's role and introduced his successor, Michael Monahan, with a measured tone that emphasized continuity.

Gibbons recounted that Beard, before his passing, had signaled a need for support on the drums due to health challenges, leading to Monahan stepping in. This transition was treated with respect and care, underscoring the band's effort to maintain their signature sound while adapting to the change.

On stage, ZZ Top combined their storied blues-rock roots with their distinctive Texas swagger. The setlist included classics from the band’s extensive catalog, such as “Waitin’ for the Bus,” “Jesus Just Left Chicago,” and the iconic “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” demonstrating the group’s enduring appeal.

Elwood Francis, who has been filling in on bass following the death of Dusty Hill in 2021, brought dynamic energy to the performance. His stage presence, characterized by lively movements and a striking yellow 17-string bass, contributed to an engaging atmosphere. The visual flair extended to various instruments, including fur-covered guitars and a custom guitar emblazoned with "BEER," which amplified the band's playful stage persona.

The evening traversed a spectrum from gritty, raw blues numbers to the polished, futuristic hits that defined parts of ZZ Top’s career. Gibbons included a new solo work titled “Brown Paper Bag,” hinting at ongoing creative output, though he refrained from elaborating on potential future releases.

Humor and camaraderie punctuated the show, as Gibbons introduced Francis with a tongue-in-cheek remark alluding to a recent stint away from the stage. This lightheartedness balanced the underlying gravity of the band’s recent losses, reinforcing the communal spirit shared between the musicians and their audience.

As the concert drew to a close, ZZ Top delivered fan favorites including “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” and the quintessential “La Grange.” The trio’s exit was swift and understated, suggesting a focus on the music rather than ceremony.

The band is scheduled to return to the Moody Theater the following night and has plans to continue touring through late November. Observers note that ZZ Top’s commitment to performing seems unwavering, driven by a dedication to their craft and an apparent desire to honor the legacy of their late bandmates.

While the loss of Frank Beard represents a significant chapter in the band’s history, ZZ Top’s reemergence on stage signals resilience and a determination to keep their distinctive sound alive, resonating with audiences new and old alike. Further details about upcoming recordings or the band’s long-term plans remain limited at this time.