Beardless & Back: Frank Beard Rejoins ZZ Top For North American Tour

Founding ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard will make his triumphant return to the stage on Sunday (June 1) when the band resumes their Elevation Tour in Vancouver. Beard has been sidelined from touring since March.

ZZ Top’s March announcement that Beard was taking a break from the road only disclosed that the drummer was dealing with an undisclosed “health issue.” A new statement from the band revealed Beard had “foot and ankle issues” that “have been resolved,” and expects him to be behind the kit for the remainder of the Elevation Tour. Longtime crew member, drummer/percussionist John Douglas, filled in for Beard through a recently completed run of dates in Australia and New Zealand.

“We’re happy that Frank is back with (bassist) Elwood (Francis) and yours truly, BFG. We missed him and are looking forward to turning it up and rocking out with him as has been the case for the last few hundred or so decades,” noted ZZ Top guitarist Billy F Gibbons. “His complete recovery is cause for celebration and that’s just what we intend to do on an open-ended basis. Welcome back, pardner!”

“It’s good to be back. See you out there,” added Beard, the trio’s lone beardless member.

ZZ Top will bring the Elevation Tour to cities across the U.S. and Canada through October 8. Find a full list of dates and links to purchase tickets below.