ZZ Top returned to the stage Saturday night in Austin, Texas, their first show since the death of longtime drummer Frank Beard on Monday at age 77. The band had canceled two shows earlier in the week but kept their dates at Austin’s Moody Theater, which they described as “one of Frank’s favorite venues.”
Drummer Michael Monahan, who has filled in for Beard in recent years as the original drummer dealt with health issues, was behind the kit for Saturday’s performance. Frontman Billy Gibbons addressed Beard’s death briefly during band introductions after the opening song.
“I’ve never heard him admit, he said, ‘My bass drum foot’s a little weak. Can you get my man [Monahan] to take over?'” Gibbons told the crowd, recounting a conversation with Beard. “I said, ‘Oh yeah, yeah, he’s been doing pretty good.’ Frank said, ‘Yeah, that’s what worries me.'”
Gibbons struck a celebratory tone, telling the audience: “We’re all here for a celebration, you know what’s going on. So we’re gonna have a good time.”
Beard had been ZZ Top’s drummer for 50 years. The band’s North American leg of The Big One! Tour continues through October, with additional shows planned in South America in November.
See ZZ Top live
Upcoming ZZ Top events with tickets available:
- Aug 23, 2026 — ACL Live At The Moody Theater, Austin, Texas · Get tickets
- Aug 26, 2026 — Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater, Grand Rapids, Michigan · Get tickets
- Aug 28, 2026 — Firekeepers Casino, Battle Creek, Michigan · Get tickets
- Aug 29, 2026 — The Mill – Terre Haute, Terre Haute, Indiana · Get tickets
- Aug 30, 2026 — Fraze Pavilion, Kettering, Ohio · Get tickets
Tickets are sold by GetUrTix. Code GTIX20 takes 20% off the ticket price at checkout — no minimum, no expiry.
Source: Rolling Stone Music
