ZZ Top’s upcoming Australian tour will go ahead without founding drummer Frank Beard, who has pulled out due to health reasons. The band announced his absence earlier this week, clarifying that his condition is not life-threatening, but enough to require him to step away from the tour and focus on recovery.

Frank Beard, the only member of the classic ZZ Top trio without a beard, has been an unshakable part of the band since 1969. His style behind the drum kit is one of restraint and groove, never overplayed, always just right. Through decades of touring and recording, Beard has been central to the band’s gritty, tight, and unmistakably Texan sound. He’s played on every record, helped shape every tour, and laid the rhythmic foundation for tracks that have become staples of rock radio.

In his place, the band has called on John Douglas, a familiar face to the ZZ Top crew. Douglas, a seasoned drummer and the band’s longtime drum tech, has stepped in before and is well-versed in the nuances of the band’s live sound. While not a founding member, his time around the group means he’s more than capable of keeping the beat steady during Beard’s absence.

The tour, which includes performances alongside Australian rock legends Rose Tattoo, will continue as planned. Fans turning up to the shows will see a slightly different version of ZZ Top, one that still carries the same spirit, but with a fresh dynamic behind the drum kit.

This isn’t the first time ZZ Top has had to adapt. After the passing of bassist Dusty Hill in 2021, the band continued with Elwood Francis, Dusty’s longtime guitar tech, stepping in to fill the role. Much like then, this latest change reflects the band’s commitment to moving forward while honouring the players who built the sound from the beginning.

Beard’s absence will certainly be noticed. His drumming may not be flashy, but it’s integral to the band’s identity. Every shuffle, every backbeat, every pause, he’s been the engine driving the trio’s raw, bluesy swagger for over fifty years.

There’s no word yet on when Beard might return to the stage. For now, he takes a step back to rest, while the tour rolls on with the music and the groove he helped define still very much at the heart of it all.