ZZ Top’s Elwood Francis Reflects on Losing Frank Beard and Dusty Hill
ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard died on August 17th, leaving a legacy of grooves that inspired generations. The news was shared on the band’s official Facebook page, with guitarist Billy Gibbons stating, “Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas. His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top.”
Now, bassist Elwood Francis has weighed in on the loss. Francis himself joined the band after the passing of bassist Dusty Hill, leading to a unique perspective. He shared his thoughts with a picture of them together on Instagram.
“This picture was taken once we all reconvened after covid,” Francis wrote. “I showed up with a beard and this was his reaction after seeing me. Bittersweet day it was, as the band had the spark that reminded us why they were legends. Busting out old covers like Ray Sharpe’s Linda Lu and just being a band. It was obvious Dusty was struggling but we just had over a year off, there wasn’t any reason to think he wasn’t going to step it up as he always did. No one had any idea how sick he was. I’m not sure Dusty even knew. But even with the Dust being off a step here and there, they were spinning gold just like they should be. In 2 weeks Dusty would pass. Now Frank has left us. Those 2 mfer’s were a trip.”
He then reflected on being the age where many of his colleagues are passing away.
“TBH I haven’t even gotten over my buddy Nate Waters that passed last month. I can only hope for an afterlife that has Dusty, Frank and Nate together just kicking around some songs,” he said. “Thanks for everyone that’s reached out, I appreciate it very much and will answer each text and dm. I went dark but I’m pulling out of it.”
ZZ Top is currently on tour and will continue to do so, as per Beard’s wishes, with Michael Monahan behind the drums. They canceled shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs, but are resuming this weekend at Austin City Limits.
ZZ Top 2026 Tour Dates:
| Date | Location | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 8/22-23 | Austin, TX | ACL Live at The Moody Theater |
| 8/29 | Terre Haute, IN | The Mill ***** |
| 8/30 | Kettering, OH | Fraze Pavilion |
| 9/1 | East Meadow, NY | Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre |
| 9/5 | Gilford, NH | Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion ** |
| 9/6 | Bangor, ME | Maine Savings Amphitheater ** |
| 9/9 | Lynne, MA | Lynne Memorial Auditorium |
| 9/11 | Solomons, MD | PNC Waterside Pavilion ** |
| 9/12 | Uncasville, CT | Mohegan Sun Arena** |
| 9/13 | Hyannis, MA | Cape Cod Melody Tent |
| 9/15 | Lancaster, PA | American Music Theatre |
| 9/18 | Wilmington, NC | Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre |
| 9/26 | Nashville, TN | Ascend Amphitheater * |
| 10/3 | The Woodlands, TX | The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion * |
| 10/4 | Irving, TX | The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory * |
| 11/9 | Guadalajara, Mexico | Telemex Auditorium |
| 11/11 | Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico | Auditorio Nacional |
| 11/12 | Monterrey, Mexico | Banamex Auditorium |
| 11/16 | Santiago, Chile | Teatro Caupolican |
| 11/18 | Porto Alegre, Brazil | Pepsi On Stage |
| 11/20 | Curitiba, Brazil | Igloo Super Hall |
| 11/21 | São Paulo, Brazil | Espaço Unimed |
| 11/24 | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Movistar Arena |
*-with Cheap Trick
**-with George Thorogood and the Destroyers
***-with Dwight Yoakam / Dos Amigos Tour
****-with McKinley James
*****-with Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
