ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard is reportedly dealing with serious health issues that have begun to impact the legendary rock band's latest tour.
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Beard, 77, missed ZZ Top's show in Saratoga, California, on Saturday, August 8, with Michael Monahan stepping behind the drum kit in his absence.
TMZ has since reported that Beard's health has become a major concern for those around the band.
However, the exact nature of his condition has not been publicly disclosed.
Rock Drummer Health Concerns Disrupt ZZ Top Tour
Beard's absence comes after ZZ Top canceled its August 5 performance at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles with little notice.
The band did not directly attribute the cancellation to Beard or his reported health problems.
"Insurmountable obstacles require canceling our Hollywood Bowl performance," band frontman Billy F Gibbons said in a statement.
"Friends, fans and followers of ZZ Top are the best in the business and the band is counting on everyone to bear with us for this brief interruption."
However, TMZ reports that Beard's health was behind the decision to cancel the high-profile Los Angeles show.
Despite the Hollywood Bowl cancellation, ZZ Top returned to the stage in Saratoga three days later without their longtime drummer.
The band's next performance is currently scheduled for Tuesday in Redmond, Washington.
Frank Beard Has Previously Stepped Away From Touring
This is not the first time Beard's health has forced him to take time away from ZZ Top's touring schedule.
In 2025, the drummer temporarily stepped away from the road "to attend to a health issue".
Longtime substitute drummer John Douglas filled in for Beard during his absence.
Beard has served as ZZ Top's drummer since 1969, forming the band's classic lineup alongside Gibbons and late bassist Dusty Hill.
Hill died in 2021, with longtime guitar technician Elwood Francis subsequently taking over bass duties.
ZZ Top earned induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 following decades of success.
The band still has an extensive touring schedule planned for the remainder of 2026.
Its current U.S. run is scheduled to continue through October 9 before ZZ Top takes approximately a month away from the road.
The group will then head overseas for a series of shows across Latin America, including dates in Mexico, Chile, Brazil and Argentina.
ZZ Top currently plans to conclude the tour in Buenos Aires on November 24.
Whether Beard will be healthy enough to rejoin the band for the upcoming dates remains unclear.
