Drumming News
ZZ Top’s management has announced that the band’s legendary drummer, Frank Beard, will be temporarily stepping away from the Elevation Tour to address a health issue. During this time, longtime drumtech and drum set builder, as well as drummer, John Douglas, will be stepping in to fill the role.
Douglas, who has had a longstanding relationship with ZZ Top, including painting and building all of Frank Beard’s drums since the 1980s, took to social media to share his thoughts on the situation. He expressed his honor at being asked to step in for Beard, noting the long history he shares with the band. He also extended his well wishes to Frank, hoping for a speedy recovery so that he could return to “whackin’ the tubs like no one else.”
In his post, Douglas wrote: “Yes, it’s true. Unfortunately, Frank has some health concerns to attend to and I was asked to step in for him. Which is a complete honor! Let’s all send good vibes and well wishes to Frank and prayers for a speedy recovery…so he can get back to whackin’ the tubs like no one else! In the meantime, I will do my best to maintain the RPMs of ZZ Top, in that fine Texas tradition. Have Mercy!”
ZZ Top’s management, Shelter Music Group, also released a statement confirming Beard’s medical break. The band, currently on the Elevation tour, began the journey on March 5, with Beard taking time off to focus on his health. ZZ Top’s guitarist Billy F. Gibbons and bassist Elwood Francis continue to perform, with Douglas stepping in as the interim drummer.
John Douglas has a deep connection with ZZ Top, having not only worked with the band for decades but also filled in for Frank Beard back in 2002 when Beard had to undergo an emergency appendectomy while the band was in Paris.
We all wish Frank Beard a quick and full recovery so he can return to the stage with ZZ Top. In the meantime, John Douglas will carry on the legacy, maintaining the high-energy Texas sound ZZ Top is known for.
