ZZ Top has officially announced the exciting news that co-founding drummer Frank Beard has made his much-anticipated return to the band following a two-month hiatus. This comeback comes just in time for the North American leg of their current Elevation tour, where he will join fellow bandmates Billy Gibbons and Elwood Frances. Beard is set to remain with the group throughout the tour, which is scheduled to conclude in October after an impressive total of 52 performances. Fans are eager to see the legendary trio back together on stage.
According to a statement from the band’s management, the foot and ankle issues that Beard had been experiencing have now been successfully resolved, allowing him to rejoin his bandmates for this exciting tour.
Read More: ZZ Top Lineup Changes: A Complete Guide
Expressing his enthusiasm about Beard’s return, Gibbons stated: “We’re thrilled to have Frank back with Elwood and yours truly. We genuinely missed his presence and can’t wait to crank up the energy and rock out with him, as we have done for countless decades.” His excitement reflects the band’s deep bond and passion for performing.
Gibbons also highlighted the significance of Beard’s recovery, stating, “His complete recovery is indeed a reason to celebrate, and we plan to do just that on an ongoing basis. Welcome back, pardner!” This warm welcome showcases the camaraderie between the band members and their dedication to their craft.
At 75 years old, Beard—often described as “a man of few words” since the inception of ZZ Top in 1969—shared his own sentiments succinctly, saying: “It’s great to be back. See you out there.” His straightforward yet heartfelt statement resonates with fans who have followed the band over the years.
In Beard’s absence, the band’s longtime drum technician, John Douglas, stepped in to fill the role. Douglas had previously taken over drumming duties back in 2002 when Beard underwent an emergency appendix surgery. This history underscores the importance of adaptability within the band.
Despite facing challenges, including the loss of original bassist Dusty Hill in 2021, ZZ Top continues to thrive after an incredible 56 years together. Gibbons expressed the band’s enthusiasm, stating, “We love getting out there and turning it up. This tour has been an incredible journey so far, and we’re not ready for it to end anytime soon.” Their enduring spirit is a testament to their dedication to live music and their fans.
Mark Your Calendars: ZZ Top’s Elevation Tour North American Dates for 2025
6/01: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, Victoria, BC
6/03: Prospera Place, Kelowna, BC
6/04: Grey Eagle Resort and Casino, Tsuut’ina, AB
6/06: River Cree Resort & Casino, Enoch, AB
6/07: SaskTel Centre, Saskatoon, SK
6/08: Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, MB
6/10: Bluestone Amphitheater, Moorhead, MN
6/12: The Ledge – Waite Park Amphitheater, Waite Park, MN
6/13: Black Bear Casino Resort, Carlton, MN
6/14: Rhythm City Casino Resort, Davenport, IA
6/18: Caesars Windsor, The Colosseum, Windsor, ON
6/20: Pickering Casino Resort – The Arena, Pickering, ON
6/21: Great Canadian Toronto – The Theatre, Toronto, ON
6/22: First Ontario Centre, Hamilton, ON
6/25: Place Bell, Laval, QC
6/26: Agora Du Port De Québec, Québec, QC
6/27: Casino New Brunswick – The Centre, Moncton, NB
8/01: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Sturgis, SD
8/02: Hard Rock Sioux City, Sioux City, IA
8/04: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO
8/04: The Stiefel Theatre, Salina, KS
8/08: Ashley For The Arts, Arcadia, WI
8/10: Pinewood Bowl Amphitheater, Lincoln, NE
8/13: Red Butte Concert Series 2025, Salt Lake City, UT
8/14: Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre, Pocatello, ID
8/17: Cuthbert Amphitheatre, Eugene, OR
8/22: Great Canadian Casino Vancouver, Coquitlam, BC
8/23: River Rock Casino, Richmond, BC
8/24: Muckleshoot Casino Resort, Auburn, WA
8/26: Edgefield Amphitheater, Troutdale, OR
8/29: Ironstone Amphitheater, Murphys, CA
8/30: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa, CA
9/03: Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center, Midland, TX
9/06: Memphis Botanic Garden, Memphis, TN
9/07: Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater, Tuscaloosa, AL
9/11: Freeman Arts Pavilion, Selbyville, DE
9/13: Sea.Hear.Now Festival, Asbury Park, NJ
9/17: Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
9/19: The Pantheon at Caesars Virginia, Danville, VA
9/21: Wind Creek Bethlehem, Bethlehem, PA
9/23: Visions Memorial Arena, Binghamton, NY
9/24: Palace Theatre – Albany, Albany, NY
9/16: Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium, Providence, RI
9/27: Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, Hampton, NH
10/02: Morris Farm, Barco, NC
10/03: Field & Stream Music Fest, Winsboro, SC
10/05: The Classic Center, Athens, GA
10/07: The Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville, TN
10/09: MGM Northfield Park – Center Stage, Northfield, OH
10/10: The Mill, Terre Haute, IN
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