ZZ Top’s acclaimed drummer Frank Beard has decided to take a temporary break from the band’s ongoing tour to address a health concern that has not been publicly detailed. This decision underscores the importance of prioritizing personal well-being, even amidst the demands of a busy touring schedule.

Read More: ZZ Top Lineup Changes: A Complete Guide

In a statement released by the band’s management on Saturday afternoon, it was confirmed that John Douglas, a long-serving member of the band’s technical team and a fellow Texan, will step in as Beard’s replacement until he is able to return to the stage. The announcement also expressed Beard’s eagerness to recover quickly and rejoin his bandmates.

Douglas has previously filled in for Beard during a challenging time in 2002 when Beard underwent an emergency appendectomy while the band was on their European tour.

As reported by SetList.fm, Beard was notably absent from the band’s latest performance, which occurred on Friday evening at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre in Florida, a venue known for its vibrant atmosphere.

The current lineup of ZZ Top features the iconic singer and guitarist Billy Gibbons, alongside bassist Elwood Francis, who took over the role from the late Dusty Hill in 2021, ensuring the band’s legacy continues.

ZZ Top is scheduled to take the stage again on Sunday night at the Seven Seas Food Festival in Orlando, showcasing their enduring appeal. The current North American tour is set to wrap up on April 12, after which the band will head to Australia and New Zealand before returning to North America for additional performances in June.

Exciting Upcoming Tour Dates for ZZ Top’s 2025 Elevation Tour

3/16/2025 – Seven Seas Food Festival @ Orlando, FL
3/18/2025 – Anderson Music Hall @ Hiawassee, GA
3/19/2025 – North Charleston Performing Arts Center @ North Charleston, SC
3/21/2025 – Crown Theatre @ Fayetteville, NC
3/22/2025 – Bell Auditorium @ Augusta, GA
3/23/2025 – Montgomery Performing Arts Centre @ Montgomery, AL
3/26/2025 – John Hunt Auditorium @ Tifton, GA
3/28/2025 – SKyPAC @ Bowling Green, KY
4/1/2025 – Brown County Music Center @ Nashville, IN
4/2/2025 – Blue Gate Performing Arts Center @ Shipshewana, IN
4/3/2025 – FIM Capitol Theatre @ Flint, MI
4/5/2025 – State Farm Center @ Champaign, IL
4/6/2025 – The Riverside Theatre @ Milwaukee, WI
4/8/2025 – Andrew J Brady Music Center @ Cincinnati, OH
4/11/2025 – Show Me Center @ Cape Girardeau, MO
4/12/2025 – East Arkansas Community College @ Forrest City, AR