THERE are renewed concerns for ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard over “serious health issues” following a cancelled Los Angeles show.
Beard, 77, had stood down from touring with Texas’ favourite trio due to health concerns but was due to play with them on August 5 at the Hollywood Bowl.
That show was cancelled hours before it was due to begin, the band citing “insurmountable obstacles”, with supports Cheap Trick hastily arranging their own gig.
In the last 48 hours, Rolling Stone and TMZ reported those obstacles surrounded Beard’s health.
And further reports say he has now left the touring lineup once more, with Michael Monahan to deputise. The current band is rounded out by guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Elwood Francis.
They have already resumed touring without Beard. The nature of his health troubles has never been revealed although at one stage he needed an emergency appendectomy while on tour.
That was 20 years ago, though.
Original bassist Dusty Hill died in 2021.