For more than five decades, Frank Beard sat behind the drum kit and supplied the unmistakable rhythm that powered ZZ Top’s Texas sound. On Monday, Aug. 17, that beat came to an end. Beard, the longtime drummer for the legendary rock trio, died at age 77 at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, while receiving hospice care and surrounded by family members. His cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. “His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top,” guitarist Billy Gibbons